FISERV INC - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
| ☑ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
| For the fiscal year ended: | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
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: 1-38962
Fiserv, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Wisconsin | 39-1506125 | |||||||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I. R. S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
| 255 Fiserv Drive | Brookfield, | WI | 53045 | ||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices and zip code) | |||||||||||
(262) 879-5000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | FISV | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
| 0.375% Senior Notes due 2023 | FISV23 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
| 1.125% Senior Notes due 2027 | FISV27 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
| 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 | FISV30 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
| 2.250% Senior Notes due 2025 | FISV25 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
| 3.000% Senior Notes due 2031 | FISV31 | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC | ||||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2021 (the last trading day of the second fiscal quarter) was $70,526,209,592 based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date. The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding at February 18, 2022 was 652,196,905.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this report incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s proxy statement for its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| PART I | |||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 1A. | |||||||||||
| Item 1B. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 3. | |||||||||||
| Item 4. | |||||||||||
| PART II | |||||||||||
| Item 5. | |||||||||||
| Item 6. | |||||||||||
| Item 7. | |||||||||||
| Item 7A. | |||||||||||
| Item 8. | |||||||||||
| Item 9. | |||||||||||
| Item 9A. | |||||||||||
| Item 9B. | |||||||||||
| Item 9C. | |||||||||||
| PART III | |||||||||||
| Item 10. | |||||||||||
| Item 11. | |||||||||||
| Item 12. | |||||||||||
| Item 13. | |||||||||||
| Item 14. | |||||||||||
| PART IV | |||||||||||
| Item 15. | |||||||||||
| Item 16. | |||||||||||
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those that express a plan, belief, expectation, estimation, anticipation, intent, contingency, future development or similar expression, and can generally be identified as forward-looking because they include words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “should” or words of similar meaning. Statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this report involve significant risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors, both foreseen and unforeseen, could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. The factors that may affect our results include, among others, the following, many of which are, and may continue to be, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic: the duration and intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic including how quickly the global economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic; governmental and private sector responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of such responses on us; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees, clients, vendors, supply chain, operations and sales; our ability to compete effectively against new and existing competitors and to continue to introduce competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis; changes in customer demand for our products and services; the ability of our technology to keep pace with a rapidly evolving marketplace; the success of our merchant alliances, some of which we do not control; the impact of a security breach or operational failure on our business including disruptions caused by other participants in the global financial system; the failure of our vendors and merchants to satisfy their obligations; the successful management of credit and fraud risks in our business and merchant alliances; changes in local, regional, national and international economic or political conditions and the impact they may have on us and our customers; the effect of proposed and enacted legislative and regulatory actions affecting us or the financial services industry as a whole; our ability to comply with government regulations and applicable card association and network rules; the protection and validity of intellectual property rights; the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; our ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; the impact of our strategic initiatives; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; volatility and disruptions in financial markets that may impact our ability to access preferred sources of financing and the terms on which we are able to obtain financing or increase our cost of borrowing; adverse impacts from currency exchange rates or currency controls; changes in corporate tax and interest rates; and other factors identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report. We are not including the information provided on the websites referenced herein as part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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PART I
In this report, all references to “we,” “us,” “our” and “Fiserv” refer to Fiserv, Inc. (“Fiserv”), and, unless the context otherwise requires, its consolidated subsidiaries.
Item 1. Business
Overview
Fiserv, Inc. is a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions. We are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and part of the S&P 500 Index. We serve clients around the globe, including merchants, banks, credit unions, other financial institutions and corporate clients. We help clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Most of the services we provide are necessary for our clients to operate their businesses and are, therefore, non-discretionary in nature. We service our global client base by working among our geographic teams across various regions: the United States and Canada; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Latin America; and Asia Pacific.
In 2021, we had $16.2 billion in total revenue, $2.3 billion in operating income and $4.0 billion of net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations. Processing and services revenue, which in 2021 represented 82% of our total revenue, is primarily generated from account- and transaction-based fees under multi-year contracts that generally have high renewal rates. We have operations and offices located both within the United States (the “U.S.” or “domestic”) and outside of the U.S. (“international”) with revenues from domestic and international products and services as a percentage of total revenue as follows for the years ended December 31:
We have grown our business organically and through acquisitions, by signing new clients, expanding the products and services we provide to existing clients, offering new and enhanced products and services developed through innovation and acquisition, and extending our capabilities geographically, all of which have enabled us to deliver a wide range of integrated products and services and created new opportunities for growth. Our operations are comprised of the Merchant Acceptance (“Acceptance”) segment, the Financial Technology (“Fintech”) segment and the Payments and Network (“Payments”) segment.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 16,226 | $ | 14,852 | $ | 10,187 | ||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 86 | % | 87 | % | 88 | % | ||||||||||||||
| International | 14 | % | 13 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||
Our headquarters are located at 255 Fiserv Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53045, and our telephone number is (262) 879-5000.
Acceptance
The businesses in our Acceptance segment provide a wide range of commerce-enabling solutions and serve merchants of all sizes around the world. Acceptance solutions enable businesses to securely accept consumers’ electronic payment transactions online or in-person. Payment transactions include credit, debit, stored-value and loyalty payments, whether at a physical point-of-sale (“POS”) device, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or an e-commerce transaction over the internet.
The services in this segment include POS merchant acquiring and digital commerce services; mobile payment services; security and fraud protection products; CaratSM, our omnichannel commerce ecosystem; Clover, our cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform; and Clover Connect, our independent software vendor (“ISV”) platform. We distribute the products and services in the global Acceptance businesses through a variety of channels, including direct sales teams, strategic partnerships with independent sales agents, independent sales organizations (“ISOs”), ISVs, financial institutions, and other strategic partners in the form of joint venture alliances, revenue sharing alliances (“RSAs”), and referral agreements. Merchants, financial institutions and distribution partners in the Acceptance segment are frequently clients of our other segments.
Carat
Carat is our global omnichannel commerce ecosystem designed to enable large businesses to accept more payments, engage more customers, and optimize commerce. Carat helps clients to do everything from accepting e-commerce payments to enabling new consumer experiences such as buy online, pickup in store or online order ahead. Through a single integration, a variety of payment and commerce solutions can be accessed, including global payment acceptance, payments optimization,
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network routing, fraud detection, online electronic benefits transfers and digital payouts. By offering this wide variety of services, Carat helps clients create more revenue, reduce their cost of payments, reach more consumers, and enable innovative omnichannel transactions such as voice-enabled commerce and payments.
Clover
Built for small and mid-sized businesses (“SMBs”), our cloud-based Clover POS platform is a comprehensive business-management solution that enables businesses to maximize their operating efficiencies, while allowing their customers to pay using a debit or credit card or via mobile payment options. The Clover platform includes hardware and software technology necessary to enable SMB merchants to accept payments, process transactions, provide online ordering, maintain an e-commerce presence, and generate consumer loyalty through Clover’s customer engagement tools. Clover is one of the largest open architecture platforms of commerce-enabling solutions and applications in the world. By integrating next-generation hardware and software applications, Clover has also become a leader in enabling omnichannel commerce solutions for SMBs, with touchless commerce through QR code-based payments, online ordering solutions, or a virtual terminal. Clover solutions also help small business owners gain faster access to capital through advanced access to receivables.
Distribution Channels and Partnerships
Acceptance businesses distribute solutions and services through direct sales teams, as well as partnerships with hundreds of indirect non-bank sales forces, including independent sales agents, ISOs, ISVs, value-added resellers (“VARs”), and payment service providers (“PSPs”). Partnerships with ISOs, ISVs, VARs and PSPs provide specialized sales capabilities and integrated merchant technology solutions to support our partners, help them grow their business and manage their portfolios. Partner technology tools enable real-time access to portfolio activity and pricing management. We also provide marketing services, data analytics and other tools that enable partners to further expand their businesses through local communities, e-commerce channels, and specific industry verticals.
In addition, the businesses in our Acceptance segment leverage powerful sales capabilities for hundreds of financial institution and non-financial institution partners to distribute their products and solutions through strategic arrangements including joint venture alliances, RSAs, and referral agreements. These strategic alliances combine our commerce-enabling technology, processing capabilities and management expertise with the distribution capabilities, footprint and customer relationships of our partners.
Fintech
The businesses in our Fintech segment provide financial institutions around the world with the technology solutions they need to run their operations, including products and services that enable financial institutions to process customer deposit and loan accounts and manage an institution’s general ledger and central information files. As a complement to the core account processing functionality, the businesses in the global Fintech segment also provide digital banking, financial and risk management, professional services and consulting, item processing and source capture, and other products and services that support numerous types of financial transactions. Certain of the businesses in the Fintech segment provide products or services to corporate clients to facilitate the management of financial processes and transactions. Many of the products and services offered in the Fintech segment are integrated with products and services provided by our other segments.
Account Processing
We provide account servicing and management technology products and services to our depository institution clients, as well as a range of integrated, value-added banking products and services. Account processing solutions enable a financial institution to operate systems that process customer deposit and loan accounts, an institution’s general ledger, central information files and other financial information. These solutions also include security, report generation and other features that financial institutions need to process transactions for their customers, as well as to facilitate compliance with applicable regulations. Although many of our clients obtain a majority of their processing requirements from us, our software design allows clients to start with one application and, as needed, add applications and features developed by us or by third parties. We support a broad range of client-owned peripheral devices manufactured by a variety of vendors, which reduce a new client’s initial conversion expenses, enhance existing clients’ ability to change technology and broaden our market opportunity.
The principal account processing solutions used by our depository institution clients are Cleartouch®, DNA®, Precision®, Premier®, Signature® and Portico®. The DNA and Signature solutions are available both domestically and internationally. Account processing solutions are offered primarily as an outsourced service or can be installed on client-owned computer systems or those hosted by third parties.
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Our account processing business also provides consulting services, business operations services and related software products that enable the transition of check capture from branch and teller channels to digital self-service deposit channels, including mobile, merchant and ATM. Through the Fiserv® Clearing Network, we provide check clearing and image exchange services. Other products and services include image archive with online retrieval, in-clearings, exceptions and returns, statements, and fraud detection.
Financial and Risk Management Solutions
Our Financial and Risk Management Solutions business provides products and services that deliver operating efficiencies and management insight that enable our clients to protect, manage and grow their businesses. Our Digital Efficiency solutions include Frontier™ (a reconciliation product), Nautilus® (a content management product) and Prologue™ Financials, which combines enterprise performance management and financial control offerings to deliver budgeting, planning, financial accounting, and automated reconciliation and account certification tools to our clients. Our Deposit Liquidity solutions enable our clients to retain, monetize and grow their deposit account base while analyzing customer demand and providing for customer short-term liquidity. Our commercial payments solutions provide financial institutions with the infrastructure they need to process, route and settle non-card-based electronic payments, including Automated Clearing House (“ACH”), wire and instant payments, and to efficiently manage associated information flows. Clients may use our payment platform applications on a licensed or hosted basis, and as an add-on to existing legacy technology or as a stand-alone comprehensive modern payments platform. These solutions are further complemented by fraud detection and mitigation through our Fraud and Financial Crime Risk Management solutions.
Digital Solutions
Our principal digital consumer and business digital banking platforms are AbilitiSM, Architect™, Corillian Online®, and Mobiliti™. Abiliti is our next-generation digital banking platform providing a single solution for consumers and businesses and serving as a gateway to our digital ecosystem. It is a cloud-based platform designed to deliver continuous innovation and new functionality to increase efficiency, engagement and insights for a digital-first experience. Architect is a premium open-architecture platform providing seamless online, mobile and tablet banking for retail and small business customers and offers extensive customizations and integrations to create unique digital experiences. Our Corillian platform supports multiple lines of banking for consumers and businesses and is designed to be highly scalable to meet the evolving needs of banks and credit unions, allowing clients to deploy new services through integrations of digital applications. Our Mobiliti platform provides a variety of mobile banking and payments services to our clients and their customers via mobile browser and a downloadable application for smartphones and tablets, designed for a mobile-first experience. Each of these solutions allows customers to complete balance inquiries and view their transaction history, and enables access to our digital ecosystem, including electronic bill payments, person-to-person digital payments, funds transfer between accounts and to other people, and personal financial management tools.
Enhancing our digital banking platform capabilities are our OriginateSM suite, SecureNow™, Credit SenseSM, and LinkLive. The Originate family, including Deposit Director, Loan Director and Mortgage Director, enables digital account opening and loan origination services supporting multi-channel strategies for financial institutions. This suite is designed to become a single point of origination that qualifies users across the range of digital opening and lending options. Our SecureNow product delivers real-time cybersecurity defense capability, integrating industry-leading controls into a single platform. Our Credit Sense solution helps customers instantly access and monitor credit scores and enables digital marketing offers. LinkLive is a unified, cloud-based multimedia communications solution that includes video communication, online chat and secure messaging, enabling customer engagement and customer servicing automation. Each of these applications are pre-integrated with key Fiserv digital platforms, including Abiliti, Architect, Corillian, Mobiliti and other solutions, for rapid deployment to improve digital experiences.
Payments
The businesses in our Payments segment provide financial institutions and corporate clients around the world with the products and services required to process digital payment transactions. This includes card transactions such as debit, credit and prepaid card processing and services; a range of network services, security and fraud protection products; card production and print services. In addition, the Payments segment businesses offer non-card digital payment software and services, including bill payment, account-to-account transfers, person-to-person payments, electronic billing, and security and fraud protection products. Clients of the global Payments segment businesses reflect a wide range of industries, including merchants, distribution partners and financial institution customers in our other segments.
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Network and Debit Processing
Our network and debit processing business is a leader in electronic funds transfer services and provides a comprehensive payments solution through a variety of products and services. We provide financial institution clients with a full range of debit processing services, including ATM managed services and cash and logistics management; tokenization, loyalty and reward programs; customized authorization processing; gateway processing to payment networks; and risk management products. We own and operate the Accel®, MoneyPass® and STAR® networks, which serve financial institutions, providing access to funds at the point-of-sale and via ATMs, inclusive of CardFree CashSM access as well as via chip and traditional magnetic stripe cards. Our debit processing also provides a range of security, risk and fraud management solutions, which incorporate machine-learning-based predictive technology, that help financial institutions securely operate and grow their business by preventing fraud. Our networks’ POS support delivers comprehensive coverage of PIN and PIN-less authentication support at physical and e-commerce merchants domestically. CardHub, our digital enablement capability, provides our clients’ customers with mobile-based, customizable card management and alert tools that drive engagement and revenue for card issuers. Our risk management tools and portfolio management services are integrated with real-time fraud decisioning. In 2021, we introduced Credit Choice, a fully managed credit card issuing-as-a-service solution which allows community financial institutions to offer their customers a branded credit card that is fully integrated into their debit solutions without the operational burden of managing their own credit card portfolio.
Credit Processing
Our credit processing business provides solutions to financial institutions and other issuers of credit, such as banks, group service providers, retailers and consumer finance companies, to enable them to process transactions on behalf of their customers. Depending on the market and our clients’ needs, we deliver these solutions through our proprietary outsourced service platforms, software application licenses, or software-as-a-service hosted in the cloud. Our solutions in North America primarily use our proprietary OptisSM platform to provide transaction authorization and posting, account maintenance and settlement. Our VisionPLUS® software is used globally as both a processing solution and a licensed software solution that enables clients to process their own transactions, depending on the market. We also provide financial institutions with professional services and customer contact services, including call center solutions and back-office processing.
Output Solutions
Our output solutions business provides business communication products and services to clients across a wide variety of industries, including financial services, healthcare, retail, utilities and travel and entertainment. We provide various channels for clients to communicate, build relationships and maximize customer engagement and loyalty, while limiting costs of a personalized and integrated consumer experience. Our products and services include electronic document management through our electronic document delivery products and services; card manufacturing, personalization and mailing; statement production and mailing; design and fulfillment of direct mail services; forms distribution; and laser printing and mailing.
Digital Payments
Our digital payment solutions include person-to-person payments, account-to-account transfers and account opening and funding. Our person-to-person payments and account-to-account transfer services allow consumers a convenient way to send and receive money while offering financial institutions the opportunity to generate new transaction-based revenue, attract new accounts and increase loyalty among existing customers. We partner with Early Warning Services, LLC to offer a turnkey implementation of its Zelle® real-time person-to-person payments service. Our turnkey solution simplifies the implementation of Zelle by providing interface, risk management, alerting, settlement and other services to clients. Our Aggregation and Information Services products, including AllData® Aggregation, provide consumer-permissioned access to account and transaction data, enabling providers to build novel experiences for opening new accounts, planning for financial wellness, providing financial advice and more.
Bill Payment Solutions
Our bill payment solutions business provides electronic billing, payment and presentment services to our financial institution clients and to companies that deliver bills to their customers, such as utilities, telephone and cable companies, lending institutions, healthcare, and insurance providers. These services enable our clients to reduce costs, collect payments faster through multiple channels, increase customer satisfaction, and provide customers flexible, easy-to-use ways to view and pay their bills. Our principal electronic bill payment and presentment product for financial and other institutions, CheckFree® RXP®, allows our clients’ customers to: manage household bills via an easy-to-use, online tool; view billing and payment information; pay and manage all of their bills in one place; and complete same-day or next-day bill payments to a wide range of billers and others. Our other biller clients’ customers access our electronic billing and payment systems by viewing or paying a bill through a financial institution’s bill payment application, using a biller’s website, mobile application, automated phone
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system or customer service representative, or by paying in-person at one of the many nationwide walk-in payment locations operated by our agents. These diverse options allow our clients’ customers to view and pay bills wherever, whenever and however they feel most comfortable. Furthermore, because our biller clients are able to receive all of these services from us, we can eliminate the operational complexity and expense of supporting multiple vendor systems or in-house-developed systems.
Prepaid Solutions
Our prepaid solutions include stored value cards offered by our Gift Solutions and Money Network® businesses. The Gift Solutions business provides end-to-end, omnichannel solutions to securely implement and manage gift card programs that help clients drive revenue, engagement and loyalty. These solutions include physical and digital gift card fulfillment, program management, e-commerce gift card storefronts, security and fraud protection, transaction processing services, incentive and rebate cards as well as reloadable and non-reloadable prepaid cards that may be used with a variety of mobile applications. The Money Network service simplifies payment distribution for organizations while reducing or eliminating expenses associated with issuing traditional paper checks. This service also provides consumers without bank accounts with fast, digital access to manage their money, including wages. Money Network solutions include Electronic Payroll Delivery, government disbursements, digital disbursements and corporate incentives as well as single-load and reloadable prepaid account options. Accountholders of the Money Network Electronic Payroll Delivery Service have access to a Money Network Card, Money Network Checks and a robust mobile app to manage their account anytime, anywhere.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Since early 2020, the world has been, and continues to be, impacted by the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, and various measures imposed by the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions to prevent its spread, have negatively impacted global economic and market conditions, including levels of consumer and business spending. Consequently, our operating performance, primarily within our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses, which earn transaction-based fees, has been adversely affected, and may continue to be adversely affected, by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such uncertainty remains despite improving trends in global economic activity and market conditions. Additional information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business can be found under the section titled “Recent Market Conditions” included within Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our Strategy
Our aspiration is to move money and information in a way that moves the world. Our purpose is to deliver superior value for our clients through leading technology, targeted innovation and excellence in everything we do. We are focused on operating businesses where we have: deep industry expertise that enables us to serve the market with high effectiveness; a strong competitive position, currently or via a clear path in the foreseeable future; long-term, trusted client relationships that are based on recurring services and transactions; differentiated solutions that deliver value to our clients through integration and innovation; and strong management to execute strategies in a disciplined manner. Consistent with this focus, we continue to operate our business in accordance with the following strategic framework:
•Client Relationship Value. We plan to increase the number and breadth of our client relationships by, among other actions: continuing to integrate our products and services; introducing new products and services that are aligned with market needs; combining products and services to deliver enhanced, integrated value propositions; and delivering quality service and support for our clients.
•Innovation. We seek to be an innovation leader, utilizing our assets and capabilities to be at the forefront of our industry and enable our clients to deliver best-in-class results.
•Operational Effectiveness. We believe we can further improve the quality of our client delivery while reducing our costs by using the opportunities created by our size and scale.
•Portfolio Management. We expect to acquire businesses when we identify: a compelling strategic need, such as a product, service or technology that helps meet client demand; an opportunity to change industry dynamics; a way to achieve business scale; or similar considerations. We expect to divest businesses that are not in line with our market, product or financial strategies.
•Capital Discipline. We intend to make capital allocation decisions that offer the best prospects for our long-term growth and profitability, which may include, among other matters, internal investment, repayment of debt, repurchases of our own shares or acquisitions.
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Servicing the Market
The financial technology industry is highly dynamic, with new innovations entering the market and driving the expectations of our clients globally. The markets for our solutions have specific needs and requirements, with strong emphasis placed by clients on quality, security, service reliability, timely introduction of new capabilities and features, flexibility and value. This requires us to continue our strong emphasis on solution development to meet and exceed the specific needs of our clients. We believe that our financial strength and decades of specialized market knowledge enable us to support our clients to meet their changing preferences. In addition, we believe that our focus on quality, innovation, client service and our commitment of substantial resources to training and technical support helps us to identify and fulfill the needs of our clients.
Product Development
To meet the changing technology needs of our clients, we continually develop, maintain and enhance our products and systems. Our development and technology operations apply the expertise of multiple teams to design, develop and maintain specialized processing systems. Our products and solutions are designed to meet the preferences and diverse requirements of the international, national, regional or local market-specific merchant and financial services environments of our clients. In developing our products, we use current software development principles, such as service-oriented architecture, to create efficiencies, and we stress interaction with and responsiveness to the needs of our clients.
Resources
Our business depends on a variety of resources to operate including products and services provided to us by third parties. For example, we rely on our human capital resources for product development (including product design and coding), sales, operations (including customer service, technology support, security and compliance) and management; access to financial and telecommunication networks; computers, servers, mainframes, microchips and other computer equipment; and Clover and other POS devices. We periodically review our resource requirements and sources, as well as our relationships with key vendors, to best meet the needs of our business including global sourcing efforts and alternate supplier resourcing. We believe we have access to the resources necessary for our current business needs. More information regarding supply chain risks can be found under the heading “Competitive and Business Risks” in the Risk Factors section of this report and our human capital resources can be found below under “Human Capital.”
Intellectual Property
We regard our software, transaction processing services and related products as proprietary, and we use a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, internal security practices, employee confidentiality and assignment agreements, and third-party non-disclosure agreements to protect our intellectual property assets. Our patents cover innovations relating to numerous financial software and hardware products and services, and we continue, where appropriate, to seek and secure patents with respect to our ongoing innovations. We believe that we possess all proprietary rights necessary to conduct our business.
Competition
The market for technology products and services in the industries we serve is fragmented, highly competitive, and served by a multitude of large and small firms. Our principal competitors include other large, integrated providers of financial services technology and payment systems, data processing affiliates of large companies, processing centers owned or operated as user cooperatives, financial institutions, merchant acquirers, ISOs, ISVs, payments companies and payment network operators. Our competitors also include global and local IT product and services companies and payment service providers and processors. We expect competition to continue to increase as new companies enter our markets and existing competitors expand or consolidate their product lines and services. Some of these competitors possess substantial financial, sales and marketing resources and can compete with us in various ways, including through the use of integrated product offerings and through pricing and long-standing relationships. Depending on the product or service, competitive factors may include quality, security, innovation, breadth or novelty of features and functionality, client satisfaction, market opportunity, integration, reliability, agility, global reach, multiple distribution channels, service reliability and performance standards, timely introduction of new products and features, platform scalability and flexibility, and value. We believe that we compete favorably in each of these categories. Additional information about competition in our segments is provided below.
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Acceptance
Our Acceptance segment competes with merchant acquirers as well as with financial institutions that provide acquiring and processing services to businesses on their own. In many cases, our alliance and commercial partners, such as ISOs and ISVs, compete against each other. We also compete with merchant services providers, and in a number of international markets, our Acceptance segment competes with a growing number of local and regional providers. In addition, payment networks and large technology, media and other providers are increasingly offering products and services that compete with our suite of merchant acquiring solutions.
Fintech
Our products and services in the Fintech segment compete with large, diversified software and service companies and independent suppliers of software products. Existing and potential financial institution clients could also develop and use their own in-house systems. In addition, we compete with vendors that offer similar transaction processing products and services to financial institutions.
Payments
The businesses in our Payments segment primarily compete with businesses that offer consumer payment solutions and a number of payment and card issuer processors. In addition to traditional payments competitors, large technology, media and other emerging financial technology providers are increasingly seeking to provide alternative payment and financing solutions. Existing and potential financial institution and other corporate clients could also develop and use their own in-house systems or custom-designed solutions instead of our products and services.
Government Regulation
Our operations, and the products and services that we offer, are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local regulation, as well as regulation outside the U.S., and to other rules, such as those promulgated by various payment networks and banking authorities. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in the suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations, the limitation, suspension or termination of service and the imposition of civil and criminal penalties, including fines. In addition, we may be required, among other things, to make significant additional investments to comply with such rules and regulations, to modify our products or services or the manner in which they are provided, or to limit or change the amount or types of revenue we are able to generate.
Financial Institution Regulations. Because a number of our businesses provide data processing services for financial institutions, we are subject to examination by the U.S. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”), which is a formal interagency body empowered to examine significant service providers to financial institutions. The member agencies of the FFIEC include the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which is empowered to conduct rule-making and supervision related to, and enforcement of, “federal consumer financial laws,” some of which apply to products and services offered by our clients. We are also subject to examination by the first three of these agencies which refer to themselves as the Federal Banking Agencies when acting together. A subsidiary that engages in trust activities is subject to regulation, examination and oversight by the Division of Banking of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
In the U.S., we are also subject to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which, among other things, caps debit interchange rates for certain card issuers; prohibits debit payment card networks from restricting card issuers from contracting with other payment card networks; prohibits card issuers and payment networks from restricting the ability of merchants to direct the routing of debit card transactions; requires all debit card issuers in the U.S. to participate in at least two unaffiliated debit payment card networks; and generally prohibits network exclusivity arrangements for prepaid card and healthcare debit card issuers. These regulations impact our card processing businesses and our clients’ ability to generate revenue.
A number of our subsidiaries hold payment institution licenses, electronic money licenses or similar licenses in the countries in which such subsidiaries do business. These subsidiaries are subject to regulation and oversight in the applicable countries, which may include, among other obligations, a requirement to maintain specified regulatory capital. In addition, several subsidiaries outside of the U.S. provide services such as merchant terminal leasing, debit processing, acquiring, issuing, factoring and settlement that make them subject to regulation by financial services supervisory agencies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), the Federal Financial Supervision Agency in Germany, the National Bank of Poland, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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Association and Network Rules. We are subject to rules of Mastercard, Visa, INTERAC, PULSE and other payment networks. In order to provide processing services, a number of our subsidiaries are registered with Visa and/or Mastercard as service providers for member institutions. A number of our subsidiaries outside the U.S. are direct members or associate members of Visa and Mastercard for purposes of conducting merchant acquiring. Various subsidiaries are also processor level members of numerous debit and electronic benefits transaction networks or are otherwise subject to various network rules in connection with processing services and other services we provide. As such, we are subject to applicable card association, network and national scheme rules that could subject us to fines or penalties. We are subject to network operating rules promulgated by Nacha relating to payment transactions processed by us using the ACH network and to various federal and state laws regarding such operations, including laws pertaining to electronic benefits transactions.
Privacy and Information Security Regulations. We provide services that are subject to various federal, state and foreign privacy laws and regulations, as well as association and network privacy rules, which govern, among other things, the collection, processing, storage, deletion, use and disclosure of personal information. These laws and rules contain a variety of obligations including the safeguarding of personal information, the provision of notices and use and disclosure rights. The regulations and rules are complex and evolving and can provide for significant penalties or the suspension or termination of our registrations or certifications for non-compliance.
In the U.S., we are subject to various federal and state privacy and security laws. The U.S. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) requires financial institutions to explain their information sharing practices to their customers and to safeguard sensitive data. We are subject to the GLBA and have privacy and security obligations to our clients who are regulated by the GLBA. The U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) governs the use and disclosure of protected health information in healthcare treatment, payment and operations by covered entities. We are also subject to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission Act, which empowers the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to prohibit unfair and deceptive privacy practices. In addition to the FTC Act, the FTC is also responsible for overseeing and enforcing the privacy provisions over certain aspects of the GLBA and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), each of which is applicable to our businesses in certain circumstances. In 2021, the FTC issued a final rule amending the FTC’s GLBA Safeguards Rule that takes effect in December 2022 and applies to certain non-bank entities under FTC jurisdiction, and may require us to enhance our security measures in some of our operations. In addition, in 2021, the Federal Banking Agencies issued a final rule requiring “computer-security incident” notifications by banking organizations and bank service providers that takes effect in May 2022 and may require that we enhance our “computer-security incident” notifications for some of our operations.
We also have obligations under state laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, which gives California consumers more control over the personal information businesses hold about them, as both a “business” and as a “service provider.” In addition, in 2021, Virginia and Colorado passed comprehensive privacy acts to govern the personal data of their residents. We are also subject to the separate security breach notification laws of each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the E.U., we are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), a comprehensive approach to personal data protection with enforcement that can lead to penalties of up to the greater of twenty million Euro or four percent of a company’s consolidated global revenue. Following the U.K.’s exit from the E.U. Single Market and Customs Union on December 31, 2020, we are also subject to U.K. GDPR. There are numerous additional privacy laws and regulations that apply to our businesses around the world which can provide for significant penalties. Some of these data protection laws, including in the E.U., India, United Arab Emirates and China, impose requirements about data subject rights and security along with restricting the international transfer of personal data absent lawfully recognized transfer mechanisms, or in some cases, prohibits such transfer completely.
Money Transmission and Payment Instrument Licensing and Regulations. We are subject to various U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations governing money transmission and the issuance and sale of payment instruments, including some of our prepaid products. In the U.S., most states license money transmitters and issuers of payment instruments. Many states exercise authority over the operations of our services related to money transmission and payment instruments and, as part of this authority, subject us to periodic examinations. Many states require money transmitters, issuers of payment instruments and their agents to comply with federal and state anti-money laundering laws and regulations and often require the licensee to maintain certain levels of net worth.
Credit Reporting and Debt Collections Regulations. TeleCheck, our check acceptance business, is subject to FCRA and various similar state laws. The collection business within our subsidiary TRS Recovery Services, Inc. (“TRS”) is subject to the U.S. federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and various similar state laws. TRS maintains licenses in a number of states in order to engage in collection in those states. TeleCheck and TRS are also subject to regulation, supervision and examination from the CFPB. Additional regulations may be imposed in the future, including laws regulating activities with respect to current or emerging technology such as automated dialers or pre-recorded messaging or calls to cellular phones, which could impair the
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collection by TRS of returned checks and those purchased under TeleCheck’s guarantee services. Moreover, reducing or eliminating access to or the use of certain information or proscribing the maintenance or use of consumer databases could reduce the effectiveness of TeleCheck’s risk management tools or otherwise increase its costs of doing business. In addition, several of our subsidiaries are subject to comparable local laws regarding collection activities and obtaining credit reports and our U.K. subsidiary described above also holds FCA licenses for debt collection activities.
Unfair Trade Practice Regulations. We and our clients are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive trade practices. Various regulatory enforcement agencies, including the FTC and state attorneys general, have authority to take action against parties that engage in unfair or deceptive trade practices or violate other laws, rules and regulations. If we process payments for a merchant or other client in violation of laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to enforcement actions and incur losses and liabilities that may impact our business.
Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Bribery, and Sanctions Regulations. We are subject to anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”). Among other things, the BSA requires money services businesses (such as money transmitters, issuers of money orders and official checks, and providers of prepaid access) to develop and implement anti-money laundering programs. Our acquiring businesses outside the U.S. are subject to anti-money laundering laws and regulations in the countries where they operate. Our Money Network Financial, LLC subsidiary provides prepaid access for various open loop prepaid programs for which it is the program manager and therefore must meet the requirements of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
We are subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and similar laws outside of the U.S. such as the U.K. Bribery Act, that prohibit the making or offering of improper payments to foreign government officials and political figures. The FCPA has a broad reach and requires maintenance of appropriate records and adequate internal controls to prevent and detect possible FCPA violations.
We are also subject to certain economic and trade sanctions programs that are administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), which prohibit or restrict transactions to or from, or dealings with, specified countries, governments, individuals and entities that are specially designated nationals of those countries, including narcotics traffickers and terrorists or terrorist organizations. Other group entities may be subject to additional local sanctions requirements in other relevant jurisdictions.
Similar anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing and proceeds of crime laws apply to movements of currency and payments through electronic transactions and to dealings with persons specified in lists maintained by the country equivalents to OFAC lists in several other countries and require specific data retention obligations to be observed by intermediaries in the payment process. Our businesses in those jurisdictions are subject to those data retention obligations.
Communications Laws. We are subject to various federal and state laws that govern telephone calls and the issuance of text messages to clients and consumers in the U.S. as well as to regulations that impose requirements on marketing emails sent to U.S residents. Our international subsidiaries are subject to equivalent laws in applicable jurisdictions.
Indirect Regulatory Requirements. A number of our clients are subject to various regulations and compliance obligations that do not apply directly to us but impact the services that we provide to our clients. To remain competitive, we have expended, and expect to expend in the future, significant resources to develop and update our products and services to assist our clients to meet various compliance obligations. In addition, independent auditors annually review many of our operations to provide internal control evaluations for our clients and their auditors.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2021, we had over 44,000 employees worldwide, approximately 18,000 of whom were employed outside the U.S. Successful execution of our talent management strategy depends on attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified employees at all levels of our organization. This includes creating a culture committed to diversity and inclusion and employee development, retention, engagement and well-being.
Development and Retention
We are committed to creating a high-performance culture that consistently delivers excellence for our clients and long-term value for our shareholders while providing a workplace experience for our employees that values leadership, innovation, diversity and collaboration. Our performance management process promotes differentiation based on contributions toward our strategic business objectives and overall success. Career development is an important part of our overall value proposition for employees. We provide employees with opportunities to grow, regardless of job level, within the organization including through targeted online learning, our Leading Women program designed to accelerate the professional growth of female top
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talent, our Leading Fiserv program designed to develop critical leadership skills for frontline managers, and our Vision to Results leadership program focused on driving our One Fiserv approach to enterprise goals. We also focus on internal mobility and redeployment to retain talented employees and to optimize their opportunities for success.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to cultivating a diverse, respectful and inclusive workplace. Our diversity and inclusion programs reflect our focus on:
•Advancing diversity at all levels across the organization, including increasing the representation of women and minorities in leadership positions, requiring consideration of diverse candidates for senior leadership positions, dedicating talent acquisition resources focused on hiring diverse individuals, providing career opportunities to the military community and deepening relationships with historically Black colleges and universities, industry networks, and military and veterans’ organizations;
•Promoting employee awareness through: education and participation in diversity and inclusion programs, such as inclusive leader assessment and coaching program to develop the competencies necessary to create an inclusive workplace; eight Employee Resource Groups (“ERGs”) with over 7,000 members for associates to connect, support each other and elevate their professional development; and a host of diversity and inclusion training courses available to all employees;
•Investing to support small, minority-owned businesses through financial support, business expertise, leading technology solutions, strategic partnerships and community engagement, including expansion of our Forward Together initiative in 2021 to more U.S. cities and the United Kingdom; and
•Strengthening partnerships with organizations focused on human rights, racial equity and social justice including work by our ERGs with community organizations and groups to provide mentorship opportunities and serve as force multipliers for talent acquisition, employee engagement and diversity efforts.
Engagement
To assess employee engagement, we seek and collect employee feedback through employee engagement surveys. These surveys focus on engagement, well-being, client experience, communication, teamwork, manager effectiveness, trust and diversity and inclusion. In addition to assessing engagement, the survey results enable us to gain insight into employee perspectives and issues which we use to enhance processes, set priorities and respond quickly to associate concerns.
Well-Being and Safety
We are focused on delivering a comprehensive and competitive benefits offering as part of our total rewards strategy. We provide associates with access to a holistic suite of well-being programs and benefits focused on physical, financial, social and emotional resources. These programs are supported by complementary policies such as paid parental and military service leave policies.
In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken actions to protect the health, safety and well-being of our employees while maintaining business continuity. These actions include, among others, restricting travel, limiting non-essential visitors to our facilities, disinfecting facilities, providing onsite testing and personal protective equipment to employees, establishing a variety of safety protocols at facilities, and requiring U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated unless they have an approved medical, religious, or state exemption.
Available Information
Our website address is www.fiserv.com. We are not including the information provided on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge (other than an investor’s own internet access charges) through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to our securities. If any of the following risks
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develop into actual events, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Competitive and Business Risks
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, adverse impacts on our business and may amplify many of our other known risks.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have taken actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as imposing travel restrictions and bans, quarantines, social distancing guidelines, shelter-in-place or lock-down orders and other similar limitations. These measures have, among other matters, negatively impacted consumer and business spending and, as a result, our operating performance, primarily within our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses, which earn transaction-based fees. The pandemic has negatively impacted and may continue to negatively impact, transaction volumes, create economic uncertainty and financial market volatility, reduce economic activity, increase unemployment and cause a decline in consumer and business confidence, and could in the future further negatively impact the demand for our products and services, including merchant acquiring and payment processing. Ultimately, the extent of the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition will depend on, among other matters, the duration and intensity of the pandemic; the level of success of global vaccination efforts; governmental and private sector responses to the pandemic and the impact of such responses on us; and the impact of the pandemic on our employees, clients, vendors, supply chain, operations and sales, all of which are uncertain, difficult to predict and may remain prevalent for a significant period of time even after the pandemic subsides, including due to a continued or prolonged recession in the U.S. or other major economies.
Additional factors that could negatively impact us include:
•Sustained increases in consumer chargebacks associated with processed transactions that merchant clients have submitted but have not fulfilled as an unprecedented number of merchants have been required to suspend or terminate their operations. Merchants may be unable to fund these chargebacks, potentially resulting in losses to us;
•Disruption to our supply chain and third-party delivery service providers, including if: the factories that manufacture our point-of-sale devices, payment cards or computer chips for payment cards, or paper stock are temporarily closed or experience workforce shortages; shipping services are interrupted or delayed; there are increased lead times, shortages or higher costs for certain materials and components; or there are workforce shortages at our or third-party customer support, software development or technology hosting facilities;
•Government orders or other restrictions that limit or prohibit us from providing client-facing services from regular service locations, the failure of our business continuity plans, or supply chain issues that prevent us from meeting client service levels, any of which may increase the risk of failing to meet client contractual obligations that could cause loss of revenue, contractual penalties or potential legal disputes;
•Clients may require additional time to pay us or fail to pay us at all, which could significantly increase the amount of accounts receivable and require us to record additional allowances for doubtful accounts. If clients cease operations or file for bankruptcy protection, we may experience lower revenue and earnings and have greater exposure to future transaction declines; and
•The possibility of one or more clusters of COVID-19 cases occurring at our data, call, production or operations centers, affecting our employees or affecting the systems or employees of our clients or other third parties on which we depend.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to modify our business practices, including restricting travel, limiting non-essential visitors to our facilities, disinfecting facilities, providing onsite testing and personal protective equipment to employees, establishing a variety of safety protocols at facilities and requiring U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated unless they have an approved medical, religious, or state exemption. We expect to continue such safety measures for the foreseeable future and may take further actions, or adapt these existing policies, as government authorities may require or recommend or as we may determine to be in the best interest of our employees, clients and vendors. Such measures may impact our productivity or effectiveness, and there is no certainty that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These and other potential negative impacts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic may also heighten or exacerbate the other risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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We operate in a competitive business environment and may not be able to compete effectively.
The markets for our products and services are highly competitive from new and existing competitors. Our principal competitors include other vendors and providers of financial services technology and payment systems, data processing affiliates of large companies, processing centers owned or operated as user cooperatives, financial institutions, independent sales organizations (“ISOs”), independent software vendors, payments companies and payment network operators. Our competitors vary in size and in the scope and breadth of the services they offer. Many of our larger existing and potential clients have historically developed their key applications in-house. As a result, we may compete against our existing or potential clients’ in-house capabilities. In addition, we expect that the markets in which we compete will continue to attract new technologies and well-funded competitors, including large technology, telecommunication, media and other companies not historically in the financial services and payments industries, start-ups and international providers of products and services similar to ours. In addition, participants in the financial services, payments and technology industries may merge, create joint ventures or engage in other business combinations, alliances and consolidations that may strengthen their existing business services or create new payment services that compete with our services. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures faced by us in the markets in which we operate will not materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to keep pace with technological change, we could lose clients or have trouble attracting new clients, and our ability to grow may be limited.
The markets for our products and services are characterized by constant and rapid technological change, frequent introduction of new products and services, and increasing client expectations. Our ability to enhance our current products and services and to develop and introduce innovative products and services will significantly affect our future success. We may not be successful in developing, marketing or selling new products and services that meet these demands or achieve market acceptance. We must anticipate and respond to these changes in order to remain competitive within our relevant markets. For example, our ability to provide innovative point-of-sale technology to our merchant clients could have an impact on our merchant acquiring business, and new services and technologies that we develop may be impacted by industry-wide solutions and standards related to tokenization or other safety, fraud prevention and security technologies. If we are unable to anticipate or respond to technological changes or evolving industry standards on a timely basis, our ability to remain competitive could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the success of certain of our products and services rely, in part, on financial institutions, corporate and other third parties to promote the use of our products and services by their customers. If we are unsuccessful in offering products or services that gain market acceptance and compete effectively, or if third parties insufficiently promote our products and services, it would likely have a material adverse effect on our ability to retain existing clients, to attract new ones and to grow profitably.
If we are unable to renew client contracts at favorable terms, we could lose clients and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Failure to achieve favorable renewals of client contracts could negatively impact our business. At the end of the contract term, clients have the opportunity to renegotiate their contracts with us or to consider whether to engage one or more of our competitors to provide products and services or to perform the services in-house. Some of our competitors may offer more attractive prices, features or other services that we do not offer, and some clients may desire to perform the services themselves. Larger clients may be able to seek lower prices from us when they renew or extend a contract or the client’s business has significant volume changes. In addition, larger clients may reduce the services we provide if they decide to move services in-house. Further, our small merchant business clients may seek reduced fees due to pricing competition, their own financial condition, or pressures from their customers. On some occasions, these factors result in lower revenue from a client than we had anticipated based on our previous agreement with that client. If we are not successful in achieving high renewal rates and favorable contract terms, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Our business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships and alliances, and if we are unable to maintain these relationships and alliances, our business may be adversely affected.
Under our alliance program, a bank or other institution forms an alliance with us, generally on an exclusive basis, either contractually or through a separate legal entity. Merchant contracts may be contributed to the alliance by us and/or the bank or institution. The banks and other institutions generally provide card association sponsorship, clearing and settlement services and typically act as a merchant referral source when the institution has an existing banking or other relationship with such merchant. We provide transaction processing and related functions to the alliance. Both we and our alliance partners may also provide management, sales, marketing and other administrative services. The alliance structure allows us to be the processor for multiple financial institutions, any one of which may be selected by the merchant as its bank partner. Our merchant acquiring business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships, alliances and other distribution channels. There can be no guarantee
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that we will achieve growth in our merchant relationships, alliances or other distribution channels. In addition, our contractual arrangements with merchants and merchant alliance partners are for fixed terms and may allow for early termination upon the occurrence of certain events. There can be no assurance that we will be able to renew our contractual arrangements with these merchants or merchant alliance partners on similar terms or at all. The loss of merchant relationships or alliance partners could negatively impact our business and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in card association and debit network fees or products could increase costs or otherwise limit our operations.
From time to time, card associations and debit networks, including the card networks which we own and operate, increase the processing and other fees (including what is commonly called “interchange fees”) that they charge. It is possible that competitive and other pressures will result in us absorbing a portion of such increases in the future, or not being able to increase our own fees, which would increase our operating costs, reduce our profit margin, limit our growth, and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the various card associations and networks prescribe certain capital requirements. Any increase in the capital level required would further limit our use of capital for other purposes.
Consolidations in the banking and financial services industry could adversely affect our revenue by eliminating existing or potential clients and making us more dependent on fewer clients.
Mergers, consolidations and failures of financial institutions reduce the number of our clients and potential clients, which could adversely affect our revenue. If our clients merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our clients, or that use fewer of our services, they may discontinue or reduce their use of our services. Our alliance strategy could also be negatively affected by consolidations, especially where the financial institutions involved are committed to their internal merchant processing businesses that compete with us. It is also possible that the larger financial institutions that result from mergers or consolidations could have an increased ability to negotiate terms with us or could decide to perform in-house some or all of the services which we currently provide or could provide. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Operational and Security Risks
Security incidents or other technological risks involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could expose us to liability or damage our reputation.
Our operations depend on receiving, storing, processing and transmitting sensitive information pertaining to our business, our employees, our clients and their customers. Under the card network rules, various federal, state and international laws, and client contracts, we are responsible for information provided to us by financial institutions, merchants, ISOs, third-party service providers and others. Preserving the confidentiality of sensitive business and personal information is critical to our business. Any unauthorized access, intrusion, infiltration, network disruption, denial of service or similar incident could disrupt the integrity, continuity, security and trust of our systems or data, or the systems or data of our clients, partners or vendors. These incidents are often difficult to detect and are constantly evolving. We expect that unauthorized parties will continue to attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, and those of our clients, partners and vendors, through various means and with increasing sophistication, particularly as cybercriminals attempt to profit from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic given increased online banking, e-commerce and other online activity. These events could create costly litigation, significant financial liability, increased regulatory scrutiny, financial sanctions and a loss of confidence in our ability to serve clients and cause current or potential clients to choose another service provider, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, we expect to continue to invest significant resources to maintain and enhance our information security and controls or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. Although we believe that we maintain a robust program of information security and controls and that none of the events that we have encountered to date have materially impacted us, we cannot be certain that the security measures and procedures we have in place to detect security incidents and protect sensitive data, including protection against unauthorized access and use by our employees, will be successful or sufficient to counter all current and emerging technological risks and threats. The impact of a material event involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Operational failures and resulting interruptions in the implementation or availability of our products or services could harm our business and reputation.
Our business depends heavily on the reliability of our processing and other systems. An operational failure and the resulting implementation delays or service interruption could harm our business or cause us to lose clients. An operational failure could involve the hardware, software, data, networks or systems upon which we rely to deliver our services and could be caused by our actions, the actions of third parties or events over which we may have limited or no control. Events that could cause operational failures include, but are not limited to, hardware and software defects or malfunctions, computer denial-of-service
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and other cyberattacks, human error, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural disasters, pandemics, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses or other malware, or other events. In the event of operational failures or damage or disruption to our business due to these occurrences, we may not be able to successfully or quickly recover all of our critical business functions, assets and data through our business continuity program. Implementation delays, interruptions of service or hardware device defects could damage our relationship with clients and could cause us to incur substantial expenses, including those related to the payment of service credits, product recalls or other liabilities. A prolonged interruption of our services or network could cause us to experience data loss or a reduction in revenue, and significantly impact our clients’ businesses and the customers they serve. In addition, a significant implementation delay, interruption of service or product recall could have a negative impact on our reputation and could cause our current and potential clients to choose another service provider. As a provider of payments solutions and other financial services, clients, regulators and others may require specific business continuity and disaster recovery plans including frequent testing of such plans. Meeting these various requirements may require a significant investment of time and money. Any of these developments could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Disruptions of operations of other participants in the global financial system could prevent us from delivering our products and services.
The operations and systems of many participants in the global financial system are interconnected. Many of the transactions involving our products and services rely on multiple participants in the global financial system to move funds and communicate information to the next participant in the transaction chain. A disruption for any reason of the operations of a participant in the global financial system could impact our ability to obtain or provide information or cause funds to be moved in a manner to successfully deliver our products and services. Although we work with other participants to avoid any disruptions, there is no assurance that such efforts will be effective. Such a disruption could lead to our inability to deliver products and services, reputational damage, lost clients and revenue, loss of clients’ and their customers’ confidence, as well as additional costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on third parties to provide products and services and if we are unable to obtain such products or services in the future or if these third parties fail to perform these services adequately, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on third parties we do not control to provide us with products and services, including payment card networks, acquiring processors, payment card issuers, financial institutions and the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network which transmit transaction data, process chargebacks and refunds, and perform clearing services in connection with our settlement activities. If, for example, such third parties stop providing clearing services or limit our volumes, we would need to find other financial institutions to provide those services. In the event these third parties fail to provide these services adequately or in a timely manner, including as a result of errors in their systems or events beyond their control, or refuse to provide these services on terms acceptable to us or at all, and we are not able to find timely suitable alternatives, we may no longer be able to provide certain services to customers, which could expose us and our clients to information security, financial, compliance and reputational risks, among others, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we are unable to renew our existing contracts with key vendors and service providers, we might not be able to replace the related product or service at all or at the same cost, which would negatively impact our results of operations.
We may experience software defects, development delays or installation difficulties, which would harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability.
Our services are based on sophisticated software and computer systems and we may encounter delays when developing new applications and services. Further, the software underlying our services may contain undetected errors or defects when first introduced or when new versions are released. We may also experience difficulties in installing or integrating our technology on systems or with other programs used by our clients. Defects in our software, errors or delays in the processing of electronic transactions or other difficulties could result in interruption of business operations, delay in market acceptance, additional development and remediation costs, diversion of technical and other resources, loss of clients or client data, negative publicity or exposure to liability claims. Although we attempt to limit our potential liability through disclaimers and limitation of liability provisions in our license and client agreements, we cannot be certain that these measures will successfully limit our liability.
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Global Market Risks
Our business may be adversely affected by geopolitical and other risks associated with operations outside of the U.S. and, as we continue to expand internationally, we may incur higher than anticipated costs and may become more susceptible to these risks.
We offer merchant acquiring, processing and issuing services outside of the U.S., including in the U.K., Germany, Argentina, India and Brazil. Our facilities outside of the U.S., and those of our suppliers and vendors, including manufacturing, customer support, software development and technology hosting facilities, are subject to risks, including natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, terrorism, war, political instability and other events outside of our or our suppliers’ control. As we continue to expand internationally and grow our client base outside of the U.S., we may face challenges due to the presence of more established competitors and our relative lack of experience in such non-U.S. markets, and we may incur higher than anticipated costs. If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with the international operation and expansion of our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
Our business may be adversely impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions.
For the foreseeable future, we expect to continue to derive revenue primarily from products and services we provide to the financial services industry and from our merchant acquiring business. Given this focus, we are exposed to global economic conditions and adverse economic trends may accelerate the timing, or increase the impact of, risks to our financial performance. Such trends may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•declining economies, foreign currency fluctuations, inflation, social unrest, natural disasters, public health crises, including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness, and the pace of economic recovery can change consumer spending behaviors, such as cross-border travel patterns, on which a significant portion of our revenues are dependent;
•low levels of consumer and business confidence typically associated with recessionary environments and those markets experiencing relatively high inflation and/or unemployment, may cause decreased spending by cardholders;
•budgetary concerns in the U.S. and other countries around the world could affect the U.S. and other specific sovereign credit ratings, impact consumer confidence and spending, and increase the risks of operating in those countries;
•emerging market economies tend to be more volatile than the more established markets we serve in the U.S. and Europe, and adverse economic trends, including high rates of inflation, may be more pronounced in such emerging markets;
•financial institutions may restrict credit lines to cardholders or limit the issuance of new cards to mitigate cardholder defaults;
•uncertainty and volatility in the performance of our clients’ businesses may make estimates of our revenues, rebates, incentives, and realization of prepaid assets less predictable;
•our clients may decrease spending for value-added services; and
•government intervention, including the effect of laws, regulations, treaties and/or government investments in our clients, may have potential negative effects on our business, operations and our relationships with our clients or otherwise alter their strategic direction away from our products.
A weakening in the economy or competition from other retailers could also force some retailers to close, resulting in exposure to potential credit losses and declines in transactions, and reduced earnings on transactions due to a potential shift to large discount merchants. Additionally, credit card issuers may reduce credit limits and become more selective in their card issuance practices.
A prolonged poor economic environment could result in significant decreases in demand by current and potential clients for our products and services and in the number and dollar amount of transactions we process or accounts we service, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In Europe, we are continuing to assess the implications of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union (“Brexit”). We cannot predict the impact that Brexit, including any future trade agreements, divergence in law or currency fluctuations, will have on our business and our clients, and it is possible that it may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
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Potential tariffs or trade wars could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products and our financial results.
The U.S. has imposed tariffs on certain imports from China, including on some of our hardware devices manufactured in China. If the U.S. administration imposes additional tariffs, or if additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented by the U.S. or other countries, our hardware devices produced in China could be impacted. Although it is difficult to predict how current or future tariffs on items imported from China or elsewhere will impact our business, the cost of our products manufactured in China and imported into the U.S. or other countries could increase, which in turn could adversely affect the demand for these products and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Regulatory and Compliance Risks
If we or third parties with whom we partner or contract fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to liability and our business could be harmed.
If we or third parties with whom we partner or contract fail to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business, including state and federal payment, cybersecurity, consumer protection, trade and data privacy laws and regulations, we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory proceedings, our client relationships and reputation could be harmed, and our ability to obtain new clients could be inhibited, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our clients are also subject to numerous laws and regulations applicable to banks, financial institutions and card issuers in the U.S. and abroad, and, consequently, we are at times affected by these federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent change, with new laws, regulations and interpretations thereof being implemented.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state, local and foreign governments issued emergency orders and a significant number of new laws and regulations in a short period of time. These actions have impacted our current operations, including with respect to collection and consumer credit reporting activities, and we have experienced an increased volume of client support requests because many of the new laws impact our clients. We have been required to expend additional resources and incur additional costs to address regulatory requirements applicable to us or our clients, and there could be additional government initiatives to reduce or eliminate payments, costs or fees to merchants, or fees or other sources of revenue to financial institutions, all of which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Certain of our subsidiaries are licensed as money transmitters and are required, among other matters, to demonstrate and maintain certain levels of net worth and liquidity and to file periodic reports. Our direct-to-consumer payments businesses are subject to state and federal regulations in the U.S., including state money transmission regulations, anti-money laundering regulations, economic and trade sanctions administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) and certain privacy regulations, such as the U.S. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Our Money Network Financial, LLC subsidiary provides prepaid access for various open loop prepaid programs for which it is the program manager and therefore must meet the requirements of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. We also have businesses that are subject to credit reporting and debt collection laws and regulations in the U.S. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries are subject to, among others, privacy, anti-money laundering, debt collection, and payment institution or electronic money licensing regulations outside the U.S.
We operate our business around the world, including in certain foreign countries with developing economies where companies often engage in business practices that are prohibited by laws applicable to us, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act. These laws prohibit, among other things, improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have implemented policies and training programs to discourage such practices; however, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, consultants and agents will comply with our policies and all applicable laws.
We are also subject to certain economic and trade sanctions programs, including those that are administered by OFAC, which prohibit or restrict transactions to or from, or dealings with, specified countries, their governments, individuals and entities that are specially-designated nationals of those countries, narcotics traffickers and terrorists or terrorist organizations. Similar anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing and proceeds of crime laws apply to movements of currency and payments through electronic transactions and to dealings with persons specified in lists equivalent to OFAC lists in several other countries and require specific data retention obligations to be observed by intermediaries in the payment process. Our businesses in those jurisdictions are subject to those data retention obligations.
The volume and complexity of these regulations will continue to increase our cost of doing business. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations, or changes in the regulatory environment, including changing interpretations and the implementation of new, varying or more restrictive laws and regulations by federal, state, local or foreign governments, may
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result in significant financial penalties, reputational harm, suspension or termination of our ability to provide certain services, or change or restrict the manner in which we currently conduct our business, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the payment card networks and Nacha, they could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations, which could adversely affect our business.
In order to provide our transaction processing services, several of our subsidiaries are registered with Visa and Mastercard and other networks as members or service providers for member institutions. A number of our subsidiaries outside the U.S. are direct members or associate members of Visa and Mastercard for purposes of conducting merchant acquiring, and various subsidiaries are also processor level members of numerous debit and electronic benefits transaction networks. As such, we are subject to card association and network rules that could subject us or our clients to a variety of fines or penalties that may be levied by the card associations or networks for certain acts or omissions by us, acquiring clients, processing clients or merchants. In addition, we are subject to Nacha rules relating to payment transactions processed by us using the ACH network and to various federal and state laws regarding such operations, including laws pertaining to electronic benefits transactions, as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard enforced by the major card brands. The rules of Nacha and the card networks are set by their respective boards, some of which are our competitors, and the card network rules may be influenced by card issuers, some of which offer competing transaction processing services.
If we fail to comply with these rules, we could be fined and our member registrations or certifications could be suspended or terminated. The suspension or termination of our member registrations or certifications, or any changes to the association and network rules, that we do not successfully address, or any other action by the card networks to restrict our ability to process transactions over such networks, could limit our ability to provide transaction processing services to clients and result in a reduction of revenue or increased costs of operation, which, in either case, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
A heightened regulatory environment in the financial services industry may have an adverse impact on our clients and our business.
Since the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), a number of substantial regulations affecting the supervision and operation of the financial services industry within the U.S. have been adopted, including those that establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). The CFPB has issued guidance that applies to, and conducts direct examinations of, “supervised banks and nonbanks” as well as “supervised service providers” like us. CFPB rules, examinations and enforcement actions may require us to adjust our activities and may increase our compliance costs. Changes to the Dodd-Frank Act or regulations could adversely impact our debit network business. In addition, certain of our alliance partners are subject to regulation by federal and state authorities and, as a result, could pass through some of those compliance obligations to us.
To the extent this oversight or regulation negatively impacts the business, operations or financial condition of our clients, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected because, among other matters, our clients could have less capacity to purchase products and services from us, could decide to avoid or abandon certain lines of business, or could seek to pass on increased costs to us by negotiating price reductions. Additional regulation, examination and oversight of us could require us to modify the manner in which we contract with or provide products and services to our clients; directly or indirectly limit how much we can charge for our services; require us to invest additional time and resources to comply with such oversight and regulations; or limit our ability to update our existing products and services, or require us to develop new ones. Any of these events, if realized, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Legislative or regulatory initiatives on cybersecurity and data privacy could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Cybersecurity and data privacy risks have received heightened legislative and regulatory attention. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) extends the scope of the E.U. data protection law to all companies processing data of E.U. residents, regardless of the company’s location, subject to certain limitations. The law requires companies to meet stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data. E.U. data protection law continuously develops and requires significant changes to our policies and procedures. For example, in 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a decision that invalidated the European Commission’s adequacy decision for the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework and placed additional safeguards necessary for transfers of personal data to the U.S., requiring companies and regulators to conduct case-by-case analyses to determine whether foreign protections concerning government access to transferred data meet E.U. standards. Together with our vendors and clients, we have been directly impacted by this decision, and our ability to transfer data outside the E.U. may be further impacted by determinations made by regulators in the E.U. We are also subject to U.K. GDPR
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following the U.K.’s exit from the E.U. Single Market and Customs Union. Our efforts to comply with E.U., U.K. and other privacy and data protection laws around the world that apply to our businesses could involve substantial expenses, divert resources from other initiatives and projects and limit the services we are able to offer. There is also increased focus on data localization requirements around the world in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, China and India which could impact our business model with respect to our storage and transfer of personal data. Further, failure to comply with applicable laws in this area could also result in significant fines, penalties and reputational damage.
In addition, U.S. banking agencies have adopted or proposed enhanced cyber risk management standards that would apply to us and our financial institution clients and that would address cyber risk governance and management, management of internal and external dependencies, and incident response, cyber resilience and situational awareness. Several states also have adopted or proposed new privacy and cybersecurity laws targeting these issues. Legislation and regulations on cybersecurity, data privacy and data localization may compel us to enhance or modify our systems, invest in new systems or alter our business practices or our policies on data governance and privacy. If any of these outcomes were to occur, our operational costs could increase significantly.
Failure to comply with state and federal antitrust requirements could adversely affect our business.
Through our merchant alliances, we hold an ownership interest in several competing merchant acquiring businesses while serving as an electronic processor for those businesses. In order to satisfy state and federal antitrust requirements, we actively maintain an antitrust compliance program. Notwithstanding our compliance program, it is possible that perceived or actual violations of state or federal antitrust requirements could give rise to regulatory enforcement investigations or actions. Regulatory scrutiny of, or regulatory enforcement action in connection with, compliance with state and federal antitrust requirements could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.
We may be sued for infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property rights. We expose ourselves to additional liability when we agree to defend or indemnify our clients against third-party infringement claims. If the owner of intellectual property establishes that we are, or a client which we are obligated to indemnify is, infringing its intellectual property rights, we may be forced to change our products or services, and such changes may be expensive or impractical, or we may need to seek royalty or license agreements from the owner of such rights. If we are unable to agree on acceptable terms, we may be required to discontinue the sale of key products or halt other aspects of our operations. We may also be liable for financial damages for a violation of intellectual property rights, and we may incur expenses in connection with indemnifying our clients against losses suffered by them. Any adverse result related to violation of third-party intellectual property rights could materially and adversely harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. Even if intellectual property claims brought against us are without merit, they may result in costly and time-consuming litigation and may require significant attention from our management and key personnel.
Misappropriation of our intellectual property and proprietary rights could impair our competitive position.
Our ability to compete depends upon proprietary systems and technology. We actively seek to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights. Nevertheless, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our services or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. The steps we have taken may not prevent misappropriation of technology. Agreements entered into for that purpose may not be enforceable or provide us with an adequate remedy. It is also possible that others will independently develop the same or similar technology. Further, we use open source software in connection with our solutions. Companies that incorporate open source software into their solutions have, from time to time, faced claims challenging the ownership of solutions developed using open source software. As a result, we could be subject to suits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software. Effective patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our applications and services are made available. The laws of certain non-U.S. countries where we do business or contemplate doing business in the future may not recognize intellectual property rights or protect them to the same extent as do the laws of the U.S. Misappropriation of our intellectual property or potential litigation concerning such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in tax laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
Our operations are subject to tax by federal, state, local, and international taxing jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or their interpretations in our significant tax jurisdictions could materially increase the amount of taxes we owe, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations. Additionally, future tax laws, regulations or guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Financial Accounting Standards
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Board could cause us to adjust current estimates in future periods, which could impact our earnings and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow.
The U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”) and other government agencies in jurisdictions in which we do business remain focused on the taxation of multinational corporations. The OECD, which represents a coalition of member countries, including the U.S., is contemplating changes to numerous longstanding tax principles, including ensuring all companies pay a global minimum tax and expanding taxing rights of market countries. Because the timing of implementation and the specific measures adopted will vary among participating countries, significant uncertainty remains regarding the impact of these initiatives and their implementation could adversely affect our business or financial results.
Furthermore, our implementation of new practices and processes designed to comply with changing tax laws and regulations could require us to make substantial changes to our business practices, allocate additional resources, and increase our costs, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
Our tax returns and positions are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and international taxing authorities. An unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations. We have established contingency reserves for known tax exposures relating to deductions, transactions and other matters involving some uncertainty as to the proper tax treatment of the item. These reserves reflect what we believe to be reasonable assumptions as to the likely final resolution of each issue if raised by a taxing authority. While we believe that the reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there is no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be finally resolved at a financial cost not in excess of any related reserve. An unfavorable resolution, therefore, could negatively impact our effective tax rate, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in the current and/or future periods.
Organizational and Financial Risks
The failure to attract and retain key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend on the experience, skill and contributions of our senior management and other key employees. If we fail to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified management, technical, compliance and sales personnel, our future success could be harmed. Our senior management provides strategic direction for our company, and if we lose members of our leadership team, our management resources may have to be diverted from other priorities to address this loss. Our products and services require sophisticated knowledge of the financial services industry, applicable regulatory and industry requirements, computer systems, and software applications, and if we cannot hire or retain the necessary skilled personnel, we could suffer delays in new product development, experience difficulty complying with applicable requirements or otherwise fail to satisfy our clients’ demands.
Our merchants may be unable to satisfy obligations for which we may also be liable.
We are subject to the risk of our merchants being unable to satisfy obligations for which we may also be liable. For example, we and our merchant acquiring alliances may be subject to contingent liability for transactions originally acquired by us that are disputed by the cardholder and charged back to the merchants. If we or the alliance is unable to collect this amount from the merchant because of the merchant’s insolvency or other reasons, we or the alliance will bear the loss for the amount of the refund paid to the cardholder. Although we have an active program to manage our credit risk and often mitigate our risk by obtaining collateral, a default on such obligations by one or more of our merchants could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Fraud by merchants or others could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to potential liability for fraudulent transactions, including electronic payment and card transactions or credits initiated by merchants or others. Examples of merchant fraud include when a merchant or other party knowingly uses a stolen or counterfeit credit, debit or prepaid card, card number or other credentials to record a false sales transaction, processes an invalid card or intentionally fails to deliver the merchandise or services sold in an otherwise valid transaction. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities such as counterfeiting and fraud. We also rely on ISOs to sell our merchant processing services, which they may do by contracting with their own sub-ISOs. We rely on these ISOs and sub-ISOs to exercise appropriate controls to avoid fraudulent transactions. It is possible that incidents of fraud could increase in the future. Failure to effectively manage risk and prevent fraud, or otherwise effectively administer our chargeback
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responsibilities, would increase our chargeback liability or expose us to fines or other liabilities. Increases in chargebacks, fines or other liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Acquisitions subject us to risks, including assumption of unforeseen liabilities and difficulties in integrating operations.
A major contributor to our growth in revenue and earnings since our inception has been our ability to identify, acquire and integrate complementary businesses. We anticipate that we will continue to seek to acquire complementary businesses, products and services. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or complete acquisitions in the future, which could adversely affect our future growth; or businesses that we acquire may not perform as well as expected or may be more difficult or expensive to integrate and manage than expected, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We may not be able to integrate all aspects of acquired businesses successfully or realize the potential benefits of bringing them together. In addition, the process of integrating these acquisitions may disrupt our business and divert our resources.
In addition, acquisitions outside of the U.S. often involve additional or increased risks including, for example:
•managing geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities;
•integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds and organizational cultures;
•complying with non-U.S. regulatory requirements;
•fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
•enforcement of intellectual property rights in some non-U.S. countries;
•difficulty entering new non-U.S. markets due to, among other things, consumer acceptance and business knowledge of these new markets; and
•general economic and political conditions.
These risks may arise for a number of reasons: we may not be able to find suitable businesses to acquire at affordable valuations or on other acceptable terms; we may face competition for acquisitions from other potential acquirers; we may need to borrow money or sell equity or debt securities to the public to finance acquisitions and the terms of these financings may be adverse to us; changes in accounting, tax, securities or other regulations could increase the difficulty or cost for us to complete acquisitions; we may incur unforeseen obligations or liabilities in connection with acquisitions; we may need to devote unanticipated financial and management resources to an acquired business; we may not realize expected operating efficiencies or product integration benefits from an acquisition; we could enter markets where we have minimal prior experience; and we may experience decreases in earnings as a result of non-cash impairment charges.
We may be obligated to indemnify the purchasers of businesses pursuant to the terms of the relevant purchase and sale agreements.
We have in the past and may in the future sell businesses. In connection with sales of businesses, we may make representations and warranties about the businesses and their financial affairs and agree to retain certain liabilities associated with our operation of the businesses prior to their sale. Our obligation to indemnify the purchasers and agreement to retain liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant portion of these assets would negatively affect our results of operations.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill and intangible assets that represent 66% of our total assets at December 31, 2021. These assets consist primarily of goodwill and identified intangible assets associated with our acquisitions. On at least an annual basis, we assess whether there have been impairments in the carrying value of goodwill. In addition, we review intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset is determined to be impaired, then it is written down to fair value by a charge to operating earnings. An impairment of a significant portion of goodwill or intangible assets could have a material negative effect on our results of operations.
Existing or future leverage may harm our financial condition and results of operations.
At December 31, 2021, we had approximately $21.2 billion of debt. We and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our indebtedness could: decrease our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate or other purposes; limit our flexibility to make acquisitions; increase our cash requirements to
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support the payment of interest; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; and increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic and industry conditions. Our ability to make payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness depends upon our future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions and financial, business and other factors affecting our consolidated operations, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, if certain of our outstanding senior notes or commercial paper notes are downgraded to below investment grade, we may incur additional interest expense. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt and meet our other cash requirements, including due to a lack of further recovery or deterioration in economic and market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be required, among other things: to seek additional financing in the debt or equity markets; to refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness; or to reduce or delay planned capital or operating expenditures. Such measures might not be sufficient to enable us to service our debt and meet our other cash requirements. In addition, any such financing, refinancing or sale of assets might not be available at all or on economically favorable terms.
An increase in interest rates may negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.
Certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, term loan, foreign lines of credit, commercial paper and receivable securitization facility, are at variable rates of interest. An increase in interest rates would have a negative impact on our results of operations by causing an increase in interest expense. At December 31, 2021, we had approximately $2.9 billion in variable rate debt, which includes $200 million on our term loan, $337 million drawn on our revolving credit facility and foreign lines of credit, an aggregate amount of $1.8 billion outstanding under our U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper programs, and $500 million drawn on our accounts receivable securitization facility. Based on outstanding debt balances and interest rates at December 31, 2021, a 1% increase in variable interest rates would result in an increase to annual interest expense of $29 million.
Our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
We are subject to risks related to changes in currency rates as a result of our investments in foreign operations and from revenues generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Revenues and profit generated by such international operations will increase or decrease compared to prior periods as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. From time to time, we utilize foreign currency forward contracts and other hedging instruments to mitigate the market value risks associated with foreign currency-denominated transactions and investments. These hedging strategies may not, however, eliminate all of the risks related to foreign currency translation, and we may forgo the benefits we would otherwise experience if currency exchange rates were to change in our favor. We have also issued foreign currency-denominated senior notes and commercial paper notes for which payments of interest and principal are to be made in foreign currency, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could cause the expense associated with such payments to increase. In addition, we may become subject to exchange control regulations that restrict or prohibit the conversion of our foreign revenue currencies into U.S. dollars. Any of these factors could decrease the value of revenues and earnings we derive from our international operations and have a material adverse effect on our business.
New Omaha Holdings L.P. may sell a substantial amount of our common stock as certain restrictions on sales expire, and these sales could cause the price of our common stock to fall.
New Omaha Holdings L.P. (“New Omaha”) owns approximately 7.5% of our outstanding shares. New Omaha may sell its shares subject to certain limitations contained in the shareholder agreement between us and New Omaha. Under a registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition, we have granted New Omaha registration rights, which permit, among others, underwritten offerings. The registration rights agreement will terminate when the aggregate ownership percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock held by New Omaha and its affiliate transferees falls below 2% and such shares may be freely sold without restrictions.
New Omaha may have influence over us and its interests may conflict with other shareholders.
New Omaha owns approximately 7.5% of our issued and outstanding shares and is our largest shareholder. Under the shareholder agreement between us and New Omaha, New Omaha may designate a director to serve on our board of directors in accordance with the terms thereof until the aggregate ownership percentage of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock held by New Omaha and its affiliate transferees first falls below 5%. The shareholder agreement will terminate when the aggregate ownership percentage of our outstanding shares held by New Omaha and certain of its affiliates falls below 3%. Although there are various restrictions on New Omaha’s ability to take certain actions with respect to us and our shareholders (including certain standstill provisions for so long as New Omaha’s aggregate ownership percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock remains at or above 5%), New Omaha may seek to influence, and may be able to influence, us through its appointment of a director to our board of directors and its share ownership.
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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2021, we owned 20 properties and leased 158 properties globally. Our real estate strategy includes developing state-of-the art centralized campus environments in strategic locations across the U.S., including in Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, New Jersey and Wisconsin. These locations are used for operational, sales, management and administrative purposes. As a normal part of our business operations, including in connection with the integration of companies that we acquire, we regularly review our real estate portfolio. We may choose to acquire or dispose of properties in order to maintain a real estate footprint designed to maximize collaboration, innovation and communication in ways that enable us to best serve our clients and to create more opportunities for professional growth and development for our associates.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we or our subsidiaries are named as defendants in lawsuits in which claims are asserted against us. In the opinion of management, the liabilities, if any, which may ultimately result from such lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The names of our executive officers as of February 24, 2022, together with their ages, positions and business experience are described below:
| Name | Age | Title | ||||||
| Frank J. Bisignano | 62 | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
| Guy Chiarello | 62 | Chief Operating Officer | ||||||
| Christopher M. Foskett | 64 | Chief Revenue Officer | ||||||
| Robert W. Hau | 56 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||||
| Suzan Kereere | 56 | Executive Vice President, Head of Global Business Solutions | ||||||
| Adam L. Rosman | 56 | Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer | ||||||
| Byron C. Vielehr | 58 | Chief Digital and Data Officer | ||||||
Mr. Bisignano has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2020 and a director and President since 2019. He served as Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2020. Mr. Bisignano joined Fiserv as part of the acquisition of First Data Corporation, where he served as chief executive officer since 2013 and chairman since 2014. From 2005 to 2013, he held various executive positions with JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global financial services firm, including co-chief operating officer, chief executive officer of mortgage banking and chief administrative officer. From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Bisignano served as chief executive officer for Citigroup’s Global Transactions Services business and a member of Citigroup’s Management Committee.
Mr. Chiarello has served as Chief Operating Officer since June 2021 and previously served as Chief Administrative Officer since 2019. Mr. Chiarello joined Fiserv as part of the acquisition of First Data Corporation, where he served as president since 2013. From 2008 to 2013, he served as chief information officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global financial services firm. From 1985 to 2008, Mr. Chiarello served in various technology and leadership roles including chief information officer at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm.
Mr. Foskett has served as Chief Revenue Officer since July 2021 and previously served as Executive Vice President, Global Sales since 2019. Mr. Foskett joined Fiserv as part of the acquisition of First Data Corporation, where he served as executive vice president, head of corporate and business development since 2015 and co-head of global financial services since 2018. He joined First Data Corporation in 2014 as head of global, strategic and national accounts. From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Foskett served as managing director, head of North American treasury services and global head of sales for treasury services at JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global financial services firm. From 2009 to 2011, he was managing director, global head of financial institutions at National Australia Bank, an Australian financial institution. From 1991 to 2008, Mr. Foskett was managing director in Citigroup’s Corporate & Investment Bank leading several global businesses. Prior to that, he was employed by Goldman Sachs & Co. and Merrill Lynch & Co. focusing on mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Hau has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2016. Before joining Fiserv, Mr. Hau served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at TE Connectivity Ltd., a global technology and manufacturing company, from 2012 to 2016. From 2009 to 2012, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Lennox International Inc., a provider of products and services in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets; and from 2006 to 2009, he served as vice president and chief financial officer for the aerospace business group of Honeywell International, Inc., a technology and manufacturing company.
Ms. Kereere has served as Executive Vice President, Head of Global Business Solutions since December 2021 and previously served as Chief Growth Officer since June 2021. Prior to joining Fiserv, Ms. Kereere held several senior management roles at Visa Inc., a global payments technology company, including global head of merchant sales and acquiring from 2018 to 2021, head of Europe merchant sales and acquiring from 2017 to 2018 and head of the global merchant client group from 2016 to 2017. From 1996 to 2016, Ms. Kereere held various leadership positions at American Express Company, a global integrated payments company, including head of U.S. national merchant business and head of global network business.
Mr. Rosman has served as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer since July 2021. Prior to joining Fiserv, Mr. Rosman was general counsel of OneMain Financial, a consumer lender, from 2020 to July 2021. Previously, he served as general counsel of First Data Corporation from 2014 to 2019. Before joining First Data, Mr. Rosman was group general counsel of Willis Group Holdings plc, a multinational risk advisor, insurance brokerage and reinsurance brokerage company, from 2012 to 2014 and deputy general counsel from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Rosman also previously served as an assistant United States attorney and as deputy assistant to the president and deputy staff secretary for President William J. Clinton.
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Mr. Vielehr has served as Chief Digital and Data Officer since January 2021. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Senior Group President from 2019 to January 2021, Chief Administrative Officer from 2018 to 2019, and as Group President, Depository Institution Services Group from 2013 to 2018. Prior to joining Fiserv, from 2005 to 2013, Mr. Vielehr served in a succession of senior executive positions with The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, a provider of commercial information and business insight solutions, most recently as president of international and global operations. Mr. Vielehr has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services and technology industries, including a variety of executive leadership roles at Merrill Lynch & Co., Strong Capital Management and Northstar Systems International, Inc.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Price Information
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FISV.” At December 31, 2021, our common stock was held by 1,627 shareholders of record and by a significantly greater number of shareholders who hold shares in nominee or street name accounts with brokers. We have never paid dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. For additional information regarding our expected use of capital, refer to the discussion in this report under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of us or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of shares of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2021:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 1-31, 2021 | 7,700 | $ | 94.76 | 7,700 | 52,249,600 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1-30, 2021 | 5,703,300 | 99.49 | 5,703,300 | 46,546,300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 1-31, 2021 | 4,202,400 | 102.80 | 4,202,400 | 42,343,900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 9,913,400 | 9,913,400 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)On November 19, 2020, our board of directors authorized the purchase of up to 60.0 million shares of our common stock. This authorization does not expire.
The stock performance graph and related information presented below is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock for the five years ended December 31, 2021 with the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ US Benchmark Transaction Processing Services Index (the “Index”). Prior to September 21, 2020, the Index was known as the NASDAQ US Benchmark Financial Administration Index. The Index, as renamed, is identical to the NASDAQ US Benchmark Financial Administration Index prior to its name change on September 21, 2020. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2016 in our common stock and each index and that all dividends were reinvested. No cash dividends have been declared on our common stock. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock.
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| December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiserv, Inc. | $ | 100 | $ | 123 | $ | 138 | $ | 218 | $ | 214 | $ | 195 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 Index | 100 | 122 | 116 | 153 | 181 | 233 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NASDAQ US Benchmark Transaction Processing Services Index | 100 | 135 | 144 | 201 | 270 | 257 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is provided as a supplement to our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, the changes in our financial condition and our results of operations. Our discussion is organized as follows:
•Overview. This section contains background information on our company and the services and products that we provide, acquisitions and dispositions, our enterprise priorities, and the trends affecting our industry in order to provide context for management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations.
•Critical accounting policies and estimates. This section contains a discussion of the accounting policies that we believe are important to our financial condition and results of operations and that require judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
•Results of operations. This section contains an analysis of our results of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income by comparing the results for the year ended December 31, 2021 to the results for the year ended December 31, 2020. Discussion of results for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the results for the year ended December 31, 2019 not included herein can be found in Part II, “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2021.
•Liquidity and capital resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows and a discussion of our outstanding debt and commitments at December 31, 2021.
Overview
Company Background
We are a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions. We serve clients around the globe, including merchants, banks, credit unions, other financial institutions, and corporate clients. We provide account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale (“POS”) and business management platform. Our operations are comprised of the Merchant Acceptance (“Acceptance”) segment, the Financial Technology (“Fintech”) segment and the Payments and Network (“Payments”) segment. The consolidated financial statements include the financial results of First Data from the date of acquisition.
The Acceptance segment provides a wide range of commerce-enabling solutions to merchants of all sizes and types around the world. These solutions include POS merchant acquiring and digital commerce services; mobile payment services; security and fraud protection products and services; CaratSM, our omnichannel commerce solution; Clover, our cloud-based POS and business management platform, which includes a marketplace for proprietary and third-party business applications; and Clover Connect, our independent software vendor (“ISV”) platform. The businesses in the Acceptance segment are subject to a modest level of seasonality, with the first quarter generally experiencing the lowest level of revenue and the fourth quarter experiencing the highest level of revenue.
The Fintech segment provides financial institutions around the world with technology solutions that enable them to process customer deposit and loan accounts and manage general ledger and central information files, as well as other products and services that support numerous types of financial transactions such as digital banking, financial and risk management, professional services and consulting, and item processing and source capture services. Our businesses in this segment also provide products and services to corporate clients to facilitate the management of financial processes and transactions.
The Payments segment primarily provides financial institutions and corporate clients with the products and services required to process digital payment transactions, including card transactions such as debit, credit and prepaid card processing and services, a range of network services, security and fraud protection products, card production and print services. In addition, our businesses in this segment offer non-card digital payment software and services, including bill payment, account-to-account transfers, person-to-person payments, electronic billing, and security and fraud protection products.
The majority of our revenue is generated from recurring account- and transaction-based fees under multi-year contracts with high renewal rates. Most of the services we provide within our segments are necessary for our clients to operate their businesses and are, therefore, non-discretionary in nature.
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Corporate and Other supports the reportable segments described above, and consists of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, unallocated corporate expenses and other activities that are not considered when we evaluate segment performance, such as gains or losses on sales of businesses or investments, costs associated with acquisition and divestiture activity, and our Output Solutions postage reimbursements. Corporate and Other also includes the historical results of our Investment Services business prior to the disposition of our controlling financial interest in February 2020, as well as certain transition services revenue associated with various dispositions.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
We frequently review our portfolio to ensure we have the necessary business assets to execute our strategy. We expect to acquire businesses when we identify: a compelling strategic need, such as a product, service or technology that helps meet client demand; an opportunity to change industry dynamics; a way to achieve business scale; or similar considerations. We expect to divest businesses that are not in line with our market, product or financial strategies.
Acquisitions
On November 22, 2021, we acquired BentoBox CMS, Inc. (“BentoBox”), a digital marketing and commerce platform that helps restaurants connect with their guests. BentoBox is included within the Acceptance segment and expands our Clover dining solutions and commerce and business management capabilities. On November 15, 2021, we acquired a remaining ownership interest in NetPay Solutions Group (“NetPay”), a multi-channel payment service provider offering a range of capabilities around onboarding, customer lifecycle, risk management, and settlement to businesses of all sizes. We previously held a noncontrolling equity interest in NetPay, which was accounted for under the equity method. NetPay is included within the Acceptance segment and further expands our ability to develop and deliver a wide range of customer-focused solutions and seamless payments experiences for our clients. On October 1, 2021, we acquired Integrity Payments, LLC (“AIP”), a business that promotes payment processing services for merchants and is included within the Acceptance segment. On June 14, 2021, we acquired Spend Labs Inc. (“SpendLabs”), a mobile-native, cloud-based software provider of commercial card payment solutions. SpendLabs is included within the Payments segment and further expands our digital capabilities across mobile and desktop devices for small and mid-sized businesses. On May 4, 2021, we acquired Pineapple Payments Holdings, LLC (“Pineapple Payments”), an independent sales organization (“ISO”) that provides payment processing, proprietary technology, and payment acceptance solutions for merchants. Pineapple Payments is included within the Acceptance segment and expands the reach of our payment solutions through its technology- and relationship-led distribution channels. On March 1, 2021, we acquired Radius8, Inc. (“Radius8”), a provider of a platform that uses consumer location and other information to drive incremental merchant transactions. Radius8 is included within the Acceptance segment and enhances our ability to help merchants increase sales, expand mobile application registration and improve one-to-one target marketing. On January 22, 2021, we acquired a remaining ownership interest in Ondot Systems, Inc. (“Ondot”), a digital experience platform provider for financial institutions. We previously held a noncontrolling equity interest in Ondot, which was accounted for at cost. Ondot is included within the Payments segment and further expands our digital capabilities, enhancing our suite of integrated payments, banking and merchant solutions. We acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $882 million, net of $43 million of acquired cash and the fair value of our previously held equity interests of $36 million, and including earn-out provisions estimated at an aggregate fair value of $34 million. The results of operations for these acquired businesses are included in our consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisition.
On March 2, 2020, we acquired MerchantPro Express LLC (“MerchantPro”), an ISO that provides processing services, POS equipment and merchant cash advances to businesses across the United States. MerchantPro is included within the Acceptance segment and further expands our merchant services business. On March 18, 2020, we acquired Bypass Mobile, LLC (“Bypass”), an independent software vendor and innovator in enterprise POS systems for sports and entertainment venues, food service management providers and national restaurant chains. Bypass is included within the Acceptance segment and further enhances our ability to help businesses deliver seamless physical and digital customer experiences. On May 11, 2020, we acquired Inlet, LLC (“Inlet”), a provider of secure digital delivery solutions for enterprise and middle-market billers’ invoices and statements. Inlet is included within the Payments segment and further enhances our digital bill payment strategy. We acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $167 million, net of $2 million of acquired cash, and including earn-out provisions estimated at a fair value of $45 million. The results of operations for these acquired businesses are included in our consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisition.
On July 29, 2019, we acquired First Data for a total purchase price of $46.5 billion by acquiring 100% of the First Data stock that was issued and outstanding as of the date of acquisition. As a result of the acquisition, First Data stockholders received 286 million shares of common stock of Fiserv, Inc., at an exchange ratio of 0.303 shares of Fiserv, Inc. for each share of First Data common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. We also converted 15 million outstanding First Data equity awards into corresponding equity awards relating to common stock of Fiserv, Inc. in accordance with the exchange ratio. In addition, concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, we made a cash payment of $16.4 billion to repay existing First Data debt. We
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funded the transaction-related expenses and the repayment of First Data debt through a combination of available cash on-hand, proceeds from the issuance of senior notes, and term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings. The acquisition of First Data, included within the Acceptance and Payments segments, increases our footprint as a global payments and financial technology provider by expanding the portfolio of services provided to financial institutions, corporate and merchant clients and consumers.
In February 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining ownership interest in Finxact, Inc. (“Finxact”), a developer of cloud-native banking solutions powering digital transformation throughout financial services, for approximately $650 million. We expect the acquisition to close in 2022, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Upon closing of the acquisition, Finxact will be included within the Fintech segment. We expect to recognize a gain on the remeasurement of our previously held equity interest to its fair value at the acquisition date.
Dispositions
Effective July 1, 2020, we and Bank of America (“BANA”) dissolved the Banc of America Merchant Services joint venture (“BAMS” or the “joint venture”), of which we maintained a 51% controlling ownership interest. Upon dissolution of the joint venture’s operations, the joint venture transferred a proportionate share of value, primarily the client contracts, to each party via an agreed upon contractual separation. The transfer of value to BANA was accounted for at fair value, resulting in the recognition of a pre-tax gain of $36 million, with a related tax expense of $13 million. The remaining activities of the joint venture consist primarily of an orderly wind down of remaining BAMS assets and liabilities. The revenues and expenses of the BAMS joint venture were consolidated into our financial results though the date of dissolution. The business transferred to us continues to be operated and managed within our Acceptance segment.
We will continue to provide merchant processing and related services to former BAMS clients allocated to BANA, at BAMS pricing, through June 2023. We will also provide processing and other support services to new BANA merchant clients pursuant to a five-year non-exclusive agreement which, after June 2023, will also apply to the former BAMS clients allocated to BANA. In addition, both companies are entitled to certain transition services, at fair value, from each other through June 2023.
On February 18, 2020, we sold a 60% controlling interest of our Investment Services business, subsequently renamed as Tegra118, LLC (“Tegra118”), which is reported within Corporate and Other. We received pre-tax proceeds of $578 million, net of related expenses, resulting in a pre-tax gain on the sale of $428 million, with a related tax expense of $112 million. The revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Investment Services business were consolidated into our financial results through the date of the sale transaction, and is reported within Corporate and Other. On February 2, 2021, Tegra118 completed a merger with a third party, resulting in a dilution of our ownership interest in the combined new entity, Wealthtech Holdings, LLC, which was subsequently renamed as InvestCloud Holdings, LLC (“InvestCloud”). In connection with the transaction, we made an additional capital contribution of $200 million into the combined entity and recognized a pre-tax gain of $28 million, with a related tax expense of $6 million. On June 30, 2021, we sold our entire ownership interest in InvestCloud for $466 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $33 million, with a related tax expense of $8 million. We will continue to provide various technical and data center related services for defined periods under the terms of a pre-existing transition services agreement.
Enterprise Priorities
We aspire to move money and information in a way that moves the world by delivering superior value for our clients through leading technology, targeted innovation and excellence in everything we do. We achieve this through active portfolio management of our business, enhancing the overall value of our existing client relationships, improving operational effectiveness, being disciplined in our allocation of capital, and differentiating our products and services through innovation. Our long-term priorities are to (i) continue to build high-quality revenue while meeting our earnings goals; (ii) enhance client relationships with an emphasis on digital and payment solutions; (iii) deliver innovation and integration which enables differentiated value for our clients; and (iv) deliver integration value from acquisitions.
Industry Trends
The global payments landscape continues to evolve, with rapidly advancing technologies and a steady expansion of digital payments, e-commerce and innovation in real-time payments infrastructure. Because of this growth, competition also continues to evolve. Business and consumer expectations continue to rise, with a focus on convenience and security. To meet these expectations, payments companies are focused on modernizing their technology, expanding the use of data and enhancing the customer experience.
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Merchants
The rapid growth in and globalization of mobile and e-commerce, driven by consumers’ desire for convenient and efficient shopping experiences, has created an opportunity for merchants to reach consumers in high-growth online and mobile settings, which often requires a merchant acquiring provider to enable and optimize the acceptance of payments. Merchants are demanding simple, integrated and modern POS systems to help manage their everyday business operations. When combined with the ever-increasing ways a consumer can pay for goods and services, merchants have sought modern POS systems to streamline this complexity. Furthermore, merchants can now search, discover, compare, purchase and even install a new POS system through direct, digital-only experiences. This direct, digital-only channel is quickly becoming a source of new merchant acquisition opportunities, especially with respect to smaller merchants.
In addition, there are numerous software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) solutions in the industry, many of which have chosen to integrate merchant acquiring within their software as a way to further monetize their client relationships. SaaS solutions that integrate payments are often referred to as ISVs, and we believe there are thousands of these potential distribution partnership opportunities available to us.
We believe that our merchant acquiring products and solutions create compelling value propositions for merchant clients of all sizes, from small and mid-sized businesses (or “SMBs”) to medium-sized regional businesses to global enterprise merchants, and across all verticals. Furthermore, we believe that our sizable and diverse client base, combined with valued partnerships with merchant acquiring businesses of small, medium and large financial institutions, and non-financial institutions, gives us a solid foundation for growth.
Financial Institutions
Financial service providers regularly introduce and implement new payment, deposit, risk management, lending and investment products, and the distinctions among the products and services traditionally offered by different types of financial institutions continue to narrow as they seek to serve the same customers. At the same time, the evolving global regulatory and cybersecurity landscape has continued to create a challenging operating environment for financial institutions. These conditions are driving heightened interest in solutions that help financial institutions win and retain customers, generate incremental revenue, comply with regulations and enhance operating efficiency. Examples of these solutions include electronic payments and delivery methods such as internet, mobile and tablet banking, sometimes referred to as “digital channels,” which enable financial institutions to offer their customers an industry-leading digital banking experience.
The focus on digital channels by both financial institutions and their customers, as well as the growing volume and types of payment transactions in the marketplace, continues to elevate the data and transaction processing needs of financial institutions. We expect that financial institutions will continue to invest significant capital and human resources to process transactions, manage information, maintain regulatory compliance and offer innovative new services to their customers in this rapidly evolving and competitive environment. We anticipate that we will benefit over the long term from the trend of financial institutions moving from in-house technology to outsourced solutions as they seek to remain current on technology changes in an evolving marketplace. We believe that economies of scale in developing and maintaining the infrastructure, technology, products, services and networks necessary to be competitive in such an environment are essential to justify these investments, and we anticipate that demand for products that facilitate customer interaction with financial institutions, including a unified, seamless customer experience across mobile and online channels, will continue to increase, which we expect to create revenue opportunities for us.
In addition to the trends described above, during the past 25 years, the number of financial institutions in the United States has declined at a relatively steady rate of approximately 3% per year, primarily as a result of voluntary mergers and acquisitions. Rather than reducing the overall market, these consolidations have transferred accounts among financial institutions. If a client loss occurs due to merger or acquisition, we typically receive a contract termination fee based on the size of the client and how early in the contract term the contract is terminated. These fees can vary from period to period with the variance depending on the quantum of financial institution merger activity in a given period and whether or not our clients are involved in the activity. Our focus on long-term client relationships and recurring, transaction-oriented products and services has also reduced the impact that consolidation in the financial services industry has had on us. We believe that the integration of our products and services creates a compelling value proposition for our clients by providing, among other things, new sources of revenue and opportunities to reduce their costs. Furthermore, we believe that our sizable and diverse client base, combined with our position as a leading provider of non-discretionary, recurring revenue-based products and services, gives us a solid foundation for growth.
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Recent Market Conditions
Since early 2020, the world has been, and continues to be, impacted by the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, and various measures imposed by the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions to prevent its spread, have, among other matters, negatively impacted consumer and business spending and, as a result, our operating performance, primarily within our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses, which earn transaction-based fees.
We experienced a significant decrease in payments volume and transactions beginning in late March 2020 that negatively impacted our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses as well as modest declines in other businesses. Merchant acquiring transaction and payment volumes began to partially recover throughout the remainder of 2020 and have continued to grow throughout 2021. Accordingly, our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses were less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021 than they were throughout most of fiscal 2020. While this current business trend is positive, the extent of the adverse impact of the pandemic on our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition will depend on, among other matters, the duration and intensity of the pandemic; the level of success of global vaccination efforts; governmental and private sector responses to the pandemic and the impact of such responses on us; and the impact of the pandemic on our employees, clients, vendors, supply chain, operations and sales, all of which are uncertain, difficult to predict and may remain prevalent for a significant period of time even after the pandemic subsides, including due to a continued or prolonged recession in the U.S. or other major economies.
In 2021, we began observing increasing shortages and delays in the global supply chain for components and inputs necessary to our businesses, such as semiconductors, paper and plastic, and may experience difficulty procuring those components and inputs in the future on a timely basis or at historical prices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused us to modify our business practices, including restricting travel, limiting non-essential visitors to our facilities, disinfecting facilities, providing onsite testing and personal protective equipment to employees, establishing a variety of safety protocols at facilities, and requiring U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated unless they have an approved medical, religious, or state exemption.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our consolidated financial statements, including for recently adopted accounting pronouncements, and base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions that we believe are reasonable in light of current circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ materially from these estimates.
Acquisitions
From time to time, we make strategic acquisitions that may have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position. We allocate the purchase price of acquired businesses to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction at their estimated fair values. The estimates used to determine the fair value of long-lived assets, such as intangible assets, can be complex and require significant judgments. We use information available to us to make fair value determinations and engage independent valuation specialists, when necessary, to assist in the fair value determination of significant acquired long-lived assets. The determination of fair value requires estimates about discount rates, growth and retention rates, royalty rates, expected future cash flows and other future events that are judgmental in nature. While we use our best estimates and assumptions as a part of the purchase price allocation process, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of income. We are also required to estimate the useful lives of intangible assets to determine the amount of acquisition-related intangible asset amortization expense to record in future periods. We periodically review the estimated useful lives assigned to our intangible assets to determine whether such estimated useful lives continue to be appropriate. Additional information regarding our acquisitions is included in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We review the carrying value of goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, which is one level below our
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reportable segments. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we consider the prior test’s amount of excess fair value over the carrying value of each reporting unit, the period of time since a reporting unit’s last quantitative test, the extent a reorganization or disposition changes the composition of one or more of our reporting units, and other factors to determine whether or not to first perform a qualitative test. When performing a qualitative test, we assess numerous factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are less than their respective carrying values. Examples of qualitative factors that we assess include our share price, our financial performance, market and competitive factors in our industry and other events specific to our reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test.
The quantitative impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, and recognizes an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We determine the fair value of a reporting unit using both a discounted cash flow analysis and a market approach. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which include assumptions regarding the revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate estimated future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates and future economic and market conditions.
Our most recent annual impairment assessment of our reporting units in the fourth quarter of 2021 determined that our goodwill of $36.4 billion was not impaired as the estimated fair values of the respective reporting units exceeded the carrying values. However, for three of our reporting units that were acquired as part of the First Data acquisition, with aggregate goodwill of $11.1 billion, the excess of the respective reporting unit’s fair value over carrying value ranged from 8 to 21 percent. If future operating performance is below our expectations or there are changes to forecasted revenue growth rates, risk-adjusted discount rates, effective income tax rates, merchant alliance agreements or some combination thereof, a decline in the fair value of the reporting units could result in, and we may be required to record, a goodwill impairment charge. It is also reasonably possible that future developments related to the interest rate environment or the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain of our recently acquired (recorded at fair value) First Data businesses, such as an increased duration and intensity of the pandemic and/or government-imposed restrictions, could have a future material impact on one or more of the estimates and assumptions used to evaluate goodwill impairment. We have no accumulated goodwill impairment through December 31, 2021. Additional information regarding our goodwill is included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
We review intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. We review capitalized software development costs for impairment at each reporting date. Recoverability of intangible assets is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to either the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the net realizable value of the asset, depending on the type of asset. Determining future cash flows and net realizable values involves judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions regarding future economic and market conditions. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on estimated fair value. Given the significance of our goodwill and intangible asset balances, an adverse change in fair value could result in an impairment charge, which could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. As a practical expedient, we do not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component if, at contract inception, the period between customer payment and the transfer of goods or services is expected to be one year or less. Contracts with customers are evaluated on a contract-by-contract basis as contracts may include multiple types of goods and services as described below.
Processing and Services
Processing and services revenue is generated from account- and transaction-based fees for data processing, merchant transaction processing and acquiring, electronic billing and payment services, electronic funds transfer and debit/credit processing services; consulting and professional services; and software maintenance for ongoing client support.
We recognize processing and services revenues in the period in which the specific service is performed unless they are not deemed distinct from other goods or services, in which case revenue would then be recognized as control is transferred of the combined goods and services. Our arrangements for processing and services typically consist of an obligation to provide specific services to our customers on a when- and if-needed basis (a stand-ready obligation) and revenue is recognized from the satisfaction of the performance obligations in the amount billable to the customer. These services are typically provided under a fixed or declining (tier-based) price per unit based on volume of service; however, pricing for services may also be based on minimum monthly usage fees. Fees for our processing and services arrangements are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis.
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Product
Product revenue is generated from print and card production sales, as well as software license and hardware (POS devices) sales. For software license agreements that are distinct, we recognize software license revenue upon delivery, assuming a contract is deemed to exist. Revenue for arrangements with customers that include significant customization, modification or production of software such that the software is not distinct is typically recognized over time based upon efforts expended, such as labor hours, to measure progress towards completion. For arrangements involving hosted licensed software for the customer, a software element is considered present to the extent the customer has the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty and it is feasible for the customer to either operate the software on their own hardware or contract with another vendor to host the software. We sell or lease hardware (POS devices) and other peripherals as part of our contracts with customers. Hardware typically consists of terminals or Clover devices. We do not manufacture hardware, rather we purchase hardware from third-party vendors and hold such hardware in inventory until purchased by a customer. We account for sales of hardware as a separate performance obligation and recognize the revenue at its standalone selling price when the customer obtains control of the hardware.
Significant Judgments
We use the following methods, inputs and assumptions in determining amounts of revenue to recognize. For multi-element arrangements, we account for individual goods or services as a separate performance obligation if they are distinct, the good or service is separately identifiable from other items in the arrangement, and if a customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation. Determining whether goods or services are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately may require significant judgment.
Technology or service components from third parties are frequently embedded in or combined with our applications or service offerings. Whether we recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer or the net amount retained involves judgment that depends on the relevant facts and circumstances including the level of contractual responsibilities and obligations for delivering solutions to end customers to determine whether we obtain control of goods and services prior to their transfer to a customer.
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring products or services to the customer. We include any fixed charges within our contracts as part of the total transaction price. To the extent that variable consideration is not constrained, we include an estimate of the variable amount, as appropriate, within the total transaction price and update our assumptions over the duration of the contract. We may constrain the estimated transaction price in the event of a high degree of uncertainty as to the final consideration amount owed because of an extended length of time over which the fees may be adjusted. The transaction price (including any discounts or rebates) is allocated between distinct goods and services in a multi-element arrangement based on their relative standalone selling prices. For items that are not sold separately, we estimate the standalone selling prices using available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines. Significant judgment may be required to determine standalone selling prices for each performance obligation and whether it depicts the amount we expect to receive in exchange for the related good or service.
Contract modifications occur when we and our customers agree to modify existing customer contracts to change the scope or price (or both) of the contract or when a customer terminates some, or all, of the existing services provided by us. When a contract modification occurs, it requires us to exercise judgment to determine if the modification should be accounted for as (i) a separate contract, (ii) the termination of the original contract and creation of a new contract, or (iii) a cumulative catch up adjustment to the original contract. Further, contract modifications require the identification and evaluation of the performance obligations of the modified contract, including the allocation of revenue to the remaining performance obligations and the period of recognition for each identified performance obligation.
Additional information regarding our revenue recognition policies is included in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
The determination of our provision for income taxes requires management’s judgment in the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws, sometimes made more complex by our global footprint. Judgment is also required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. We establish a liability for known tax exposures relating to deductions, transactions and other matters involving some uncertainty as to the proper tax treatment of the item. In establishing a liability for known tax exposures, assumptions are made in determining whether, and the extent to which, a tax position will be sustained. A tax benefit with respect to a tax position is recognized only when it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority, based on its technical merits, considering the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date. The amount of tax benefit recognized reflects the largest benefit that we
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believe is more likely than not to be realized on settlement with the relevant taxing authority. As new information becomes available, we evaluate our tax positions and adjust our liability for known tax exposures as appropriate.
We maintain net operating loss carryforwards in various taxing jurisdictions, resulting in the establishment of deferred tax assets. We establish a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets when, based upon the weight of all available evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making this determination, we have considered the relative impact of all of the available positive and negative evidence regarding future sources of taxable income and available tax planning strategies. However, there could be a material impact to our effective tax rate if there is a significant change in our judgment. To the extent our judgment changes, the valuation allowances are then adjusted, generally through the provision for income taxes, in the period in which the change in facts and circumstances occurs. Additional information regarding our income taxes is included in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
Components of Revenue and Expenses
The following summary describes the components of revenue and expenses as presented in our consolidated statements of income.
Processing and Services
Processing and services revenue, which in 2021 represented 82% of our total revenue, is primarily generated from account- and transaction-based fees under multi-year contracts. Processing and services revenue is most reflective of our business performance as a significant amount of our total operating profit is generated by these services. Cost of processing and services includes costs directly associated with providing services to clients and includes the following: personnel; equipment and data communication; infrastructure costs, including costs to maintain software applications; client support; certain depreciation and amortization; and other operating expenses.
Product
Product revenue, which in 2021 represented 18% of our total revenue, is primarily derived from print and card production sales, as well as software license and hardware (primarily POS devices) sales. Cost of product includes costs directly associated with the products sold and includes the following: costs of materials, postage and software development; hardware costs (primarily POS devices); personnel; infrastructure costs; certain depreciation and amortization; and other costs directly associated with product revenue.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of: salaries, wages, commissions and related expenses paid to sales personnel, administrative employees and management; third-party commissions; advertising and promotional costs; certain depreciation and amortization; and other selling and administrative expenses.
Synergies from the First Data Acquisition
Following the acquisition of First Data, we have continued to implement our post-merger integration plans to achieve synergies and future expected economic benefits, including enhanced revenue growth from expanded capabilities and geographic presence as well as substantial cost savings from the elimination of duplicative overhead and enhanced operational efficiency. As of December 31, 2021, we have achieved 80% of our $600 million revenue synergy target and expect to attain the remaining revenue synergies by the end of 2022. In addition, we have completed the integration activities associated with the achievement of cost synergies, having actioned $1.2 billion in cost synergies as of December 31, 2021, and we expect to incur lower acquisition and integration related costs in 2022.
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Financial Results
The following table presents certain amounts included in our consolidated statements of income, the relative percentage that those amounts represent to revenue and the change in those amounts from year to year. This section discusses fiscal year 2021 compared to 2020. Discussions of fiscal year 2020 compared to 2019 can be found in Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for fiscal year 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2021. This information should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The financial results presented below have been affected by acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency fluctuations.
| (In millions) | Percentage of Revenue (1) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing and services | $ | 13,307 | $ | 12,215 | 82.0 | % | 82.2 | % | $ | 1,092 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 2,919 | 2,637 | 18.0 | % | 17.8 | % | 282 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 16,226 | 14,852 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 1,374 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of processing and services | 6,084 | 5,841 | 45.7 | % | 47.8 | % | 243 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product | 2,044 | 1,971 | 70.0 | % | 74.7 | % | 73 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub-total | 8,128 | 7,812 | 50.1 | % | 52.6 | % | 316 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 5,810 | 5,652 | 35.8 | % | 38.1 | % | 158 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of businesses | — | (464) | — | % | (3.1) | % | (464) | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 13,938 | 13,000 | 85.9 | % | 87.5 | % | 938 | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 2,288 | 1,852 | 14.1 | % | 12.5 | % | 436 | 24 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (693) | (709) | (4.3) | % | (4.8) | % | (16) | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | 71 | 28 | 0.4 | % | 0.2 | % | 43 | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 1,666 | 1,171 | 10.3 | % | 7.9 | % | 495 | 42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision | (363) | (196) | (2.2) | % | (1.3) | % | 167 | 85 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 100 | — | 0.6 | % | — | % | 100 | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 1,403 | 975 | 8.6 | % | 6.6 | % | 428 | 44 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 69 | 17 | 0.4 | % | 0.1 | % | 52 | n/m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. | $ | 1,334 | $ | 958 | 8.2 | % | 6.5 | % | $ | 376 | 39 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Percentage of revenue is calculated as the relevant revenue, expense, income amount divided by total revenue, except for cost of processing and services and cost of product amounts, which are divided by the related component of revenue.
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| (In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 6,479 | $ | 3,022 | $ | 5,833 | $ | 892 | $ | 16,226 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 5,522 | 2,901 | 5,504 | 925 | 14,852 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue growth: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 957 | $ | 121 | $ | 329 | $ | (33) | $ | 1,374 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 percentage | 17 | % | 4 | % | 6 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 1,996 | $ | 1,081 | $ | 2,557 | $ | (3,346) | $ | 2,288 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 1,427 | 992 | 2,361 | (2,928) | 1,852 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income growth: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 569 | $ | 89 | $ | 196 | $ | (418) | $ | 436 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 percentage | 40 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | 24 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 30.8 | % | 35.8 | % | 43.8 | % | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 25.9 | % | 34.2 | % | 42.9 | % | 12.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin growth: (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 490 | bps | 160 | bps | 90 | bps | 160 | bps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents the basis point growth or decline in operating margin.
Operating margin percentages are calculated using actual, unrounded amounts.
Total Revenue
Total revenue increased $1,374 million, or 9%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The revenue increase was primarily due to improved payment and transaction volumes across all of our business segments, partially offset by the loss of revenue attributable to dispositions that had revenue of $155 million in 2020. In addition, the revenue in our merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses were more adversely affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 than during 2021.
Revenue in our Acceptance segment increased $957 million, or 17%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The revenue increase was primarily due to growth from improved merchant acquiring payment and transaction volumes, partially offset by a reduction in revenue of 2% from the July 2020 dissolution of the BAMS joint venture.
Revenue in our Fintech segment increased $121 million, or 4%, in 2021 compared to 2020, driven by recurring revenue growth from higher processing revenue across our Fintech businesses.
Revenue in our Payments segment increased $329 million, or 6%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Payments segment revenue growth was driven by revenue contributions of 3% from our debit processing business primarily attributable to increased transaction volumes and favorable pricing. Increased volumes also drove favorable revenue growth across our remaining Payments segment businesses, other than in our bill payment business which partially offset revenue growth by 1% in 2021.
Revenue at Corporate and Other decreased $33 million, or 4%, in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to the disposition of a 60% controlling interest of our Investment Services business.
Total Expenses
Total expenses increased $938 million, or 7%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Total expenses in 2020 included a 3% benefit from gains on sale of businesses. Total expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased by 160 basis points to 85.9% in 2021 compared to 2020. Total expenses as a percentage of total revenue in 2021 decreased primarily as a result of operating efficiencies and cost savings from First Data acquisition-related cost synergies.
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Cost of processing and services as a percentage of processing and services revenue decreased to 45.7% in 2021 compared to 47.8% in 2020. Cost of processing and services as a percentage of processing and services revenue was favorably impacted in 2021 due primarily to strong operating leverage, including cost synergies, across our businesses, partially offset by increased acquisition and integration related expenses of approximately 80 basis points in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Cost of product as a percentage of product revenue decreased to 70.0% in 2021 compared to 74.7% in 2020. The cost of product as a percentage of product revenue improved in 2021 as a result of revenue mix.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 35.8% in 2021 compared to 38.1% in 2020. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue in 2021 was primarily due to strong operating leverage and operating efficiencies across our businesses, along with approximately 90 basis points from decreased acquisition and integration related expenses and approximately 20 basis points from lower employee termination costs in 2021.
The gains on sale of businesses in 2020 resulted from a gain of $428 million on the sale of a 60% interest of our Investment Services business in February 2020 and a gain of $36 million on the dissolution of BAMS in July 2020.
Operating Income and Operating Margin
Total operating income increased $436 million, or 24%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Total operating margin increased 160 basis points to 14.1% in 2021 compared to 2020. Total operating income and total operating margin benefited from improved operating leverage accompanying scalable revenue growth in 2021, as well as from operating efficiencies as noted above. Total operating income and total operating margin were also impacted by a $428 million gain on the sale of a 60% interest of our Investment Services business in February 2020 and a $36 million gain on the dissolution of BAMS in July 2020.
Operating income in our Acceptance segment increased $569 million, or 40%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin increased 490 basis points to 30.8% in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin growth in 2021 was primarily due to revenue growth as noted above.
Operating income in our Fintech segment increased $89 million, or 9%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin increased 160 basis points to 35.8% in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin improvement in 2021 was driven by scalable revenue growth discussed above, along with expense management initiatives across the segment, including lower personnel costs of approximately 60 basis points.
Operating income in our Payments segment increased $196 million, or 8%, in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin increased 90 basis points to 43.8% in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin growth in 2021 was primarily attributable to operating efficiencies and cost synergies.
The operating loss in Corporate and Other increased $418 million in 2021 compared to 2020. Corporate and Other was favorably impacted in the prior year by a $428 million gain on the sale of a 60% interest of our Investment Services business in February 2020 and a $36 million gain on the dissolution of BAMS in July 2020.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net decreased $16 million, or 2%, in 2021 compared to 2020 due to lower effective interest rates on outstanding borrowings.
Other Income
Other income increased $43 million in 2021 compared to 2020. Other income includes net foreign currency transaction gains and losses, gains or losses from a change in fair value of investments in certain equity securities, and amounts related to debt guarantee arrangements of certain joint ventures. Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) were $12 million and ($20) million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other income in 2021 includes $12 million related to a pre-tax gain on the remeasurement of a previously held investment in Ondot to fair value upon acquiring the remaining ownership interest in the entity and $20 million related to a gain on sale of investments in certain equity securities. Other income in 2020 includes $19 million related to a pre-tax gain on the sale of certain lease receivables.
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Income Tax Provision
Income tax provision as a percentage of income before income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates was 21.8% and 16.7% in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily the result of $134 million of income tax expense attributed to the revaluation of certain net deferred tax liabilities in connection with corporate income tax rate changes enacted in 2021 in the United Kingdom (tax rate increased from 19% to 25% starting in 2023) and Argentina (tax rate increased from 25% to 35%).
Income from Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Our share of net income from affiliates accounted for using the equity method of accounting is reported as income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates and the related tax expense is reported within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of income. Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including acquired intangible asset amortization from valuations in purchase accounting, was $100 million and $0 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates was favorably impacted by improved operating results within the unconsolidated affiliates in 2021. Additionally, income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates in 2021 included a $33 million pre-tax gain resulting from the sale of our remaining ownership interest in InvestCloud and a $28 million pre-tax gain resulting from the dilution of our ownership interest in connection with the Tegra118 merger with a third party.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests relates to the minority partners’ share of the net income in our consolidated subsidiaries. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including acquired intangible asset amortization from valuations in purchase accounting, was $69 million and $17 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to improved operating results within the consolidated subsidiaries.
Net Income Per Share - Diluted
Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share-diluted was $1.99 and $1.40 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share-diluted increased in 2021 primarily as a result of the improved operating results discussed above. Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share-diluted in 2020 included a gain from the sale of a 60% interest of our Investment Services business and a gain on the dissolution of BAMS.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our primary liquidity needs in the ordinary course of business are to: (i) fund normal operating expenses; (ii) meet the interest and principal requirements of our outstanding indebtedness, including finance leases; and (iii) fund capital expenditures and operating lease payments. We believe these needs will be satisfied in both the short term and the long term using cash flow generated by our operations, along with our cash and cash equivalents of $835 million, proceeds from the issuance of U.S. and Euro commercial paper notes, and available capacity under our revolving credit facility of $1.6 billion (net of outstanding balance and $1.8 billion of capacity designated for outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper notes programs) at December 31, 2021. The following table summarizes our operating cash flow and capital expenditure amounts for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Our net cash provided by operating activities, or operating cash flow, was $4.0 billion in 2021, a decrease of 3% compared with $4.1 billion in 2020. This decrease was primarily attributable to higher working capital use compared to the prior year, including increased accounts receivable corresponding to revenue growth, and higher income tax payments following consumption of certain federal net operating loss carryforwards, partially offset by improved operating results.
| Year Ended December 31, | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,403 | $ | 975 | $ | 428 | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,248 | 3,257 | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 239 | 369 | (130) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (262) | 71 | (333) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of businesses | — | (464) | 464 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | (100) | — | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates | 34 | 42 | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash impairment charges | 15 | 124 | (109) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net changes in working capital and other | (543) | (227) | (316) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flow | $ | 4,034 | $ | 4,147 | $ | (113) | (3) | % | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures, including capitalized software and other intangibles | $ | 1,160 | $ | 900 | $ | 260 | 29 | % | |||||||||||||||
Our current policy is to use our operating cash flow to primarily fund capital expenditures, share repurchases, acquisitions and to repay debt rather than to pay dividends. Our capital expenditures were approximately 7% and 6% of our total revenue in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Cash Requirements
The following table details our future cash requirements under certain contractual obligations at December 31, 2021:
| (In millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt including interest (1) (2) | $ | 25,822 | $ | 983 | $ | 8,045 | $ | 4,411 | $ | 12,383 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum finance lease payments (1) | 470 | 138 | 273 | 59 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum operating lease payments (1) (3) | 845 | 125 | 213 | 156 | 351 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations (1) | 1,727 | 753 | 697 | 152 | 125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax obligations | 124 | 23 | 26 | 37 | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 28,988 | $ | 2,022 | $ | 9,254 | $ | 4,815 | $ | 12,897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Interest, finance lease, operating lease and purchase obligations are reported on a pre-tax basis.
(2)The calculations assume that only mandatory debt repayments are made, no additional refinancing or lending occurs, except for our receivable securitized loan due in July 2022, 3.50% notes due in October 2022, and U.S. and Euro commercial paper notes programs as we have the intent to refinance this debt on a long-term basis and the ability to do so under our revolving credit facility maturing in September 2023, and the variable rate on the revolving credit facility and term loans are priced at the rate in effect at December 31, 2021.
Share Repurchases
We purchased a total of $2.6 billion and $1.6 billion of our common stock in 2021 and 2020, respectively. At December 31, 2021, we had approximately 42.3 million shares remaining under our current repurchase authorizations. Shares repurchased are generally held for issuance in connection with our equity plans.
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Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions
In November 2021 we acquired BentoBox, in October 2021 we acquired AIP, in June 2021 we acquired SpendLabs, in May 2021 we acquired Pineapple Payments, and in March 2021 we acquired Radius8. Additionally, in November 2021, we acquired a remaining ownership interest in NetPay, and in January 2021, we acquired a remaining ownership interest in Ondot, in which we previously held noncontrolling equity interests. We acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $882 million, net of $43 million of acquired cash and the fair value of our previously held equity interests of $36 million, and including earn-out provisions estimated at an aggregate fair value of $34 million. We funded these acquisitions by utilizing a combination of available cash, commercial paper notes and existing availability under our revolving credit facility. The results of operations for these acquired businesses are included in our consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisition.
In May 2020, we acquired Inlet and, in March 2020, we acquired MerchantPro and Bypass. We acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $167 million, net of $2 million of acquired cash, and including earn-out provisions estimated at a fair value of $45 million. We funded these acquisitions by utilizing a combination of available cash and existing availability under our revolving credit facility. The results of operations for these acquired businesses are included in our consolidated results from the respective dates of acquisition.
On July 29, 2019, we acquired First Data for a total purchase price of $46.5 billion by acquiring 100% of the First Data stock that was issued and outstanding as of the date of acquisition. As a result of the acquisition, First Data stockholders received 286 million shares of common stock of Fiserv, Inc., at an exchange ratio of 0.303 shares of Fiserv, Inc. for each share of First Data common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. We also converted 15 million outstanding First Data equity awards into corresponding equity awards relating to common stock of Fiserv, Inc. in accordance with the exchange ratio. In addition, concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, we made a cash payment of $16.4 billion to repay existing First Data debt. We funded the transaction-related expenses and the repayment of First Data debt through a combination of available cash on-hand, proceeds from the issuance of senior notes, and term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings.
In February 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining ownership interest in Finxact for approximately $650 million, which we expect to close later in 2022, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. We plan to fund this acquisition by utilizing a combination of available cash and available borrowing capacity.
Dispositions
Effective July 1, 2020, we and BANA dissolved the BAMS joint venture, of which we maintained a 51% controlling ownership interest. Upon dissolution of the joint venture’s operations, the joint venture transferred a proportionate share of value, primarily the client contracts, to each party via an agreed upon contractual separation. The remaining activities of the joint venture consist primarily of an orderly wind down of remaining BAMS assets and liabilities. The revenues and expenses of the BAMS joint venture were consolidated into our financial results through the date of dissolution. The business transferred to us is included within our Acceptance segment. We continue to provide merchant processing and related services to former BAMS clients allocated to BANA, at BAMS pricing, through June 2023. We will also provide processing and other support services to new BANA merchant clients pursuant to a five-year non-exclusive agreement which, after June 2023, will also apply to the former BAMS clients allocated to BANA. In addition, both companies are entitled to certain transition services, at fair value, from each other through June 2023.
In February 2020, we sold a 60% controlling interest of our Investment Services business, subsequently renamed as Tegra118. We received pre-tax proceeds of $578 million, net of related expenses, resulting in a pre-tax gain on the sale of $428 million, with the related tax expense of $112 million. The revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Investment Services business were consolidated into our financial results through the date of the sale transaction. The net proceeds from the sale were primarily used to repurchase shares of our common stock. In February 2021, Tegra118 completed a merger with a third party, resulting in a dilution of our ownership interest in the combined new entity, Wealthtech Holdings, LLC, which was subsequently renamed as InvestCloud. In connection with the transaction, we made an additional capital contribution, funded under our revolving credit facility, of $200 million into the combined entity and recognized a pre-tax gain of $28 million, with a related tax expense of $6 million. In June 2021, we sold our entire ownership interest in InvestCloud for $466 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $33 million, with a related tax expense of $8 million. The net proceeds from the sale were primarily used to pay down outstanding borrowings on our term loan facility.
We maintain a 45% ownership interest in Sagent M&C, LLC and a 31% ownership interest in defi SOLUTIONS Group, LLC (collectively, the “Lending Joint Ventures”). The Lending Joint Ventures maintain variable-rate term loan facilities with aggregate outstanding borrowings of $365 million in senior unsecured debt and variable-rate revolving credit facilities with an aggregate borrowing capacity of $45 million with a syndicate of banks, which mature in March 2023. Outstanding borrowings
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on the revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2021 were $16 million. We have guaranteed this debt of the Lending Joint Ventures and do not anticipate that the Lending Joint Ventures will fail to fulfill their debt obligations. We maintain a liability for the estimated fair value of our non-contingent obligations to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee arrangements. Such guarantees will be amortized in future periods over the contractual term, based upon amounts to be received by us for the respective guarantees. In addition, we maintain a contingent liability representing the current expected credit losses to which we are exposed. This contingent liability is estimated based on certain financial metrics of the Lending Joint Ventures and historical industry data, which is used to develop assumptions of the likelihood the guaranteed parties will default and the level of credit losses in the event a default occurs. We have not made any payments under the guarantees, nor have we been called upon to do so.
Indebtedness
Our debt consisted of the following at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term and current maturities of long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign lines of credit | $ | 240 | $ | 144 | ||||||||||
| Finance lease and other financing obligations | 268 | 240 | ||||||||||||
| Total short-term and current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 508 | $ | 384 | ||||||||||
| Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||
| 4.750% senior notes due June 2021 | $ | — | $ | 400 | ||||||||||
| 3.500% senior notes due October 2022 | 700 | 700 | ||||||||||||
| 0.375% senior notes due July 2023 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
| 3.800% senior notes due October 2023 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
| 2.750% senior notes due July 2024 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
| 3.850% senior notes due June 2025 | 900 | 900 | ||||||||||||
| 2.250% senior notes due July 2025 (British Pound-denominated) | 705 | 709 | ||||||||||||
| 3.200% senior notes due July 2026 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
| 2.250% senior notes due June 2027 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
| 1.125% senior notes due July 2027 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
| 4.200% senior notes due October 2028 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
| 3.500% senior notes due July 2029 | 3,000 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
| 2.650% senior notes due June 2030 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
| 1.625% senior notes due July 2030 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
| 3.000% senior notes due July 2031 (British Pound-denominated) | 705 | 709 | ||||||||||||
| 4.400% senior notes due July 2049 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. commercial paper notes | 916 | — | ||||||||||||
| Euro commercial paper notes | 905 | — | ||||||||||||
| Revolving credit facility | 97 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Receivable securitized loan | 500 | 425 | ||||||||||||
| Term loan facility | 200 | 1,250 | ||||||||||||
| Unamortized discount and deferred financing costs | (125) | (155) | ||||||||||||
| Finance lease and other financing obligations | 528 | 504 | ||||||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | 20,729 | $ | 20,300 | ||||||||||
At December 31, 2021, our debt consisted primarily of $17.7 billion of fixed rate senior notes, $1.8 billion of outstanding borrowings under our U.S. and Euro commercial paper notes programs and $500 million under our receivables securitized loan. Interest on our U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes is paid semi-annually, while interest on our Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes is paid annually. Interest on our revolving credit facility and commercial paper notes is paid weekly, or more frequently on occasion, and interest on our term loans is paid monthly. Outstanding borrowings under our 3.50% senior notes due in October 2022, the receivable securitized loan which matures in July 2022, and U.S and Euro commercial paper notes programs are classified in the consolidated balance sheet as long-term, as we have the intent to refinance these notes on a
41
long-term basis through the continued issuance of new commercial paper notes upon maturity, and we also have the ability to refinance such notes under our revolving credit facility, which expires in September 2023. Our 4.75% senior notes due in June 2021 were classified in the consolidated balance sheet as long-term at December 31, 2020, as we had the intent and ability to refinance this debt on a long-term basis. These notes were subsequently refinanced in June 2021 through the issuance of U.S. commercial paper notes and proceeds obtained from the sale of our remaining ownership interest in InvestCloud.
We were in compliance with all financial debt covenants during 2021. Our ability to meet future debt covenant requirements will depend on our continued ability to generate earnings and cash flows. We expect to remain in compliance with all terms and conditions associated with our outstanding debt, including financial debt covenants.
Senior Notes
We have outstanding $17.7 billion of various fixed-rate senior notes, as described above. The indentures governing our senior notes contain covenants that, among other matters, limit (i) our ability to consolidate or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, another person, (ii) our and certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to create or assume liens, and (iii) our and certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in sale and leaseback transactions. We may, at our option, redeem the senior notes, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time prior to the applicable maturity date. The interest rate applicable to certain of the senior notes is subject to an increase of up to two percent in the event that the credit rating assigned to such notes is downgraded below investment grade.
Commercial Paper
We initiated an unsecured U.S. dollar commercial paper program in May 2021 and an unsecured Euro commercial paper program in November 2021. From time to time, we may issue under these programs U.S. dollar commercial paper with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issuance and Euro commercial paper with maturities of up to 183 days from the date of issuance. We use the proceeds of commercial paper issued under these programs to pay down other outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. Outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper programs bear interest at a fixed rate based on the prevailing rates at the time of issuance of the relevant commercial paper. Outstanding borrowings under the U.S. dollar program were $916 million at December 31, 2021, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.295%. Outstanding borrowings under the Euro program were $905 million at December 31, 2021, with a weighted average interest rate of (0.420)%, with maturities generally ranging from one day to four months. We intend to maintain available capacity under our revolving credit facility in an amount at least equal to the outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper programs.
Revolving Credit Facility
We maintain an amended and restated revolving credit facility, which matures in September 2023, with aggregate commitments available for $3.5 billion of total capacity. U.S. dollar borrowings under the amended and restated revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, typically at the overnight or 1-month rates, or a base rate, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on our long-term debt rating in effect from time to time. Foreign currency borrowings under the amended and restated revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on a benchmark applicable to the relevant currency, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on our long-term debt rating in effect from time to time. The variable interest rate on the revolving credit facility borrowings was 1.16% at December 31, 2021. There are no significant commitment fees and no compensating balance requirements. The amended and restated revolving credit facility contains various restrictions and covenants that require us, among other things, to (i) limit our consolidated indebtedness as of the end of each fiscal quarter to no more than three and one-half times our consolidated net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and expenses and certain other adjustments (“EBITDA”) during the period of four fiscal quarters then ended, subject to certain exceptions, and (ii) maintain EBITDA of at least three times our consolidated interest expense as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the period of four fiscal quarters then ended.
Foreign Lines of Credit and Other Arrangements
We maintain certain short-term lines of credit with foreign banks and alliance partners primarily to fund settlement activity. These arrangements are primarily associated with international operations and are in various functional currencies, the most significant of which is the Argentine peso. We had amounts outstanding on these lines of credit totaling $240 million and $144 million at a weighted-average interest rate of 21.01% and 21.98% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Receivable Securitized Loan
We maintain a consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary, First Data Receivables, LLC (“FDR”). FDR is a party to certain receivables financing arrangements, including an agreement (“Receivables Financing Agreement”) with certain financial
42
institutions and other persons from time to time party thereto as lenders and group agents, pursuant to which certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have agreed to transfer and contribute receivables to FDR, and FDR in turn may obtain borrowings from the financial institutions and other lender parties to the Receivables Financing Agreement secured by liens on those receivables. FDR’s assets are not available to satisfy the obligations of any other of our entities or affiliates, and FDR’s creditors would be entitled, upon its liquidation, to be satisfied out of FDR’s assets prior to any assets or value in FDR becoming available to us. FDR held $1.0 billion and $811 million in receivables as part of the securitization program at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. FDR utilized the receivables as collateral in borrowings of $500 million and $425 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, at an average interest rate of 0.95% and 1.00%, respectively. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a specified margin. At December 31, 2021, the collateral capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement was $747 million, and the maximum borrowing capacity was $500 million. The term of the Receivables Financing Agreement is through July 2022.
Term Loan Facility
We maintain a term loan credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions that was funded in conjunction with the acquisition of First Data in an original principal amount of $5.0 billion. Following various amortization payments and prepayments, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under such agreement was $200 million at December 31, 2021. Borrowings under the term loan facility bear interest at variable rates based on one-month LIBOR or on a base rate, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on our long-term debt rating in effect from time to time, and will mature in July 2024. The variable interest rate on the term loan facility borrowings was 1.35% at December 31, 2021. A portion of the net proceeds from our 2021 issuances of commercial paper, as described above, was used to pay down outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. The term loan credit facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, and events of default, that are substantially the same as those set forth in our existing amended and restated revolving credit facility, as described above.
Other
Access to capital markets impacts our cost of capital, our ability to refinance maturing debt and our ability to fund future acquisitions. Our ability to access capital on favorable terms depends on a number of factors, including general market conditions, interest rates, credit ratings on our debt securities, perception of our potential future earnings and the market price of our common stock. As of December 31, 2021, we had a corporate credit rating of Baa2 with a stable outlook from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and BBB with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) on our senior unsecured debt securities. As of December 31, 2021, we had a commercial paper credit rating of P-2 from Moody’s and A-2 from S&P.
The interest rates payable on certain of our senior notes, our term loan, commercial paper notes programs and our revolving credit facility are subject to adjustment from time to time if Moody’s or S&P changes the debt rating applicable to the notes. If the ratings from Moody’s or S&P decrease below investment grade, the per annum interest rates on the senior notes are subject to increase by up to two percent. In no event will the total increase in the per annum interest rates exceed two percent above the original interest rates, nor will the per annum interest rate be reduced below the original interest rate applicable to the senior notes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Investments, exclusive of settlement assets, with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to cash are considered to be cash equivalents as reflected within our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we held $835 million and $906 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively.
The table below details the cash and cash equivalents at December 31:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Domestic | International | Total | Domestic | International | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available | $ | 180 | $ | 221 | $ | 401 | $ | 337 | $ | 177 | $ | 514 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unavailable (1) | 138 | 296 | 434 | 57 | 335 | 392 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 318 | $ | 517 | $ | 835 | $ | 394 | $ | 512 | $ | 906 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents cash held by our joint ventures that is not available to fund operations outside of those entities unless the board of directors for such entities declares a dividend, as well as cash held by certain other entities that are subject to foreign exchange controls in certain countries or regulatory capital requirements.
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Employee Termination Costs
In connection with the acquisition of First Data, we implemented integration plans focused on reducing our overall cost structure, including eliminating duplicate costs. We recorded $95 million and $131 million of employee termination costs related to severance and other separation costs for terminated employees, including those in connection with the acquisition of First Data, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Accrued employee severance and other separation costs of $36 million at December 31, 2021 are expected to be paid within the next twelve months.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant uncertainty as to general global economic and market conditions. We believe we have adequate capital resources and sufficient access to external financing sources to satisfy our current and reasonably anticipated requirements for funds to conduct our operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of our business. However, as the impact of the pandemic on the economy and our operations further evolves, we will continue to assess our liquidity needs. The ability to continue to service debt and meet lease and other obligations as they come due depends on our continued ability to generate earnings and cash flows. A lack of continued recovery or further deterioration in economic and market conditions could materially affect our future access to our sources of liquidity, particularly our cash flows from operations.
We engage in regular communication with the banks that participate in our revolving credit facility. During these communications, none of the banks have indicated that they may be unable to perform on their commitments. We periodically review our banking and financing relationships, considering the stability of the institutions, pricing we receive on services and other aspects of the relationships. Based on these communications and our monitoring activities, we believe the likelihood of one of our banks not performing on its commitment is remote. We maintain U.S. and Euro commercial paper notes programs to access funding for general corporate purposes at favorable rates and to provide a source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2021, we had a commercial paper credit rating of P-2 from Moody’s and A-2 from S&P. Any downgrade to our commercial paper credit ratings or instability in the commercial paper markets may adversely impact our ability to access funding through our commercial paper notes programs and require us to rely more heavily on more expensive financing arrangements, including our revolving credit facility. In addition, the long-term debt markets have historically provided us with a source of liquidity.
Although we do not currently anticipate an inability to obtain financing from long-term debt markets in the future, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could make financing more difficult and/or expensive to obtain. Our ability to access the long-term debt markets on favorable interest rate and other terms also depends on the ratings assigned by the credit rating agencies to our indebtedness. As of December 31, 2021, we had a corporate credit rating of Baa2 with a stable outlook from Moody’s and BBB with a stable outlook from S&P. In the event that the ratings of our outstanding long-term debt securities were substantially lowered or withdrawn for any reason, or if the ratings assigned to any new issue of long-term debt securities were significantly lower than those noted above, particularly if we no longer had investment grade ratings, our ability to access the debt markets could be adversely affected and our interest expense could increase under the terms of certain of our long-term debt securities.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk refers to the risk that a change in the level of one or more market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, indices, correlations or other market factors, such as liquidity, will result in losses for a certain financial instrument or group of financial instruments. We are exposed to certain market risks, primarily from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Our senior management actively monitors these risks.
Interest Rate Risk
In addition to existing cash and cash equivalents balances and cash provided by operating activities, we use a combination of fixed- and variable-rate debt instruments to finance our operations. We are exposed to interest rate risk on certain of these debt obligations. We had fixed- and variable-rate debt, excluding finance leases and other financing obligations, with varying maturities for an aggregate carrying amount of $17.7 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021. Our fixed-rate debt at December 31, 2021 primarily consisted of fixed-rate senior notes with a fair value of $18.9 billion, based on matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs of comparable securities. The potential change in fair value of our fixed-rate senior notes from a hypothetical 1% change in market interest rates would not alone impact any decisions to repurchase our outstanding fixed-rate debt instruments before their maturity. Our variable-rate debt at December 31, 2021 primarily consisted of outstanding borrowings on our revolving credit facility, U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper, variable rate term loan, foreign lines of credit and debt associated with the receivables securitization agreement. Based on our outstanding debt balances and interest rates at December 31, 2021, a hypothetical 1% increase in market interest rates related to our variable-rate debt would increase annual interest expense by approximately $29 million. This sensitivity analysis assumes the outstanding debt balances at December 31, 2021 and the change in market interest rates is applicable for an entire year.
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In connection with processing electronic payments transactions, we receive settlement funds that are invested into short-term, highly liquid investments from the time we collect the funds until payments are made to the applicable recipients. Fluctuations in market interest rates affect the interest-related income that we earn on these investments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the amount of such interest-related income was not material and, therefore, a hypothetical 1% decrease in market interest rates would not have a significant impact on such income. This sensitivity analysis assumes the subscriber fund balances at December 31, 2021 and the change in market interest rates is applicable for an entire year.
Foreign Currency Risk
We conduct business globally and are exposed to foreign currency risk from changes in the value of underlying assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. dollar-denominated foreign investments and foreign currency transactions. We manage the exposure to these risks through the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and non-derivative net investment hedges.
Our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks generally arise from our non-U.S. operations to the extent they are conducted in local currency. Approximately 14% and 13% of our total revenue was generated outside the U.S in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The major currencies to which our revenues are exposed are the Argentine Peso, Brazilian Real, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Euro and Indian Rupee. A strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which our revenue and profits are denominated by 10% would have resulted in a decrease or increase, respectively, in our reported pre-tax income as follows at December 31:
We have entered into foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which have been designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge foreign currency exposure to our operating costs in India. At December 31, 2021, the notional amount of these derivatives was approximately $341 million, with a positive fair value of $6 million. In addition, we designated our foreign currency-denominated senior notes and Euro commercial paper notes as net investment hedges to reduce exposure to changes in the value of our net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
(In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Argentine Peso | $ | 4 | $ | 3 | ||||||||||
| Brazilian Real | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| British Pound | 5 | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Canadian Dollar | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Euro | 16 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Indian Rupee | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Other | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Total increase or decrease | $ | 39 | $ | 24 | ||||||||||
Refer to Item 1A in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of risks and potential risks of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
| Page | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) | |||||
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Fiserv, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
| In millions, except per share data | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Processing and services (1) | $ | 13,307 | $ | 12,215 | $ | 8,573 | ||||||||||||||
| Product | 2,919 | 2,637 | 1,614 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 16,226 | 14,852 | 10,187 | |||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of processing and services | 6,084 | 5,841 | 4,016 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product | 2,044 | 1,971 | 1,293 | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 5,810 | 5,652 | 3,284 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of businesses | — | (464) | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 13,938 | 13,000 | 8,578 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 2,288 | 1,852 | 1,609 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (693) | (709) | (473) | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt financing activities | — | — | (47) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 71 | 28 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 1,666 | 1,171 | 1,083 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | (363) | (196) | (198) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 100 | — | 29 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 1,403 | 975 | 914 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 69 | 17 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. | $ | 1,334 | $ | 958 | $ | 893 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share – basic | $ | 2.01 | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.74 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share – diluted | $ | 1.99 | $ | 1.40 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||||||||
| Shares used in computing net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 662.6 | 672.1 | 512.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 671.6 | 683.4 | 522.6 | |||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes processing and other fees charged to related party investments accounted for under the equity method of $203 million, $236 million and $112 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively (see Note 20).
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Fiserv, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
| In millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,403 | $ | 975 | $ | 914 | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fair market value adjustment on cash flow hedges, net of income tax (provision) benefit of ($2 million), ($2 million) and $46 million | 6 | 5 | (134) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains on cash flow hedges included in cost of processing and services, net of income tax provision of $2 million, $0 million and $0 million | (8) | (1) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses on cash flow hedges included in net interest expense, net of income tax benefit of $5 million, $5 million and $3 million | 16 | 16 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit pension plans, net of income tax (provision) benefit of ($17 million), $2 million and $1 million | 50 | (6) | (4) | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation, net of income tax (see Note 14) | (461) | (186) | 8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive loss | (397) | (172) | (121) | |||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 1,006 | $ | 803 | $ | 793 | ||||||||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | 69 | 17 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (39) | 35 | (8) | |||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. | $ | 976 | $ | 751 | $ | 780 | ||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Fiserv, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| In millions | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 835 | $ | 906 | ||||||||||
| Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts | 2,860 | 2,482 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,523 | 1,310 | ||||||||||||
| Settlement assets | 13,652 | 11,521 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 18,870 | 16,219 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 1,742 | 1,628 | ||||||||||||
| Customer relationships, net | 9,991 | 11,603 | ||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 4,018 | 3,755 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 36,433 | 36,322 | ||||||||||||
| Contract costs, net | 811 | 692 | ||||||||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 2,561 | 2,756 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | 1,823 | 1,644 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 76,249 | $ | 74,619 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 3,550 | $ | 3,186 | ||||||||||
| Short-term and current maturities of long-term debt | 508 | 384 | ||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | 585 | 546 | ||||||||||||
| Settlement obligations | 13,652 | 11,521 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 18,295 | 15,637 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 20,729 | 20,300 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 4,172 | 4,389 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term contract liabilities | 225 | 187 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 878 | 777 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 44,299 | 41,290 | ||||||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 19) | ||||||||||||||
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | 278 | 259 | ||||||||||||
| Fiserv, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity: | ||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, no par value: 25 million shares authorized; none issued | — | — | ||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 1,800 million shares authorized; 784 million and 789 million shares issued, respectively | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 22,983 | 23,643 | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (745) | (387) | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 14,846 | 13,441 | ||||||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 134 million and 121 million shares | (6,140) | (4,375) | ||||||||||||
| Total Fiserv, Inc. shareholders’ equity | 30,952 | 32,330 | ||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 720 | 740 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity | 31,672 | 33,070 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 76,249 | $ | 74,619 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Fiserv, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
| Fiserv, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Common Shares | Treasury Shares | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2019 | 791 | 399 | $ | 8 | $ | 1,057 | $ | (67) | $ | 11,635 | $ | (10,340) | $ | — | $ | 2,293 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (1) | 893 | 4 | 897 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued to acquire First Data (see Note 4) | (286) | 22,582 | 7,478 | 1,731 | 31,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (2) | (111) | (111) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (113) | (8) | (121) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 229 | 229 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under stock plans | (5) | (127) | 137 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | 4 | (393) | (393) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 791 | 112 | 8 | 23,741 | (180) | 12,528 | (3,118) | 1,616 | 34,595 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) (1) | 958 | (22) | 936 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement period adjustments related to First Data acquisition (see Note 4) | (126) | (126) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (2) | (37) | (37) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net adjustment to noncontrolling interests from dissolution (see Note 4) | (36) | (726) | (762) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (207) | 35 | (172) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 369 | 369 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under stock plans | (5) | (231) | 178 | (53) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | 16 | (1,635) | (1,635) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury stock (see Note 20) | (2) | (2) | (200) | 200 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative-effect adjustment of adoption | (45) | (45) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 789 | 121 | 8 | 23,643 | (387) | 13,441 | (4,375) | 740 | 33,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (1) | 1,334 | 25 | 1,359 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (2) | (6) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest (see Note 13) | (18) | (18) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (287) | (39) | (326) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior period adjustment (see Note 14) | (71) | 71 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 239 | 239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under stock plans | (5) | (293) | 212 | (81) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | 23 | (2,565) | (2,565) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement of treasury stock (see Note 20) | (5) | (5) | (588) | 588 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 784 | 134 | $ | 8 | $ | 22,983 | $ | (745) | $ | 14,846 | $ | (6,140) | $ | 720 | $ | 31,672 | ||||||||||||||||
(1)The total net income presented in the consolidated statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is different than the amount presented in the consolidated statements of income due to the net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests of $44 million, $39 million and $17 million, respectively, not included in equity.
(2)The total distributions presented in the consolidated statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 exclude $43 million, $42 million and $7 million, respectively, in distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests not included in equity. In addition, the total distributions presented in the consolidated statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 exclude $13 million and $25 million, respectively, in distributions related to the Banc of America Merchant Services Joint Venture (see Note 4) not included in equity.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Fiserv, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (1)
| In millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,403 | $ | 975 | $ | 914 | ||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and other amortization | 1,158 | 1,077 | 615 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 2,038 | 2,133 | 1,036 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of financing costs, debt discounts and other | 52 | 47 | 127 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net foreign currency gain on financing activities | — | — | (50) | |||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 239 | 369 | 229 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (262) | 71 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of businesses | — | (464) | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates | (100) | — | (29) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates | 34 | 42 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of interest rate hedge contracts | — | — | (183) | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash impairment charges | 15 | 124 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other operating activities | (48) | (16) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade accounts receivable | (358) | 320 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (248) | (167) | (82) | |||||||||||||||||
| Contract costs | (269) | (289) | (212) | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | 303 | (146) | 238 | |||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | 77 | 71 | 99 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations | 4,034 | 4,147 | 2,795 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures, including capitalized software and other intangibles | (1,160) | (900) | (721) | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of businesses | — | 579 | 51 | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired and including working capital adjustments | (848) | (139) | (15,083) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates | 115 | 109 | 113 | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of investments | (256) | (1) | (45) | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of investments | 519 | 11 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | — | — | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations | (1,630) | (341) | (15,680) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt proceeds | 6,435 | 8,897 | 20,030 | |||||||||||||||||
| Debt repayments | (7,881) | (10,918) | (5,043) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from (repayments of) commercial paper and short-term borrowings | 1,741 | (6) | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments of debt financing, redemption and other costs | — | (16) | (247) | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock | 140 | 133 | 156 | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock, including employee shares withheld for tax obligations | (2,786) | (1,826) | (561) | |||||||||||||||||
| Settlement activity, net | 711 | 405 | 182 | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests | (62) | (104) | (118) | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration | (37) | (18) | (13) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | (2) | 22 | (13) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations | (1,741) | (3,431) | 14,373 | |||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (27) | 16 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 636 | 391 | 1,489 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash flows from discontinued operations | — | — | 133 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning balance | 2,569 | 2,178 | 556 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, ending balance | $ | 3,205 | $ | 2,569 | $ | 2,178 | ||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations cash flow information: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | — | — | 133 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 133 | ||||||||||||||
(1) The company revised the consolidated statements of cash flows presentation to include cash and cash equivalents within settlement assets as a component of total cash and cash equivalents. The company revised the 2020 and 2019 presentation for comparable purposes. Additional information is included in Note 1.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Fiserv, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of the Business
Fiserv, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) provide payments and financial services technology solutions to clients worldwide. The Company provides account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. The Company serves clients around the globe, including merchants, banks, credit unions, other financial institutions and corporate clients. The Company’s reportable segments are Merchant Acceptance (“Acceptance”), Financial Technology (“Fintech”) and Payments and Network (“Payments”).
On July 29, 2019, the Company acquired First Data Corporation (“First Data”), a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions for merchants, financial institutions and card issuers, by acquiring 100% of the First Data stock that was issued and outstanding as of the date of acquisition for a total purchase price of $46.5 billion (see Note 4). The consolidated financial statements include the financial results of First Data from the date of acquisition.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Fiserv, Inc. and its subsidiaries in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Control is typically established when ownership and voting interests in an entity are greater than 50%. Investments in which the Company has significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, for which the Company’s share of net income or loss is reported within income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates and the related tax expense or benefit is reported within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of income. Significant influence over an affiliate’s operations generally coincides with an ownership interest of between 20% and 50%; however, for partnerships and limited liability companies, an ownership interest of between 3% and 50% or board of director representation may also constitute significance influence.
The Company maintains a majority controlling financial interest in certain entities, mostly related to consolidated merchant alliances (see Note 20). Noncontrolling interests represent the minority shareholders’ share of the net income or loss and equity in consolidated subsidiaries. The Company’s noncontrolling interests presented in the consolidated statements of income include net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the Company’s control are presented outside of equity and are carried at their estimated redemption value if it exceeds the initial carrying value of the redeemable interest (see Note 13).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
Since early 2020, the world has been, and continues to be, impacted by the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, and various measures imposed by the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions to prevent its spread, have negatively impacted global economic and market conditions, including levels of consumer and business spending. Consequently, the Company’s operating performance, primarily within its merchant acquiring and payment-related businesses, which earn transaction-based fees, has been adversely affected, and may continue to be adversely affected, by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s future operational and financial performance will depend on, among other matters, the duration and intensity of the pandemic; the level of success of global vaccination efforts; governmental and private sector responses to the pandemic and the impact of such responses on the Company; and the impact of the pandemic on the Company’s employees, clients, vendors, supply chain, operations and sales, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict. These changing conditions may also affect the estimates and assumptions made by management. Such estimates and assumptions affect, among other things, the valuations of the Company’s long-lived assets, definite-lived intangible assets and equity method investments; the impairment assessment
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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of goodwill; the Company’s deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances; the estimate of current expected credit losses; and certain pension plan assumptions. It is reasonably possible that changes in any assumptions used may result in an impairment or other charge that, if incurred, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, total assets and total equity in the period recognized. Events and changes in circumstances arising subsequent to December 31, 2021, including those resulting from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reflected in management’s estimates for future periods.
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenue from the delivery of processing, service and product solutions. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer which may be at a point in time or over time. Additional information regarding the Company’s revenue recognition policies is included in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost in the consolidated balance sheets, which approximates market value. Cash and cash equivalents that were restricted from use due to regulatory or other requirements are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Cash and cash equivalents held on behalf of merchants and other payees are included in settlement assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides a reconciliation between cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets | $ | 835 | $ | 906 | $ | 893 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents included in settlement assets (see Note 6) | 2,361 | 1,650 | 1,245 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other restricted cash | 9 | 13 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows | $ | 3,205 | $ | 2,569 | $ | 2,178 | ||||||||||||||
The Company revised the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, to reflect settlement cash and cash equivalents within settlement assets as a component of total cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The components of settlement assets were revised to reflect the settlement cash and cash equivalents held by partner banks of $175 million and $411 million as settlement receivables as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The changes in settlement cash and cash equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, of $405 million and $182 million, respectively, have been included in settlement activity, net within cash flows from financing activities. The consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflects the impact of $922 million of acquired settlement cash and cash equivalents relating to the First Data acquisition with the offsetting change included in cash flows from investing activities.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company analyzes the collectability of trade accounts receivable by considering historical bad debts, client creditworthiness, current economic trends, changes in client payment terms and collection trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Any change in the assumptions used in analyzing a specific account receivable may result in an additional allowance for doubtful accounts being recognized in the period in which the change occurs. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $55 million and $48 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Leases
The Company maintains certain leasing receivables associated with its point-of-sale terminal leasing businesses. Leasing receivables are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income on the Company’s leasing receivables is recognized using the effective interest method, and is included within product revenue in the consolidated statements of income. Initial direct costs incurred to obtain operating leases and other sales-type leases, in which the fair value of the underlying asset is equal to its carrying amount at the lease commencement date, are deferred and recognized over the lease term. Initial direct costs to obtain a sales-type lease are expensed as incurred if the fair value of the underlying asset is different from its carrying amount at the lease commencement date. Additional information regarding the Company’s lease policies is included in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses represent advance payments for goods and services to be consumed in the future, such as maintenance, postage and insurance, and totaled $410 million and $348 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Settlement Assets and Obligations
Settlement assets and obligations result from timing differences between collection and fulfillment of payment transactions and collateral amounts held to manage merchant credit risk, primarily associated with the Company’s merchant acquiring services. Settlement assets represent cash received or amounts receivable from agents, payment networks, bank partners, merchants or directly from consumers. Settlement obligations represent amounts payable to merchants and payees. Certain merchant settlement assets (included in settlement receivables in Note 6) that relate to settlement obligations are held by partner banks to which the Company does not have legal ownership but has the right to use the assets to satisfy the related settlement obligations. The Company records settlement obligations for amounts payable to merchants and for outstanding payment instruments issued to payees that have not yet been presented for settlement. Additional information regarding the Company’s settlement assets and obligations is included in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
Allowance for Merchant Credit Losses
With respect to the Company’s merchant acquiring business, the Company’s merchant customers have the legal obligation to refund any charges properly reversed by the cardholder. However, in the event the Company is not able to collect the refunded amounts from the merchants, the Company may be liable for the reversed charges. The Company’s risk in this area primarily relates to situations where the cardholder has purchased goods or services to be delivered in the future. The Company requires cash deposits, guarantees, letters of credit or other types of collateral from certain merchants to minimize this obligation. Collateral held by the Company, or held by partner banks for the Company’s benefit, is classified within settlement assets and the obligation to repay the collateral is classified within settlement obligations in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company also utilizes a number of systems and procedures to manage merchant credit risk. Despite these efforts, the Company experiences some level of losses due to merchant defaults.
The aggregate merchant credit loss expense, recognized by the Company within cost of processing and services in the consolidated statements of income, was $41 million, $113 million and $40 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The amount of collateral available to the Company was $2.2 billion and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company maintains an allowance for merchant credit losses that are expected to exceed the amount of merchant collateral. The allowance includes estimated losses from anticipated chargebacks and fraud events that have been incurred on merchants’ payment transactions that have been processed but not yet reported to the Company, which is recorded within accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets, as well as estimated losses on refunded amounts to cardholders that have not yet been collected from the merchants, which is recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The allowance is based primarily on the Company’s historical experience of credit losses and other relevant factors such as changes in economic conditions or increases in merchant fraud. The aggregate merchant credit loss allowance was $42 million and $59 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is reported at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the leasehold period, if applicable. Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
Depreciation expense for all property and equipment totaled $498 million, $523 million and $247 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively (see Note 17 for a description of accelerated depreciation under certain finance lease agreements).
| (In millions) | Estimated Useful Lives | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| Land | — | $ | 48 | $ | 54 | ||||||||||||
| Data processing equipment | 3 to 5 years | 2,302 | 1,666 | ||||||||||||||
| Buildings and leasehold improvements | 5 to 40 years | 512 | 555 | ||||||||||||||
| Furniture and equipment | 5 to 8 years | 372 | 636 | ||||||||||||||
| 3,234 | 2,911 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | (1,492) | (1,283) | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,742 | $ | 1,628 | |||||||||||||
Intangible Assets
Customer related intangible assets represent customer contracts and relationships obtained as part of acquired businesses and are amortized using an accelerated amortization method which corresponds with the customer attrition rates used in the initial valuation of the intangibles over their estimated useful lives, generally to twenty years. Acquired software and technology represents software and technology intangible assets obtained as part of acquired businesses and is amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally to ten years. Trade names are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally to twenty years. Non-compete agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally to five years.
Purchased software represents software licenses purchased from third parties and is amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally to five years.
The Company continually develops, maintains and enhances its products and systems. Product development expenditures represented approximately 7%, 6% and 8% of the Company’s total revenue in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Research and development costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility are expensed as incurred. Routine maintenance of software products, design costs and other development costs incurred prior to the establishment of a product’s technological feasibility are also expensed as incurred. Costs are capitalized commencing when the technological feasibility of the software has been established.
Capitalized software development costs represent the capitalization of certain costs incurred to develop new software or to enhance existing software which is marketed externally or utilized by the Company to process client transactions. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, generally five years.
The Company may, at its discretion, negotiate to pay an independent sales organization (“ISO”) an agreed-upon up-front amount in exchange for the ISO’s surrender of its right to receive commission payments from the Company related to future transactions of the ISO’s referred merchants (“residual buyout”). The amount that the Company pays for these residual buyouts is capitalized and subsequently amortized using the straight-line method over the expected life of the merchant portfolios, generally to nine years. The Company also obtains residual buyouts as part of acquired businesses. Additional information regarding the Company’s identifiable intangible assets is included in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, which is one level below the Company’s reportable segments. When assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company considers (i) the prior year’s amount of excess fair value over the carrying value of each reporting unit, (ii) the period of time since a reporting unit’s last quantitative test, (iii) the extent a reorganization or disposition changes the composition of one or more of the reporting units and (iv) other factors to determine whether or not to first perform a qualitative test. When performing a qualitative test, the Company assesses numerous factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units are less than their
55
respective carrying values. Examples of qualitative factors that the Company assesses include its share price, its financial performance, market and competitive factors in its industry and other events specific to its reporting units. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative impairment test by comparing reporting unit carrying values to estimated fair values.
The Company elected to perform a quantitative test for certain reporting units obtained through the acquisition of First Data and for those that changed in composition, and tested the remainder of its reporting units using a qualitative approach. The Company’s most recent annual impairment assessment of its reporting units in the fourth quarter of 2021 determined that its goodwill was not impaired as the estimated fair values exceeded the carrying values. However, it is reasonably possible that future developments related to the interest rate environment or the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (such as an increased duration and intensity of the pandemic and/or government-imposed restrictions) or changes in significant assumptions used in the quantitative test on certain of the Company’s businesses acquired and recorded at fair value through the July 2019 acquisition of First Data (such as an increase in risk-adjusted discount rates) could have a future material impact on one or more of the estimates and assumptions used to evaluate goodwill impairment. There is no accumulated goodwill impairment for the Company through December 31, 2021. Additional information regarding the Company’s goodwill is included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
Asset Impairment
The Company reviews property and equipment, lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, intangible assets and its investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company reviews capitalized software development costs for impairment at each reporting date. Recoverability of property and equipment, lease ROU assets, capitalized software development costs and other intangible assets is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to either the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the net realizable value of the asset, depending on the type of asset. The Company assesses lease ROU assets that are exited in advance of the non-cancellable lease terms by comparing the carrying values of the ROU assets to the discounted cash flows from estimated sublease payments. The Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates are assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the investments to their estimated fair values and are impaired if any decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on estimated fair value.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company applies fair value accounting for all assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in its consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value represents the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, the Company uses the hierarchy prescribed in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements, and considers the principal or most advantageous market and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:
•Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible as of the
measurement date.
•Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly, including but
not limited to quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or
liabilities and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rates or yield curves.
•Level 3 – Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s judgments about the assumptions that market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.
Additional information regarding the Company’s fair value measurements is included in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following at December 31:
Foreign Currency
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Trade accounts payable | $ | 593 | $ | 437 | ||||||||||
| Client deposits | 783 | 702 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 392 | 419 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued taxes | 154 | 130 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | 216 | 220 | ||||||||||||
| Other accrued expenses | 1,412 | 1,278 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,550 | $ | 3,186 | ||||||||||
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company’s U.S.-based businesses and certain foreign-based businesses. Where the functional currency differs from the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in determining net income for the reporting period.
The Company has designated its Euro- and British Pound- denominated senior notes and Euro-denominated commercial paper notes as net investment hedges to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the Euro and the British Pound (see Note 14). Accordingly, foreign currency transaction gains or losses on the qualifying net investment hedge instruments are recorded as foreign currency translation, net of tax, within other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and will remain in accumulated other comprehensive loss within the consolidated balance sheets until the sale or complete liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiaries.
Derivatives
Derivatives are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized in the consolidated statements of income when the hedged item affects earnings. The Company’s policy is to enter into derivatives with creditworthy institutions and not to enter into such derivatives for speculative purposes.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company maintains frozen defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees in Europe and the U.S. The Company recognizes actuarial gains/losses and prior service cost in the consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in these amounts during the year in which changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss). The Company uses various assumptions when computing amounts relating to its defined benefit pension plan obligations and their associated expenses (including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets). Additional information regarding the Company’s employee benefit plans is included in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
Cost of Processing, Services and Product
Cost of processing and services consists of costs directly associated with providing services to clients and includes the following: personnel; equipment and data communication; infrastructure costs, including costs to maintain software applications; client support; certain depreciation and amortization; and other operating expenses.
Cost of product consists of costs directly associated with the products sold and includes the following: costs of materials, postage and software development; hardware costs (primarily point-of-sale devices); personnel; infrastructure costs; certain depreciation and amortization; and other costs directly associated with product revenue.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of: salaries, wages, commissions and related expenses paid to sales personnel, administrative employees and management; third-party commissions; advertising and promotional costs; certain depreciation and amortization; and other selling and administrative expenses.
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Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net consists of interest expense primarily associated with the Company’s outstanding borrowings and finance lease obligations, as well as interest income primarily associated with the Company’s investment securities. Interest expense, net consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | $ | 696 | $ | 716 | $ | 507 | ||||||||||||||
Interest income | 3 | 7 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | $ | 693 | $ | 709 | $ | 473 | ||||||||||||||
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Liabilities are established for unrecognized tax benefits, attributable to differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized in the financial statements. In establishing a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit, assumptions are made in determining whether, and the extent to which, a tax position will be sustained. A tax position is recognized only when it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority, based on its technical merits. The amount of tax benefit recognized reflects the largest benefit the Company believes is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. As additional information becomes available, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is reevaluated and adjusted, as appropriate. Tax benefits ultimately realized can differ from amounts previously recognized due to uncertainties, with any such differences generally impacting the provision for income tax.
Net Income Per Share
Net income per share attributable to Fiserv, Inc. in each period is calculated using actual, unrounded amounts. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents consist of outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock units and unvested restricted stock awards, and are computed using the treasury stock method. The Company excluded 1.5 million, 1.3 million and 1.1 million weighted-average shares from the calculations of common stock equivalents for anti-dilutive stock options in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The computation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share is as follows at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding used for the calculation of net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share – basic | 662.6 | 672.1 | 512.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Common stock equivalents | 9.0 | 11.3 | 10.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding used for the calculation of net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. per share – diluted | 671.6 | 683.4 | 522.6 | |||||||||||||||||
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Supplemental Cash Flow Information
| (In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 648 | $ | 673 | $ | 291 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | 666 | 156 | 197 | |||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock purchases settled after the balance sheet date | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of nonmonetary assets (see Note 4) | — | 726 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Software obtained under financing arrangements | 143 | 308 | — | |||||||||||||||||
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (“ASU 2020-01”), which clarifies certain interactions between the guidance to account for certain equity securities, investments under the equity method of accounting, and forward contracts or purchased options to purchase securities under Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815. For public entities, ASU 2020-01 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2020-01 effective January 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which introduces a number of amendments that are designed to simplify the application of accounting for income taxes. Such amendments include removing certain exceptions for intraperiod tax allocation, interim reporting when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss, reflecting the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate and recognition of deferred taxes related to outside basis differences for ownership changes in investments. ASU 2019-12 also provides clarification related to when a step up in the tax basis of goodwill should be considered part of the business combination in which the book goodwill was originally recognized and when it should be considered a separate transaction. In addition, ASU 2019-12 provides guidance on the recognition of a franchise tax (or similar tax) that is partially based on income as an income-based tax and accounting for any incremental amount incurred as a non-income-based tax. For public entities, ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 effective January 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13” or “CECL”), which prescribes an impairment model for most financial instruments based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under this model, an estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual life of the instrument is to be recorded as of the end of a reporting period as an allowance to offset the amortized cost basis, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial instrument. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. For most instruments, entities must apply the standard using a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020 using the required modified retrospective approach, which resulted in a cumulative-effect decrease to beginning retained earnings of $45 million. Financial assets and liabilities held by the Company subject to the “expected credit loss” model prescribed by CECL include trade and other receivables, net investments in leases, settlement asset receivables and other credit exposures such as financial guarantees not accounted for as insurance.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832) (“ASU 2021-10”), which requires that an entity provide certain disclosures in its annual financial statements about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. ASU 2021-10 is effective for all business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to the transactions reflected in the financial statements at the date of initial application. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2021-10 will have on its disclosures.
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In 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”), which requires that an entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Generally, this should result in recognition and measurement of contract assets and contract liabilities at carryover value consistent with how they were recognized and measured in the acquiree’s financial statements, providing consistent recognition and enhanced comparability with revenue contracts with customers not acquired in a business combination. Prior to adoption of ASU 2021-08, an acquirer generally recognized contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination at fair value on the acquisition date. For public entities, ASU 2021-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Entities are required to apply a prospective transition approach upon adoption, unless early adoption occurs in an interim period. The Company adopted ASU 2021-08 effective January 1, 2022, with prospective application to business combinations occurring after adoption.
In 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments (“ASU 2021-05”), which amends the lease classification requirements for lessors with certain leases containing variable payments. A lessor is to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate as an operating lease if the lease would have been classified as a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease and the lessor would have otherwise recognized a day-one loss. For public entities, ASU 2021-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities that have adopted ASC Topic 842 prior to the issuance of ASU 2021-05 may apply this update either retrospectively to leases that commenced or were modified on or after the adoption of ASC Topic 842 or prospectively to leases that commence or are modified on or after the date the entity first applies ASU 2021-05. The Company adopted ASU 2021-05 effective January 1, 2022, with prospective application to leases commencing or modified thereafter.
3. Revenue Recognition
Significant Accounting Policy
ASC 606 outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle, involving a five-step process, of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling activities associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment activity and recognized as revenue at the point in time at which control of the goods transfers to the customer. As a practical expedient, the Company does not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component if, at contract inception, the period between customer payment and the transfer of goods or services is expected to be one year or less.
Nature of Goods and Services
The Company’s operations are comprised of the Acceptance segment, the Fintech segment and the Payments segment (see Note 21). The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates its revenue. Contracts with customers are evaluated on a contract-by-contract basis as contracts may include multiple types of goods and services as described below.
Processing and Services
Processing and services revenue is generated from account- and transaction-based fees for data processing, merchant transaction processing and acquiring, electronic billing and payment services, electronic funds transfer and debit/credit processing services; consulting and professional services; and software maintenance for ongoing client support.
The Company recognizes processing and services revenue in the period in which the specific service is performed unless they are not deemed distinct from other goods or services in which revenue would then be recognized as control is transferred of the combined goods and services. The Company’s arrangements for processing and services typically consist of an obligation to provide specific services to its customers on a when and if needed basis (a stand-ready obligation) and revenue is recognized from the satisfaction of the performance obligations in the amount billable to the customer. These services are typically provided under a fixed or declining (tier-based) price per unit based on volume of service; however, pricing for services may
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also be based on minimum monthly usage fees. Fees for the Company’s processing and services arrangements are typically billed and paid on a monthly basis.
Product
Product revenue is generated from print and card production sales, as well as software license sales and hardware (primarily point-of-sale devices) sales.
For software license agreements that are distinct, the Company recognizes software license revenue upon delivery, assuming a contract is deemed to exist. Revenue for arrangements with customers that include significant customization, modification or production of software such that the software is not distinct is typically recognized over time based upon efforts expended, such as labor hours, to measure progress towards completion. For arrangements involving hosted licensed software for the customer, a software element is considered present to the extent the customer has the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty and it is feasible for the customer to either operate the software on their own hardware or contract with another vendor to host the software. In certain instances, the Company may offer extended payment terms beyond one year. To the extent a significant financing component exists, it is calculated as the difference between the promised consideration and the present value of the software license fees utilizing a discount rate reflective of a separate financing transaction, and is recognized as interest income over the extended payment period. The cash selling price of the software license fee is recognized as revenue at the point in time when the software is transferred to the customer.
The Company sells or leases hardware (point-of-sale devices) and other peripherals as part of its contracts with customers. Hardware typically consists of terminals or Clover® devices. The Company does not manufacture hardware, rather it purchases hardware from third-party vendors and holds such hardware in inventory until purchased by a customer. The Company accounts for sales of hardware as a separate performance obligation and recognizes the revenue at its standalone selling price when the customer obtains control of the hardware.
Significant Judgments in Application of the Guidance
The Company uses the following methods, inputs and assumptions in determining amounts of revenue to recognize:
Identification of Performance Obligations
To identify its performance obligations, the Company considers all of the goods or services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices. For multi-element arrangements, the Company accounts for individual goods or services as a separate performance obligation if they are distinct, the good or service is separately identifiable from other items in the arrangement and if a customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation. Determining whether goods or services are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately may require significant judgment.
Technology or service components from third parties are frequently embedded in or combined with the Company’s applications or service offerings. Whether the Company recognizes revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer or the net amount retained involves judgment that depends on the relevant facts and circumstances, including the level of contractual responsibilities and obligations for delivering solutions to end customers, to determine whether control of goods and services is obtained prior to their transfer to a customer.
Determination of Transaction Price
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring products or services to the customer. The Company includes any fixed charges within its contracts as part of the total transaction price. To the extent that variable consideration is not constrained, the Company includes an estimate of the variable amount, as appropriate, within the total transaction price and updates its assumptions over the duration of the contract.
Assessment of Estimates of Variable Consideration
Many of the Company’s contracts with customers contain some component of variable consideration; however, the constraint will generally not result in a reduction in the estimated transaction price for most forms of variable consideration. The Company may constrain the estimated transaction price in the event of a high degree of uncertainty as to the final consideration amount owed because of an extended length of time over which the fees may be adjusted.
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Allocation of Transaction Price
The transaction price (including any discounts or rebates) is allocated between distinct goods and services in a multi-element arrangement based on their relative standalone selling prices. The standalone selling prices are determined based on the prices at which the Company separately sells each good or service. For items that are not sold separately, the Company estimates the standalone selling prices using available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines. Significant judgment may be required to determine standalone selling prices for each performance obligation and whether it depicts the amount the Company expects to receive in exchange for the related good or service.
Contract Modifications
Contract modifications occur when the Company and its customers agree to modify existing customer contracts to change the scope or price (or both) of the contract or when a customer terminates some, or all, of the existing services provided by the Company. When a contract modification occurs, it requires the Company to exercise judgment to determine if the modification should be accounted for as (i) a separate contract, (ii) the termination of the original contract and creation of a new contract, or (iii) a cumulative catch up adjustment to the original contract. Further, contract modifications require the identification and evaluation of the performance obligations of the modified contract, including the allocation of revenue to the remaining performance obligations and the period of recognition for each identified performance obligation.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The tables below present the Company’s revenue disaggregated by type of revenue, including a reconciliation with its reportable segments. The majority of the Company’s revenue is earned domestically, with revenue generated outside the U.S. comprising approximately 14%, 13% and 12% of total revenue in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
| (In millions) | Reportable Segments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type of Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing | $ | 5,511 | $ | 1,544 | $ | 4,497 | $ | 32 | $ | 11,584 | |||||||||||||||||||
Hardware, print and card production | 830 | 44 | 913 | — | 1,787 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Professional services | 43 | 471 | 265 | — | 779 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Software maintenance | — | 557 | 11 | — | 568 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
License and termination fees | 47 | 186 | 65 | — | 298 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Output solutions postage | — | — | — | 860 | 860 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 48 | 220 | 82 | — | 350 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 6,479 | $ | 3,022 | $ | 5,833 | $ | 892 | $ | 16,226 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Reportable Segments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type of Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Processing | $ | 4,696 | $ | 1,426 | $ | 4,348 | $ | 58 | $ | 10,528 | |||||||||||||||||||
Hardware, print and card production | 714 | 51 | 771 | — | 1,536 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Professional services | 29 | 465 | 233 | 1 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Software maintenance | — | 563 | 3 | 2 | 568 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
License and termination fees | 28 | 189 | 68 | — | 285 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Output solutions postage | — | — | — | 864 | 864 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 55 | 207 | 81 | — | 343 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 5,522 | $ | 2,901 | $ | 5,504 | $ | 925 | $ | 14,852 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Reportable Segments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2019 | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type of Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Processing | $ | 2,205 | $ | 1,382 | $ | 3,110 | $ | 166 | $ | 6,863 | |||||||||||||||||||
Hardware, print and card production | 323 | 51 | 458 | — | 832 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Professional services | 4 | 483 | 172 | 10 | 669 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Software maintenance | — | 570 | 3 | 15 | 588 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
License and termination fees | 9 | 255 | 59 | 2 | 325 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Output solutions postage | — | — | — | 572 | 572 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 30 | 201 | 107 | — | 338 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 2,571 | $ | 2,942 | $ | 3,909 | $ | 765 | $ | 10,187 | |||||||||||||||||||
Contract Balances
The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers at December 31:
Contract assets, reported within other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets, primarily result from revenue being recognized where payment is contingent upon the transfer of services to a customer over the contractual period. Contract liabilities primarily relate to advance consideration received from customers (deferred revenue) for which transfer of control occurs, and therefore revenue is recognized, as services are provided. Contract balances are reported in a net contract asset or liability position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Contract assets | $ | 541 | $ | 433 | $ | 382 | |||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | 810 | 733 | 647 | ||||||||||||||
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, contract assets and contract liabilities increased primarily due to customer discounts, prepaid maintenance and deferred conversion revenue associated with long-term contracts obtained during the respective year. The Company recognized $546 million and $492 million of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the year.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations
The following table includes estimated processing, services and product revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that were unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at December 31, 2021:
The Company applies the optional exemption under ASC 606 and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations for account- and transaction-based processing fees that qualify for recognition under the as-invoiced practical expedient. These multi-year contracts contain variable consideration for stand-ready performance obligations for which the exact quantity and mix of transactions to be processed are contingent upon the customer’s request. The Company also applies the optional exemptions under ASC 606 and does not disclose information for variable consideration that is a sales-based or usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property or that is allocated entirely to a wholly
| (In millions) | |||||
| Year Ending December 31, | |||||
| 2022 | $ | 2,174 | |||
| 2023 | 1,790 | ||||
| 2024 | 1,416 | ||||
| 2025 | 955 | ||||
| Thereafter | 1,418 | ||||
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unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct good or service in a series. The amounts disclosed above as remaining performance obligations consist primarily of fixed or monthly minimum processing fees and maintenance fees under contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year.
Contract Costs
The Company incurs incremental costs to obtain a contract as well as costs to fulfill contracts with customers that are expected to be recovered. These costs consist of sales commissions incurred only if a contract is obtained, and customer conversion or implementation related costs. Capitalized sales commissions and conversion or implementation costs were as follows at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Capitalized sales commissions | $ | 437 | $ | 402 | ||||||||||
| Capitalized conversion or implementation costs | 374 | 290 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized contract costs are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. The amortization period also considers expected customer lives and whether the asset relates to goods or services transferred under a specific anticipated contract. The amortization of capitalized sales commissions is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and amortization of capitalized conversion or implementation costs within cost of processing and services. These costs totaled $148 million, $124 million and $105 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Impairment losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 related to capitalized contract costs were not significant.
4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Purchase price was allocated to the respective assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values at the date of acquisitions.
Acquisition of BentoBox
On November 22, 2021, the Company acquired BentoBox CMS, Inc (“BentoBox”), a digital marketing and commerce platform that helps restaurants connect with their guests, for approximately $317 million, net of $24 million of acquired cash. BentoBox is included within the Acceptance segment, and further expands the Company’s Clover® dining solutions and commerce and business management capabilities. The preliminary allocation of purchase price resulted in the recognition of identifiable intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired software and technology, of approximately $136 million with useful lives anticipated to be in the range of to ten years, and goodwill of approximately $204 million. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and is subject to further adjustment, pending additional analysis and final completion of valuations. Goodwill, not expected to be deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributed to the anticipated value created by the enhanced strength of the Company’s omnichannel platform to drive increased operational efficiencies for restaurants, enabling operators to deliver seamless and distinct hospitality experiences for their diners. The results of operations for BentoBox are included in the consolidated results of the Company from the date of acquisition. Pro forma information for this acquisition is not provided because it did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Acquisition of Pineapple Payments
On May 4, 2021, the Company acquired Pineapple Payments Holdings, LLC (“Pineapple Payments”), an independent sales organization that provides payment processing, proprietary technology, and payment acceptance solutions for merchants, for $207 million, net of $6 million of acquired cash, and including earn-out provisions estimated at a fair value of $30 million (see Note 10). Pineapple Payments is included within the Acceptance segment, and expands the reach of the Company’s payment solutions through its technology- and relationship-led distribution channels.
The allocation of purchase price was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2021 and resulted in the recognition of identifiable intangible assets of $127 million, goodwill of $79 million and other net assets of $7 million. Goodwill, of which $59 million is deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributed to the anticipated value created by the accelerated delivery of new and innovative capabilities to merchant clients.
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The amounts allocated to identifiable intangible assets are as follows:
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Weighted-Average Useful Life | |||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 90 | 17 years | ||||||||
| Residual buyouts | 20 | 8 years | |||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | 6 | 7 years | |||||||||
| Non-compete agreements and other | 11 | 5 years | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 127 | 14 years | ||||||||
The results of operations for Pineapple Payments are included in the consolidated results of the Company from the date of acquisition. Pro forma information for this acquisition is not provided because it did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Acquisition of Ondot
On January 22, 2021, the Company acquired a remaining ownership interest in Ondot, a digital experience platform provider for financial institutions, for $271 million, net of $13 million of acquired cash and cash equivalents. The Company previously held a noncontrolling equity interest in Ondot, which was accounted for at cost. The remeasurement of the Company’s previously held equity interest to its acquisition-date fair value resulted in the recognition of a pre-tax gain of $12 million included within other income in the consolidated statements of income during the year ended December 31, 2021. Ondot is included within the Payments segment and further expands the Company’s digital capabilities, enhancing its suite of integrated payments, banking and merchant solutions.
The allocation of purchase price recorded for Ondot was finalized in the third quarter of 2021 as follows:
| (In millions) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13 | |||
| Receivables and other assets | 9 | ||||
| Intangible assets | 142 | ||||
| Goodwill | 173 | ||||
| Payables and other liabilities | (31) | ||||
| Total consideration | $ | 306 | |||
| Less: Fair value of previously held equity interest | (22) | ||||
| Total purchase price | $ | 284 | |||
Goodwill, not deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributed to the anticipated value created by the combined scale of integrated digital solutions to consumers, merchants, acquirers, networks and card issuers. The amounts allocated to identifiable intangible assets are as follows:
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Weighted-Average Useful Life | |||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | $ | 90 | 6 years | ||||||||
| Customer relationships | 35 | 6 years | |||||||||
| Non-compete agreements and other | 17 | 4 years | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 142 | 6 years | ||||||||
The results of operations for Ondot are included in the consolidated results of the Company from the date of acquisition. Pro forma information for this acquisition is not provided because it did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
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Acquisition of First Data
On July 29, 2019, the Company acquired First Data, a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions for merchants, financial institutions and card issuers, by acquiring 100% of the First Data stock that was issued and outstanding as of the date of acquisition. The acquisition, included within the Acceptance and Payments segments, increases the Company’s footprint as a global payments and financial technology provider by expanding the portfolio of services provided to financial institutions, corporate and merchant clients and consumers.
As a result of the acquisition, First Data stockholders received 286 million shares of common stock of Fiserv, Inc., at an exchange ratio of 0.303 shares of Fiserv, Inc. for each share of First Data common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. The Company also converted 15 million outstanding First Data equity awards into corresponding equity awards relating to common stock of Fiserv, Inc. in accordance with the exchange ratio as described in further detail within Note 16. In addition, concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, the Company made a cash payment of $16.4 billion to repay existing First Data debt. The Company funded the transaction-related expenses and the repayment of First Data debt through a combination of available cash on-hand and proceeds from debt issuances.
The total purchase price paid for First Data was as follows:
| (In millions) | |||||
Fair value of stock exchanged for shares of Fiserv, Inc. (1) | $ | 29,293 | |||
| Repayment of First Data debt | 16,414 | ||||
Fair value of vested portion of First Data stock awards exchanged for Fiserv, Inc. awards (2) | 768 | ||||
| Total purchase price | $ | 46,475 | |||
(1)The fair value of the 286 million shares of the Company’s common stock issued as of the acquisition date was determined based on a per share price of $102.30, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on July 26, 2019, the last trading day before the acquisition closed the morning of July 29, 2019. This includes a nominal amount of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.
(2)Represents the portion of the fair value of the replacement awards related to services provided prior to the acquisition. The remaining portion of the fair value is associated with future service and will be recognized as expense over the future service period. See Note 16 for additional information.
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is primarily attributed to synergies from future expected economic benefits, including enhanced revenue growth from expanded capabilities and geographic presence as well as substantial cost savings from duplicative overhead, streamlined operations and enhanced operational efficiency.
The assets acquired and liabilities assumed of First Data have been measured at estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. In 2020, through the measurement period ended July 29, 2020, the Company identified and recorded measurement period adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation, which were the result of additional analysis performed and information identified based on facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. These measurement period adjustments resulted in an increase to goodwill of $304 million. The offsetting amounts to the change in goodwill were primarily related to customer relationship intangible assets, noncontrolling interests, property and equipment, payables and accrued expenses including legal contingency reserves, and deferred income taxes. The Company recorded a measurement period adjustment of $155 million to reduce the fair value of customer relationship intangible assets as a result of refinements to attrition rates. A measurement period adjustment of $126 million was recorded to reduce the fair value of noncontrolling interests based on changes to the fair value of the underlying customer relationship intangible assets and the incorporation of additional facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. A measurement period adjustment of $25 million was recorded to reduce the fair value of property and equipment to the estimated fair value of certain real property acquired. Measurement period adjustments were recorded to increase payables and accrued expenses by $37 million, reduce investments in unconsolidated affiliates by $23 million, and increase other long-term liabilities by $21 million. The remaining $169 million of adjustments were primarily comprised of deferred tax adjustments related to the measurement period adjustments. Such measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of income. The allocation of purchase price recorded for First Data was finalized in the third quarter of 2020 as follows:
| (In millions) | |||||
Assets acquired (1) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 310 | |||
| Trade accounts receivable | 1,747 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,047 | ||||
Settlement assets (2) | 10,398 | ||||
| Property and equipment | 1,156 | ||||
| Customer relationships | 13,458 | ||||
| Other intangible assets | 2,814 | ||||
| Goodwill | 30,811 | ||||
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | 2,676 | ||||
| Other long-term assets | 1,191 | ||||
| Total assets acquired | $ | 65,608 | |||
Liabilities assumed (1) | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 1,613 | |||
Short-term and current maturities of long-term debt (3) | 243 | ||||
| Contract liabilities | 71 | ||||
| Settlement obligations | 10,398 | ||||
| Deferred income taxes | 3,671 | ||||
| Long-term contract liabilities | 16 | ||||
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities (4) | 1,261 | ||||
| Total liabilities assumed | $ | 17,273 | |||
| Net assets acquired | $ | 48,335 | |||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 252 | ||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 1,608 | ||||
| Total purchase price | $ | 46,475 | |||
(1)In connection with the acquisition of First Data, the Company acquired two businesses which it intended to sell and subsequently sold in October 2019. Therefore, such businesses were classified as held for sale and were included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses in the above allocation of purchase price (see Note 5).
(2)Includes $922 million of settlement cash and cash equivalents (see Note 1).
(3)Includes foreign lines of credit, current portion of finance lease obligations and other financing obligations (see Note 12).
(4)Includes the receivable securitized loan and the long-term portion of finance lease obligations (see Note 12).
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the income and cost approaches. In many cases, the determination of the fair values required estimates about discount rates, growth and attrition rates, future expected cash flows and other future events that are judgmental. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement of the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. Intangible assets consisting of customer relationships, technology and trade names were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method (“MEEM”), or the relief from royalty (“RFR”) method, both are forms of the income approach. A cost and market approach was applied, as appropriate, for property and equipment, including land.
•Customer relationship intangible assets were valued using the MEEM method. The significant assumptions used include the estimated annual net cash flows (including appropriate revenue and profit attributable to the asset, retention rate, applicable tax rate, and contributory asset charges, among other factors), the discount rate, reflecting the risks inherent in the future cash flow stream, an assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and the tax amortization benefit, among other factors.
•Technology and trade name intangible assets were valued using the RFR method. The significant assumptions used include the estimated annual net cash flows (including appropriate revenue attributable to the asset, applicable tax rate,
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royalty rate, and other factors such as technology related obsolescence rates), the discount rate, reflecting the risks inherent in the future cash flow stream, and the tax amortization benefit, among other factors.
•The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used, as appropriate, for property and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the property, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation.
•The market approach, which estimates value by leveraging comparable land sale data/listings and qualitatively comparing them to the in-scope properties, was used to value the land.
•An income approach was applied to derive fair value for both consolidated investments with a noncontrolling interest and equity method investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The significant assumptions used include the estimated annual cash flows, the discount rate, the long-term growth rate, and operating margin, among other factors.
The Company believes that the information provided a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
The amounts allocated to intangible assets were as follows:
The financial results of First Data are included in the consolidated results of the Company from July 29, 2019, the date of acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the results of operations for First Data, included within the accompanying consolidated statement of income, consisted of $4.1 billion of revenue and $1.0 billion of operating income.
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Weighted-Average Useful Life | |||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 13,458 | 15 years | ||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | 2,324 | 7 years | |||||||||
| Trade names | 490 | 9 years | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 16,272 | 14 years | ||||||||
The Company incurred transaction expenses of approximately $175 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Approximately $77 million of these expenses were included in selling, general and administrative expenses and $98 million were included in debt financing activities within the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The following unaudited supplemental pro forma combined financial information presents the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 as if the acquisition of First Data had occurred on January 1, 2018. The pro forma financial information is presented for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s operating results that may have actually occurred had the acquisition of First Data been completed on January 1, 2018. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated cost savings, operating efficiencies or other synergies that may be associated with the acquisition, or any estimated costs that have been or will be incurred by the Company to integrate the assets and operations of First Data.
The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects pro forma adjustments to present the combined pro forma results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2018 to give effect to certain events the Company believes to be directly attributable to the acquisition. These pro forma adjustments primarily include:
| (In millions, except for per share data) | 2019 | ||||
| Total revenue | $ | 15,775 | |||
| Net income | 1,520 | ||||
| Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. | 1,457 | ||||
| Net income per share attributable to Fiserv, Inc.: | |||||
| Basic | $ | 2.14 | |||
| Diluted | $ | 2.10 | |||
•a net increase in amortization expense that would have been recognized due to acquired intangible assets;
•an adjustment to interest expense to reflect (i) the additional borrowings of the Company in conjunction with the acquisition and (ii) the repayment of First Data’s historical debt in conjunction with the acquisition;
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•a reduction in expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 and a corresponding increase in the year ended December 31, 2018 for acquisition-related transaction costs and other one-time costs directly attributable to the acquisition;
•a reduction in operating revenues due to the elimination of deferred revenues assigned no value at the acquisition date;
•an adjustment to stock compensation expense to reflect the cost of the replacement awards as if they had been issued on January 1, 2018; and
•the related income tax effects of the adjustments noted above.
Other Acquisitions
On November 15, 2021, the Company acquired a remaining ownership interest in NetPay Solutions Group (“NetPay”), a multi-channel payment service provider offering a range of capabilities around onboarding, customer lifecycle, risk management and settlement to businesses of all sizes. The Company previously held a 40% noncontrolling interest in NetPay, which was accounted for under the equity method and approximated acquisition date fair value. NetPay is included within the Acceptance segment and further expands the Company’s merchant services business. On October 1, 2021, the Company acquired Integrity Payments, LLC (“AIP”), an independent sales organization that promotes payment processing services for merchants, which is included within the Acceptance segment. On June 14, 2021, the Company acquired Spend Labs Inc. (“SpendLabs”), a mobile-native, cloud-based software provider of commercial card payment solutions. SpendLabs is included within the Payments segment and further expands the Company’s digital capabilities across mobile and desktop devices for small and mid-sized businesses. On March 1, 2021, the Company acquired Radius8, Inc. (“Radius8”), a provider of a platform that uses consumer location and other information to drive incremental merchant transactions. Radius8 is included within the Acceptance segment and enhances the Company’s ability to help merchants increase sales, expand mobile application registration and improve one-to-one target marketing. The Company acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $87 million, net of the fair value of the Company’s previously held non-controlling interest in NetPay of $14 million and including earn-out provisions estimated at a fair value of $4 million (see Note 10). The allocation of purchase price for these acquisitions resulted in the recognition of identifiable intangible assets totaling $47 million, goodwill of $62 million and net assumed liabilities of $8 million. The purchase price allocation for the Radius8 acquisition was finalized in the third quarter of 2021 and for SpendLabs in the fourth quarter of 2021. The allocation of the purchase price for the NetPay and AIP acquisitions are preliminary and subject to further adjustment, pending additional refinement and final completion of valuations. Measurement period adjustments did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of income. Goodwill, of which $14 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributed to synergies, the anticipated value created by advancing digital capabilities to the Company’s clients, and selling the Company’s products and services to the acquired businesses’ existing client base.
The amounts allocated to intangible assets were as follows:
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Weighted-Average Useful Life | |||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | $ | 31 | 6 years | ||||||||
| Customer relationships | 9 | 10 years | |||||||||
| Residual buyouts | 7 | 5 years | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 47 | 7 years | ||||||||
On March 2, 2020, the Company acquired MerchantPro Express LLC (“MerchantPro”), an independent sales organization that provides processing services, point-of-sale equipment and merchant cash advances to businesses across the U.S. MerchantPro is included within the Acceptance segment and further expands the Company’s merchant services business. On March 18, 2020, the Company acquired Bypass Mobile, LLC (“Bypass”), an independent software vendor and innovator in enterprise point-of-sale systems for sports and entertainment venues, food service management providers and national restaurant chains. Bypass is included within the Acceptance segment and further enhances the Company’s ability to help businesses deliver seamless physical and digital customer experiences. On May 11, 2020, the Company acquired Inlet, LLC (“Inlet”), a provider of secure digital delivery solutions for enterprise and middle-market biller invoices and statements. Inlet is included within the Payments segment and further enhances the Company’s digital bill payment strategy. The Company acquired these businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $167 million, net of $2 million of acquired cash, and including earn-out provisions estimated at a fair value of $45 million (see Note 10). The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions resulted in the recognition of identifiable intangible assets totaling $81 million, goodwill of $90 million, and net assumed liabilities of $4 million. The purchase price allocation for the MerchantPro acquisition was finalized in the third quarter of 2020, and for the Bypass and Inlet acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2020. The goodwill recognized from these transactions, of which $36 million is
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deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributed to synergies and the anticipated value created by selling the Company’s products and services to the acquired businesses’ existing client base.
The amounts allocated to intangible assets were as follows:
The results of operations for these acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated results of the Company from the respective dates of acquisition. Pro forma information for these acquisitions is not provided because they did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Weighted-Average Useful Life | |||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 32 | 14 years | ||||||||
| Residual buyouts | 35 | 9 years | |||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | 14 | 8 years | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 81 | 11 years | ||||||||
In February 2022, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining ownership interest in Finxact, Inc. (“Finxact”), a developer of cloud-native banking solutions powering digital transformation throughout the financial services sector, for approximately $650 million. The Company expects the acquisition to close in 2022, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Upon closing of the acquisition, Finxact will be included in the Fintech segment. The Company expects to recognize a gain on the remeasurement of its previously held equity interest to its fair value at the acquisition date.
Dispositions
Effective July 1, 2020, the Company and Bank of America (“BANA”) dissolved the Banc of America Merchant Services joint venture (“BAMS” or the “joint venture”), of which the Company maintained a 51% controlling ownership interest. Upon dissolution of the joint venture’s operations, the joint venture transferred a proportionate share of value, primarily the client contracts, to each party via an agreed upon contractual separation. The remaining activities of the joint venture consist primarily of an orderly wind down of remaining BAMS assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the separation agreement, the joint venture retains the responsibility for certain contingencies that may arise from pre-dissolution activities, including certain legal claims and contingencies. The Company may be obligated to fund a proportionate share of any such losses as incurred.
The transfer of value to BANA was accounted for at fair value as a non pro rata distribution of nonmonetary assets, resulting in the recognition of a pre-tax gain of $36 million, with a related tax expense of $13 million. The pre-tax gain included the revaluation of client contracts allocated to BANA to a fair value of $700 million, as well as an estimated $24 million for certain additional consideration due from the Company to BANA in connection with the dissolution. The pre-tax net gain was recorded within gain on sale of businesses and the tax expense was recorded within the income tax provision in the consolidated statement of income. Noncontrolling interests of the Company were reduced by $726 million and the Company’s additional paid-in capital was reduced by $36 million to account for the wind down of the joint venture and the transfer of a proportionate share of the joint venture’s fair value to BANA. The transfer of value to the Company was accounted for at carryover basis as the Company maintains control of such assets. The business transferred to the Company continues to be operated and managed within the Company’s Acceptance segment.
The fair value of the client contracts upon dissolution of the joint venture was determined using the MEEM method, a form of the income approach. The determination of the fair values required estimates about discount rates, growth and attrition rates, future expected cash flows and other future events that were judgmental in nature. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that were not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 measurement of the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The significant assumptions used included the estimated annual net cash flows (including appropriate revenue and profit attributable to the asset, retention rate, applicable tax rate, and contributory asset charges, among other factors), the discount rate, reflecting the risks inherent in the future cash flow stream, an assessment of the asset’s life cycle, and the tax amortization benefit, among other factors.
The Company continues to provide merchant processing and related services to former BAMS clients allocated to BANA, at BAMS pricing, through June 2023. The Company also provides processing and other support services to new BANA merchant clients pursuant to a five-year non-exclusive agreement which, after June 2023, will also apply to the former BAMS clients allocated to BANA. In addition, both the Company and BANA are entitled to certain transition services, at fair value, from each other through June 2023.
On February 18, 2020, the Company sold a 60% controlling interest of its Investment Services business, subsequently renamed as Tegra118, LLC (“Tegra118”). The Company received pre-tax proceeds of $578 million, net of related expenses, resulting in
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a pre-tax gain on the sale of $428 million, with the related tax expense of $112 million recorded through the income tax provision, in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2020. The pre-tax gain included $176 million related to the remeasurement of the Company’s 40% retained interest based upon the enterprise value of the business. The revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Investment Services business were consolidated into the Company’s financial results through the date of the sale transaction, and are reported within Corporate and Other (see Note 21). In conjunction with the sale transaction, the Company also entered into transition services agreements to provide, at fair value, various administration, business process outsourcing, technical and data center related services for defined periods to Tegra118.
On February 2, 2021, Tegra118 completed a merger with a third party, resulting in a dilution of the Company’s ownership interest in the combined new entity, Wealthtech Holdings, LLC, which was subsequently renamed as InvestCloud Holdings, LLC (“InvestCloud”). In connection with the transaction, the Company made an additional capital contribution of $200 million into the combined entity and recognized a pre-tax gain of $28 million within income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated statement of income, with related tax expense of $6 million recorded through the income tax provision, during the year ended December 31, 2021. On June 30, 2021, the Company sold its entire ownership interest in InvestCloud for $466 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $33 million recorded within income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated statement of income, with related tax expense of $8 million recorded through the income tax provision, during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company will continue to provide various technical and data center related services under the terms of a pre-existing transition services agreement with InvestCloud, as described above.
5. Discontinued Operations
In connection with the acquisition of First Data, the Company acquired two businesses, which it intended to sell. In October 2019, the Company completed the sales, at acquired fair value, of these two businesses for aggregate proceeds of $133 million. The sale proceeds are presented within discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows since the businesses were never considered part of the Company’s ongoing operations. The financial results of these businesses from the date of acquisition were not significant.
6. Settlement Assets and Obligations
Settlement assets and obligations represent intermediary balances arising from the settlement process which involves the transferring of funds between card issuers, payment networks, merchants and consumers, and collateral amounts held to manage merchant credit risk. The Company records settlement assets and obligations upon processing a payment transaction. Settlement assets represent amounts receivable from agents, bank partners, merchants and from payment networks for submitted merchant transactions, and funds received by the Company in advance of paying to merchants or payees. Settlement obligations represent the unpaid amounts that are due to merchants or payees for their payment transactions and collateral deposits.
The principal components of the Company’s settlement assets and obligations were as follows at December 31:
The changes in settlement cash and cash equivalents are presented in settlement activity, net within financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Settlement assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,361 | $ | 1,650 | |||||||
| Receivables | 11,291 | 9,871 | |||||||||
| Total settlement assets | $ | 13,652 | $ | 11,521 | |||||||
| Settlement obligations | |||||||||||
| Payment instruments outstanding | $ | 460 | $ | 483 | |||||||
| Card settlements and collateral deposits due to merchants | 13,192 | 11,038 | |||||||||
| Total settlement obligations | $ | 13,652 | $ | 11,521 | |||||||
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7. Intangible Assets
Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
Gross software development costs capitalized for new products and enhancements to existing products totaled $613 million, $462 million and $339 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Book Value | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 15,103 | $ | 5,112 | $ | 9,991 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | 2,522 | 901 | 1,621 | |||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | 612 | 228 | 384 | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchased software | 1,133 | 479 | 654 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized software and other intangibles | 1,879 | 520 | 1,359 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 21,249 | $ | 7,240 | $ | 14,009 | ||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Book Value | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 15,271 | $ | 3,668 | $ | 11,603 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquired software and technology | 2,562 | 879 | 1,683 | |||||||||||||||||
| Trade names | 618 | 172 | 446 | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchased software | 913 | 207 | 706 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized software and other intangibles | 1,332 | 412 | 920 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 20,696 | $ | 5,338 | $ | 15,358 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization expense associated with the above identifiable intangible assets was as follows for the years ended December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | $ | 2,548 | $ | 2,563 | $ | 1,299 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 includes $56 million of accelerated amortization associated with the termination of certain vendor contracts (see Note 17).
The Company estimates that annual amortization expense with respect to intangible assets recorded at December 31, 2021 will be as follows:
| (In millions) | ||||||||
| Year Ending December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 2,466 | ||||||
| 2023 | 2,216 | |||||||
| 2024 | 1,780 | |||||||
| 2025 | 1,531 | |||||||
| 2026 | 1,247 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 4,769 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 14,009 | ||||||
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8. Goodwill
The following table presents changes in goodwill during 2021 and 2020.
| Reportable Segments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill - December 31, 2019 | $ | 21,189 | $ | 2,104 | $ | 12,745 | $ | 36,038 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions and valuation adjustments | 332 | — | 62 | 394 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (113) | 4 | (1) | (110) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill - December 31, 2020 | 21,408 | 2,108 | 12,806 | 36,322 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions and valuation adjustments | 321 | — | 197 | 518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers(1) | — | (67) | 67 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (347) | (2) | (58) | (407) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill - December 31, 2021 | $ | 21,382 | $ | 2,039 | $ | 13,012 | $ | 36,433 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1)Relates to the migration of a line of business from the Fintech segment to the Payments segment. This migration did not have a material impact on the results of operations of the affected reportable segments.
9. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
The Company maintains investments in various affiliates that are accounted for as equity method investments, the most significant of which are related to the Company’s merchant alliances. The Company’s share of net income or loss from these investments is reported within income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates and the related tax expense or benefit is reported within the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of income.
Merchant Alliances
The Company maintains ownership interests of significant influence in various merchant alliances. A merchant alliance is an agreement between the Company and a financial institution that combines the processing capabilities and management expertise of the Company with the visibility and distribution channel of the financial institution. A merchant alliance acquires credit and debit card transactions from merchants. The Company provides processing and other services to the alliance and charges fees to the alliance primarily based on contractual pricing (see Note 20). The Company’s investment in its merchant alliances was $2.3 billion and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is reported within investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Equity Method Investments
Following the sale of a controlling financial interest of the Investment Services business during the first quarter of 2020 (see Note 4), the Company’s remaining ownership interest in the business, subsequently renamed as InvestCloud, was accounted for as an equity method investment prior to the sale of the Company’s entire remaining ownership interest during the second quarter of 2021. The Company also maintains a 45% ownership interest in Sagent M&C, LLC and a 31% ownership interest in defi SOLUTIONS Group, LLC (collectively, the “Lending Joint Ventures”), which are accounted for as equity method investments. The Company’s aggregate investment in these entities was $25 million and $212 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is reported within investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company maintains other strategic investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's aggregate investment in such entities was $266 million and $192 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and is reported within investments in unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Lending Joint Ventures maintain variable-rate term loan facilities with aggregate outstanding borrowings of $365 million in senior unsecured debt and variable-rate revolving credit facilities with an aggregate borrowing capacity of $45 million with a syndicate of banks, which mature in March 2023. Outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2021 were $16 million. The Company has guaranteed this debt of the Lending Joint Ventures and does not anticipate that the Lending Joint Ventures will fail to fulfill their debt obligations. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company’s debt guarantee arrangements with the Lending Joint Ventures.
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In August 2019, the Company’s Sagent Auto, LLC joint venture completed a merger with a third party, resulting in a dilution of the Company’s ownership interest in the combined entity, defi SOLUTIONS Group, LLC. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $14 million within income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates, with the related tax expense of $3 million recorded through the income tax provision, in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting the Company’s 31% ownership interest.
The Company classifies distributions from its investments accounted for using the equity method in the consolidated statements of cash flows using the cumulative earnings approach. Under this approach, distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates are classified as cash flows from operating activities to the extent that the cumulative distributions do not exceed the cumulative earnings on the investment. To the extent the current period distribution exceeds the cumulative earnings on the investment, the distribution is considered a return of investment and is classified as cash flows from investing activities. The Company received cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates of $149 million, $151 million and $136 million, of which $115 million, $109 million and $113 million were recorded as cash flows from investing activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company also maintains investments, of which it does not have significant influence, in various equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. Such investments totaled $113 million and $160 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included within other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company reviews these investments each reporting period to determine whether an impairment or observable price change for the investment has occurred. To the extent such events or changes occur, the Company evaluates the fair value compared to its cost basis in the investment. Gains or losses from a sale of these investments or a change in fair value are included within other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income for the period. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company remeasured its equity interest in Ondot to fair value upon the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest, resulting in the recognition of a pre-tax gain of $12 million (see Note 4). Other adjustments made to the values recorded for certain equity securities and gains and losses from sales of equity securities during 2021, 2020 and 2019 were not significant.
10. Fair Value Measurements
The fair values of cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, settlement assets and obligations, accounts payable, and client deposits approximate their respective carrying values due to the short period of time to maturity. The Company’s derivative instruments are measured on a recurring basis based on foreign currency spot rates and forwards quoted by banks and foreign currency dealers and are marked-to-market each period (see Note 14). Contingent consideration related to certain of the Company’s acquisitions (see Note 4) is estimated based on the present value of a probability-weighted assessment approach derived from the likelihood of achieving the earn-out criteria. The fair value of the Company’s contingent liability for current expected credit losses associated with its debt guarantees, as further described below, is estimated based on assumptions of future risk of default and the corresponding level of credit losses at the time of default.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following at December 31:
The Company’s senior notes are recorded at amortized cost, but measured at fair value for disclosure purposes. The estimated fair value of senior notes was based on matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs of comparable securities (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The carrying value of the Company’s foreign lines of credit, debt associated with the receivables securitization agreement, term loan credit agreement, commercial paper notes and revolving credit facility borrowings approximates fair value as these instruments have variable interest rates and the Company has not experienced any change to its credit ratings (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The estimated fair value of total debt, excluding finance leases and other financing obligations, was $21.8 billion and $22.5 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the carrying value was $20.4 billion and $19.9 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
| Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Classification | Fair Value Hierarchy | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | Level 2 | $ | 6 | $ | 9 | ||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | Accounts payable and accrued expenses | Level 3 | $ | 2 | $ | 46 | ||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | Other long-term liabilities | Level 3 | 32 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Contingent debt guarantee | Accounts payable and accrued expenses | Level 3 | 4 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Contingent debt guarantee | Other long-term liabilities | Level 3 | — | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
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The Company maintains a liability for its non-contingent obligations to perform over the term of its debt guarantee arrangements with the Lending Joint Ventures (see Note 9), which is reported within accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The non-contingent component of the Company’s debt guarantee arrangements is recorded at amortized cost but measured at fair value for disclosure purposes. The carrying value of the Company’s non-contingent liability of $10 million and $18 million approximates the fair value at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). Such guarantees will be amortized in future periods over the contractual term which ends in March 2023. In addition, the Company has recorded, in conjunction with the adoption of CECL, a contingent liability ($4 million and $8 million as reported within accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), representing the current expected credit losses to which the Company is exposed. This contingent liability is estimated based on certain financial metrics of the Lending Joint Ventures and historical industry data, which is used to develop assumptions of the likelihood the guaranteed parties will default and the level of credit losses in the event a default occurs (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). The Company recognized $12 million, $13 million and $7 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, within other income (expense) in its consolidated statements of income related to its release from risk under the non-contingent guarantees as well as a change in the provision of estimated credit losses associated with the indebtedness of the Lending Joint Ventures. The Company has not made any payments under the guarantees, nor has it been called upon to do so.
In addition, certain of the Company’s non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including property and equipment, lease ROU assets, equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, goodwill and other intangible assets, and are subject to fair value adjustment in certain circumstances. Additional information about fair value adjustments recorded on a non-recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is included in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements.
11. Leases
Company as Lessee
The Company primarily leases office space, data centers and equipment from third parties. The Company determines if a contract is a lease at inception. A contract contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The lease term begins on the commencement date, which is the date the Company takes possession of the asset, and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Many of the Company’s leases contain renewal options for varying periods, which can be exercised at the Company’s sole discretion. Leases are classified as operating or finance leases based on factors such as the lease term, lease payments, and the economic life, fair value and estimated residual value of the asset. Certain leases include options to purchase the leased asset at the end of the lease term, which is assessed as a part of the Company’s lease classification determination. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms ranging from one month to 22 years.
The Company uses the right-of-use model to account for its leases. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets are based on the lease liability and are increased by prepaid lease payments and decreased by lease incentives received. For leases where the Company is reasonably certain to exercise a renewal option, such option periods have been included in the determination of the Company’s ROU assets and lease liabilities. Certain leases require the Company to pay taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses associated with the leased asset. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the ROU assets and lease liabilities to the extent they are variable in nature. These variable lease costs are recognized as variable lease expenses when incurred. As a practical expedient, lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component for all asset classes. The Company estimates contingent lease incentives when it is probable that the Company is entitled to the incentive at lease commencement. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. Therefore, leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets; instead, lease payments are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The depreciable life of the ROU assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term unless the Company is reasonably certain of a transfer of title or purchase option. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to discount future lease payments in the calculation of the lease liability and ROU asset based on the information available on the commencement date for each lease. The Company’s leases typically do not provide an implicit rate. The determination of the incremental borrowing rate requires judgment and is determined using the Company’s current unsecured borrowing rate, adjusted for various factors such as collateralization, currency and term to align with the terms of the lease.
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Lease Balances
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||
Operating lease assets (1) | $ | 575 | $ | 504 | |||||||
Finance lease assets (2) | 487 | 267 | |||||||||
| Total lease assets | $ | 1,062 | $ | 771 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
Current: | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities (1) | $ | 122 | $ | 125 | |||||||
Finance lease liabilities (2) | 130 | 104 | |||||||||
Noncurrent: | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities (1) | 615 | 471 | |||||||||
Finance lease liabilities (2) | 313 | 271 | |||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | 1,180 | $ | 971 | |||||||
(1)Operating lease assets are included within , and operating lease liabilities are included within (current portion) and (noncurrent portion) in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Finance lease assets are included within and finance lease liabilities are included within (current portion) and (noncurrent portion) in the consolidated balance sheets.
Components of Lease Cost
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Operating lease cost (1) | $ | 162 | $ | 198 | $ | 207 | |||||||||||
Finance lease cost: (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of right-of-use assets | 122 | 150 | 40 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on lease liabilities | 23 | 21 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Total lease cost | $ | 307 | $ | 369 | $ | 255 | |||||||||||
(1)Operating lease expense is included within cost of processing and services, cost of product and selling, general and administrative expense, dependent upon the nature and use of the ROU asset, in the consolidated statements of income. Operating lease expense includes approximately $39 million, $50 million and $56 million of variable lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)Finance lease expense is recorded as depreciation and amortization expense within cost of processing and services, cost of product and selling, general and administrative expense, dependent upon the nature and use of the ROU asset, and interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. Finance lease expense includes $62 million of accelerated amortization associated with the termination of certain vendor contracts during the year ended December 31, 2020 (see Note 17).
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Supplemental Cash Flow Information
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 153 | $ | 155 | $ | 139 | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | 23 | 21 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | 161 | 187 | 37 | ||||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | 197 | $ | 46 | $ | 441 | |||||||||||
| Finance leases | 231 | 399 | 288 | ||||||||||||||
(1)Amounts in 2019 include the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities obtained through the acquisition of First Data.
Lease Term and Discount Rate
Maturity of Lease Liabilities
| December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term: | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 10 years | 6 years | |||||||||
| Finance leases | 3 years | 4 years | |||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate: | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 2.7 | % | 2.9 | % | |||||||
| Finance leases | 2.7 | % | 3.5 | % | |||||||
Future minimum rental payments on leases with initial non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year were due as follows at December 31, 2021:
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| Year Ending December 31, | Operating Leases (1) | Finance Leases | |||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 125 | $ | 138 | |||||||
| 2023 | 112 | 146 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 101 | 127 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 82 | 45 | |||||||||
| 2026 | 74 | 14 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 351 | — | |||||||||
| Total lease payments | 845 | 470 | |||||||||
| Less: Interest | (108) | (27) | |||||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 737 | $ | 443 | |||||||
(1)Operating lease payments include $6 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised.
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Company as Lessor
The Company owns certain point-of-sale (“POS”) terminal equipment which it leases to merchants. Leases are classified as operating or sales-type leases based on factors such as the lease term, lease payments, and the economic life, fair value and estimated residual value of the asset. The terms of the leases typically range from one month to five years. For operating leases, the minimum lease payments received are recognized as lease income on a straight-line basis over the lease term and the leased asset is included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets and depreciated over its estimated useful life. For sales-type leases, selling profit is recognized at the commencement date of the lease to the extent the fair value of the underlying asset is different from its carrying amount. Selling profit is directly impacted by the Company’s estimate of the amount to be derived from the residual value of the asset at the end of the lease term. The residual value of the asset is computed using various assumptions, including the expected value of the underlying asset at the end of the lease term. Unearned income is recognized as interest income over the lease term. For sales-type leases, the Company derecognizes the carrying amount of the underlying leased asset and recognizes a net investment in the leased asset in the consolidated balance sheets. The net investment in a leased asset is computed based on the present value of the minimum lease payments not yet received and the present value of the residual value of the asset.
Components of Lease Income
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
Sales-type leases: | |||||||||||||||||
Selling profit (1) | $ | 61 | $ | 48 | $ | 20 | |||||||||||
Interest income (1) | 85 | 76 | 33 | ||||||||||||||
Operating lease income (2) | 297 | 257 | 36 | ||||||||||||||
(1)Selling profit includes $141 million, $106 million and $48 million recorded within with a corresponding charge of $80 million, $58 million and $28 million recorded in cost of product in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Interest income is included within product revenue in the consolidated statements of income.
(2)Operating lease income includes a nominal amount of variable lease income and is included within in the consolidated statements of income for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Components of Net Investment in Sales-Type Leases
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| December 31, | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Minimum lease payments | $ | 395 | $ | 355 | |||||||
Residual values | 23 | 23 | |||||||||
Less: Unearned interest income | (157) | (141) | |||||||||
Net investment in leases (1) | $ | 261 | $ | 237 | |||||||
(1)Net investments in leased assets are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets (current portion) and other long-term assets (noncurrent portion) in the consolidated balance sheets.
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Maturities of Future Minimum Lease Payment Receivables
Future minimum lease payments receivable on sales-type leases were as follows at December 31, 2021:
Lease Payment Receivables Portfolio
| (In millions) | |||||
| Year Ending December 31, | Sales-Type Leases | ||||
| 2022 | $ | 164 | |||
| 2023 | 120 | ||||
| 2024 | 76 | ||||
| 2025 | 32 | ||||
| 2026 | 3 | ||||
| Thereafter | — | ||||
| Total minimum lease payments | $ | 395 | |||
The Company accounts for lease payment receivables in connection with POS terminal equipment as a single portfolio. The Company recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses on lease payment receivables at the commencement date of the lease by considering the term, geography and internal credit risk ratings of such lease. The internal credit risk ratings are established based on lessee specific risk factors, such as FICO score, number of years the lessee has been in business and the nature of the lessee’s industry, which are considered indicators of the likelihood a lessee may default in the future. The allowance for estimated credit losses on lease payment receivables was $56 million and $64 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company determines delinquency status on lease payment receivables based on the number of calendar days past due. The Company considers lease payments that are 90 days or less past due as performing. Lease payments that are greater than 90 days past due are placed on non-accrual status in which interest income is no longer recognized. Lease payment receivables are fully written off in the period they become delinquent greater than 180 days past due. The amortized cost balance of net investment in leases at December 31, 2021 and 2020, was $261 million and $237 million, respectively. Lease payment receivables that were determined to be on non-accrual status were nominal at each of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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12. Debt
The Company’s debt consisted of the following at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Short-term and current maturities of long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign lines of credit | $ | 240 | $ | 144 | ||||||||||
| Finance lease and other financing obligations | 268 | 240 | ||||||||||||
| Total short-term and current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 508 | $ | 384 | ||||||||||
| Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||
4.750% senior notes due June 2021 | $ | — | $ | 400 | ||||||||||
3.500% senior notes due October 2022 | 700 | 700 | ||||||||||||
0.375% senior notes due July 2023 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
3.800% senior notes due October 2023 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
2.750% senior notes due July 2024 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
3.850% senior notes due June 2025 | 900 | 900 | ||||||||||||
2.250% senior notes due July 2025 (British Pound-denominated) | 705 | 709 | ||||||||||||
3.200% senior notes due July 2026 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
2.250% senior notes due June 2027 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
1.125% senior notes due July 2027 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
4.200% senior notes due October 2028 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
3.500% senior notes due July 2029 | 3,000 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
2.650% senior notes due June 2030 | 1,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||||
1.625% senior notes due July 2030 (Euro-denominated) | 566 | 612 | ||||||||||||
3.000% senior notes due July 2031 (British Pound-denominated) | 705 | 709 | ||||||||||||
4.400% senior notes due July 2049 | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. commercial paper notes | 916 | — | ||||||||||||
| Euro commercial paper notes | 905 | — | ||||||||||||
| Revolving credit facility | 97 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Receivable securitized loan | 500 | 425 | ||||||||||||
| Term loan facility | 200 | 1,250 | ||||||||||||
| Unamortized discount and deferred financing costs | (125) | (155) | ||||||||||||
| Finance lease and other financing obligations | 528 | 504 | ||||||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | 20,729 | $ | 20,300 | ||||||||||
Annual maturities of the Company’s total debt were as follows at December 31, 2021:
| (In millions) | |||||
| Year Ending December 31, | |||||
| 2022 | $ | 508 | |||
| 2023 | 4,923 | ||||
| 2024 | 2,391 | ||||
| 2025 | 1,677 | ||||
| 2026 | 2,027 | ||||
| Thereafter | 9,836 | ||||
| Total principal payments | 21,362 | ||||
| Unamortized discount and deferred financing costs | (125) | ||||
| Total debt | $ | 21,237 | |||
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Senior Notes
The Company has outstanding $17.7 billion of various fixed-rate senior notes, as described above. The indentures governing the Company’s senior notes contain covenants that, among other matters, limit (i) the Company’s ability to consolidate or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, another person, (ii) the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to create or assume liens, and (iii) the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to engage in sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may, at its option, redeem the senior notes, in whole or, from time to time, in part, at any time prior to the applicable maturity date. Interest on the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes is paid semi-annually, while interest on its Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes is paid annually. The interest rate applicable to certain of the senior notes is subject to an increase of up to two percent in the event that the credit rating assigned to such notes is downgraded below investment grade.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the 2021 issuance of commercial paper notes, as described below, to repay the outstanding principal balance of $400 million under its 4.75% senior notes that matured in June 2021. At December 31, 2021, the 3.50% senior notes due in October 2022 were classified in the consolidated balance sheet as long-term and within the debt maturity schedule above as maturing in September 2023, the date that the Company’s revolving credit facility expires, as the Company has the intent to refinance this debt on a long-term basis and the ability to do so under its revolving credit facility.
Commercial Paper
The Company initiated an unsecured U.S. dollar commercial paper program (“USCP”) in May 2021 and an unsecured Euro commercial paper program (“ECP”) in November 2021. From time to time, the Company may issue under these programs U.S. dollar commercial paper with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issuance and Euro commercial paper with maturities of up to 183 days from the date of issuance. Outstanding borrowings under the USCP were $916 million at December 31, 2021, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.295%. Outstanding borrowings under the ECP were $905 million at December 31, 2021, with a weighted average interest rate of (0.420)%. The Company intends to maintain available capacity under its revolving credit facility, as described below, in an amount at least equal to the aggregate outstanding borrowings under its commercial paper programs. Outstanding borrowings under the commercial paper programs are classified in the consolidated balance sheet as long-term and within the debt maturity schedule above as maturing in September 2023, the date that the Company’s revolving credit facility expires, as the Company has the intent to refinance this commercial paper on a long-term basis through the continued issuance of new commercial paper upon maturity, and the Company also has the ability to refinance such commercial paper under its revolving credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper notes to repay outstanding borrowings under its amended and restated revolving credit facility, to repay its 4.75% senior notes that matured in June 2021, and to pay down outstanding borrowings on its term loan facility.
Revolving Credit Facility
The Company maintains an amended and restated revolving credit facility, which matures in September 2023, with aggregate commitments available for $3.5 billion of total capacity. U.S. dollar borrowings under the amended and restated revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, typically at the overnight or 1-month rates, or a base rate, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on the Company’s long-term debt rating in effect from time to time. Foreign currency borrowings under the amended and restated revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on a benchmark applicable to the relevant currency, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on our long-term debt rating in effect from time to time. The variable interest rate on the revolving credit facility borrowings was 1.16% at December 31, 2021. There are no significant commitment fees and no compensating balance requirements. The amended and restated revolving credit facility contains various restrictions and covenants that require the Company, among other things, to (i) limit its consolidated indebtedness as of the end of each fiscal quarter to no more than three and one-half times the Company’s consolidated net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and expenses and certain other adjustments (“EBITDA”) during the period of four fiscal quarters then ended, subject to certain exceptions, and (ii) maintain EBITDA of at least three times its consolidated interest expense as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the period of four fiscal quarters then ended. The Company was in compliance with all financial debt covenants during 2021.
Foreign Lines of Credit and Other Arrangements
The Company maintains certain short-term lines of credit with foreign banks and alliance partners primarily to fund settlement activity. These arrangements are primarily associated with international operations and are in various functional currencies, the most significant of which is the Argentine peso. The Company had amounts outstanding on these lines of credit totaling $240
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million and $144 million at a weighted-average interest rate of 21.01% and 21.98% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Receivable Securitized Loan
The Company maintains a consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary, First Data Receivables, LLC (“FDR”). FDR is a party to certain receivables financing arrangements, including an agreement (“Receivables Financing Agreement”) with certain financial institutions and other persons from time to time party thereto as lenders and group agents, pursuant to which certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company have agreed to transfer and contribute receivables to FDR, and FDR in turn may obtain borrowings from the financial institutions and other lender parties to the Receivables Financing Agreement secured by liens on those receivables. FDR’s assets are not available to satisfy the obligations of any other entities or affiliates of the Company, and FDR’s creditors would be entitled, upon its liquidation, to be satisfied out of FDR’s assets prior to any assets or value in FDR becoming available to the Company. The receivables held by FDR are recorded within trade accounts receivable, net in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. FDR held $1.0 billion and $811 million in receivables as part of the securitization program at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. FDR utilized the receivables as collateral in borrowings of $500 million and $425 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, at an average interest rate of 0.95% and 1.00%, respectively. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a specified margin. At December 31, 2021, the collateral capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement was $747 million, and the maximum borrowing capacity was $500 million. The term of the Receivables Financing Agreement is through July 2022. At December 31, 2021, outstanding borrowings under the receivable securitized loan facility were classified in the consolidated balance sheet as long-term and within the debt maturity schedule above as maturing in September 2023, the date that the Company’s revolving credit facility expires, as the Company has the intent to refinance this debt on a long-term basis and the ability to do so under its revolving credit facility.
Term Loan Facility
The Company maintains a term loan credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions that was funded in conjunction with the acquisition of First Data in an original principal amount of $5.0 billion. Following various amortization payments and prepayments, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under such agreement was $200 million at December 31, 2021. Borrowings under the term loan facility bear interest at variable rates based on one-month LIBOR or on a base rate, plus, in each case, a specified margin based on the Company’s long-term debt rating in effect from time to time, and will mature in July 2024. The variable interest rate on the term loan facility borrowings was 1.35% at December 31, 2021. A portion of the net proceeds from the Company’s 2021 issuances of commercial paper, as described above, was used to pay down outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility. The term loan credit facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, and events of default, that are substantially the same as those set forth in the Company’s existing amended and restated revolving credit facility, as described above.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized as a component of interest expense, net over the term of the underlying debt using the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs primarily related to the Company’s senior notes totaled $92 million and $117 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are reported as a direct reduction of the related debt instrument in the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs related to the Company’s revolving credit facility are reported in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $3 million and $5 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Debt Financing Activities
On January 16, 2019, in connection with the definitive merger agreement to acquire First Data (see Note 4), the Company entered into a bridge facility commitment letter pursuant to which a group of financial institutions committed to provide a 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $17.0 billion for the purpose of funding the repayment of certain indebtedness of First Data and its subsidiaries on the closing date of the acquisition of First Data, making cash payments in lieu of fractional shares as part of the acquisition consideration and paying fees and expenses related to the acquisition, the refinancing and the related transactions. The Company recorded $98 million of expenses, reported within debt financing activities in the consolidated statements of income, related to the bridge term loan facility during the year ended December 31, 2019. The aggregate commitments of $17.0 billion under the bridge facility commitment letter were replaced with a corresponding amount of permanent financing through the term loan credit agreement and issuance of senior notes, as described above, resulting in the termination of the bridge term loan facility effective July 1, 2019.
In June 2019, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize foreign currency exposure to the Euro and British Pound upon settlement of the proceeds from the foreign currency-denominated senior notes, as described above.
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The foreign exchange forward contracts matured on July 1, 2019, concurrent with the closing of the offering of the foreign currency-denominated senior notes. The Company realized foreign currency transaction gains of $3 million, reported within debt financing activities in the consolidated statement of income during the year ended December 31, 2019, from these foreign exchange forward contracts. Further, upon completion of the acquisition of First Data, the Company designated its Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes as net investment hedges to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain Euro- and British Pound-denominated subsidiaries (see Note 14). Prior to designating the foreign currency-denominated senior notes as net investment hedges, the Company realized foreign currency transaction gains of $69 million, reported within debt financing activities in the consolidated statement of income during the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the Company held a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of these foreign currency-denominated senior notes in Euro- and British Pound-denominated cash and cash equivalents. The Company realized foreign currency transaction losses of $19 million, reported within debt financing activities in the consolidated statement of income during the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Euro- and British Pound-denominated cash due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
13. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The minority partners in two of the Company’s merchant alliance joint ventures maintain redeemable noncontrolling interests which are presented outside of equity and carried at their estimated redemption values. Each minority partner owns 1% of the equity in the respective joint venture; in addition, each minority partner is entitled to a contractually determined share of the respective entity’s income. The agreements contain redemption features whereby interests held by the minority partner are redeemable either (i) at the option of the holder or (ii) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the Company’s control. The joint ventures may be terminated by either party for convenience any time after September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2024, respectively. In the event of termination for cause, as a result of a change in control, or for convenience after the predetermined date, the Company may be required to purchase the minority partner membership interests at a price equal to the fair market value of the minority interest through a distribution in the form of cash, certain merchant contracts of the joint venture, or a combination thereof to the minority partner. In conjunction with the termination of the joint venture, the minority partner may also exercise an option to purchase certain additional merchant contracts at fair market value. In September 2021, the Company and a joint venture minority partner mutually agreed to terminate one of the Company’s merchant alliance joint ventures effective March 2022. The redeemable noncontrolling interest was adjusted to reflect the estimated redemption value, with such adjustment recorded within additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statement of equity. The joint venture minority partner has notified the Company of its intent to exercise its option to purchase certain additional merchant contracts of the joint venture. The Company anticipates the recognition of a pre-tax gain of approximately $150 million in the first quarter of 2022 upon termination of the joint venture.
The following table presents a summary of the redeemable noncontrolling interests activity during the years ended December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 259 | $ | 262 | |||||||
| Distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (43) | (42) | |||||||||
| Share of income | 44 | 39 | |||||||||
| Adjustment to estimated redemption value | 18 | — | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 278 | $ | 259 | |||||||
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14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of income taxes, consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Translation | Pension Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | (121) | $ | (254) | $ | (12) | $ | (387) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 6 | (422) | 50 | (366) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 8 | — | — | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 14 | (422) | 50 | (358) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | (107) | $ | (676) | $ | 38 | $ | (745) | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Translation | Pension Plans | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | (141) | $ | (33) | $ | (6) | $ | (180) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 5 | (221) | (6) | (222) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 15 | — | — | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 20 | (221) | (6) | (207) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | (121) | $ | (254) | $ | (12) | $ | (387) | ||||||||||||||||||
The Company previously entered into treasury lock agreements (“Treasury Locks”), designated as cash flow hedges, in the aggregate notional amount of $5.0 billion to manage exposure to fluctuations in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of the issuance of fixed rate debt in connection with the acquisition and refinancing of certain indebtedness of First Data and its subsidiaries. In June 2019, concurrent with the issuance of U.S dollar-denominated senior notes (see Note 12), the Treasury Locks were settled resulting in a payment, included in cash flows from operating activities, of $183 million recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes, that will be amortized to earnings over the terms of the originally forecasted interest payments. Based on the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2021, the Company estimates that it will recognize approximately $19 million in interest expense, net during the next twelve months related to settled interest rate hedge contracts.
To reduce exposure to changes in the value of the Company’s net investments in certain of its foreign currency-denominated subsidiaries due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the Company uses its foreign currency-denominated debt as an economic hedge of its net investments in such foreign currency-denominated subsidiaries. The Company has designated its Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes and Euro commercial paper notes as net investment hedges to hedge a portion of its net investment in certain subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the Euro and the British Pound. Accordingly, foreign currency transaction gains or losses on the qualifying net investment hedge instruments are recorded as foreign currency translation within other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and will remain in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets until the sale or complete liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded a foreign currency translation gain (loss) of $110
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million (net of income tax provision of $36 million), $(151) million and $(62) million in other comprehensive income (loss) from the Euro- and British Pound-denominated senior notes and Euro commercial paper notes during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a prior period adjustment which resulted in an increase to retained earnings of $71 million to reclassify prior year deferred tax benefits on such foreign currency translation losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not previously recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Management believes this prior period adjustment was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
15. Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries maintain defined contribution savings plans covering the majority of their employees. Under the plans, eligible participants may elect to contribute a specified percentage of their salaries and the Company makes matching contributions, each subject to certain limitations. The plans provide tax-deferred amounts for each participant, consisting of employee elective contributions, company matching and discretionary company contributions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken several actions since the onset of the pandemic to manage discretionary costs, including the reduction or temporary suspension of certain employee-related benefits such as company matching contributions to the plans during 2021 and most of 2020. The Company temporarily suspended company matching contributions during most of 2020 and re-established such contributions effective January 1, 2021, to equal 100% on the first 1% contributed and 25% on the next 4% contributed for eligible participants. Effective January 1, 2022, company matching contributions were increased to 100% on the first 1% contributed and 50% on the next 4% contributed for eligible participants. Expenses for company contributions under these plans totaled $58 million, $38 million, and $65 million and in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In connection with the acquisition of First Data (see Note 4), the Company assumed defined contribution savings plans and defined contribution pension plans covering substantially all employees of the former First Data. Effective January 1, 2020, the 401(k) Savings Plan of Fiserv, Inc. (the “Plan”) was amended to freeze the Plan to new participants and contributions and to allow for the merger of the Plan into the surviving Fiserv 401(k) Savings Plan (f/k/a the First Data Corporation Incentive Savings Plan) (“New Fiserv Plan”) for the purpose of providing a single plan covering current and former employees of both companies and their affiliates. Participants in the Plan became eligible to make salary reduction contributions in the New Fiserv Plan effective January 1, 2020. The merger of the Plan into the New Fiserv Plan was completed in the third quarter of 2020.
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company maintains noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering a portion of its employees in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), the U.S., Germany and Austria. The majority of these plans are frozen, representing substantially all of the benefit obligations and plan assets, and provide benefits to eligible employees based on an employee’s average final compensation and years of service.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of these defined benefit plans as of and for the years ended December 31:
The funded status of the defined benefit plans is recognized as an asset or a liability within other long-term assets or within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
| U.K. plan | U.S. and other plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in projected benefit obligations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | (777) | $ | (672) | $ | (238) | $ | (225) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | (11) | (14) | (5) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | 16 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial gain (loss) | 15 | (93) | 9 | (18) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | 21 | 30 | 12 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | — | (28) | 1 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | (736) | $ | (777) | $ | (221) | $ | (238) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of plan assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 974 | $ | 860 | $ | 181 | $ | 167 | ||||||||||||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 47 | 110 | 14 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company contribution | — | — | — | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (16) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (21) | (30) | (12) | (13) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (1) | 34 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 983 | $ | 974 | $ | 183 | $ | 181 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Funded status of the plans | $ | 247 | $ | 197 | $ | (38) | $ | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||
Projected Benefit Obligations
The Company records amounts relating to its defined benefit pension plan obligations and their associated expenses based on calculations which include actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Changes in any of the assumptions and the amortization of differences between the assumptions and actual experience will affect the amount of pension expense in future periods. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions at least annually and modifies the assumptions based on current rates and trends, as appropriate. The effects of modifications are recognized immediately within the consolidated balance sheets, and are generally amortized to operating income over future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute quarterly an amount as recommended by the plans’ independent actuaries. Company contributions under these plans were nominal in 2021 and $5 million in 2020, with future contributions not expected to be significant. The Company employs a building block approach in determining the expected long-term rate of return for plan assets with proper consideration of diversification and re-balancing. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income securities are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.
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The weighted-average rate assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit expense as of and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
| Projected Benefit Obligations | Net Periodic Benefit Expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 1.97 | % | 1.56 | % | 1.56 | % | 1.95 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Expected long-term return on plan assets | n/a | n/a | 2.25 | % | 2.84 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | ||||||||
| Year Ending December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | $ | 33 | ||||||
| 2023 | 35 | |||||||
| 2024 | 36 | |||||||
| 2025 | 37 | |||||||
| 2026 | 38 | |||||||
| 2027-2031 | 205 | |||||||
The Company’s investment strategy for the U.K. plan is to allocate the assets into two pools: (i) liability-hedging assets whereby the focus is risk management, protection and insurance relative to the liability target invested in, but not limited to, money market funds, debt, U.K. government bonds and U.K. government index-linked bonds; and (ii) return-seeking assets whereby the focus is on return generation and taking risk in a controlled manner. Such assets could include equities, government bonds, high-yield bonds, property, commodities or hedge funds. The Company’s target allocation for the U.K. plan based on the investment policy at December 31, 2021 was 20% return-seeking assets and 80% liability-hedging assets. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset and liability studies. The Company’s investment strategy for the U.S. plan employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. The Company sets an allocation mix necessary to support the underlying plan liabilities as influenced significantly by the demographics of the participants and the frozen nature of the plan. The Company’s target allocation for the U.S. plan based on the investment policy at December 31, 2021 was 39% return-seeking assets and 61% liability-hedging assets.
The following table sets forth the Company’s plan assets carried and measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31:
| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 230 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 10 | 93 | — | ||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (3) | 202 | 105 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other investments (4) | 361 | 7 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total investments at fair value | $ | 803 | $ | 205 | $ | — | |||||||||||
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| (In millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 24 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
Equity securities (2) | 20 | 175 | — | ||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities (3) | 213 | 165 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other investments (4) | 326 | (4) | 9 | ||||||||||||||
| Total investments at fair value | $ | 583 | $ | 336 | $ | 9 | |||||||||||
(1)Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments in money market funds.
(2)Equity securities primarily consist of domestic, international and global equity pooled funds.
(3)Fixed income securities primarily consist of debt securities issued by U.S. and foreign government agencies and debt obligations issued by a variety of private and public corporations.
(4)Other investments primarily consist of index linked government bonds, derivatives and other investments.
In addition to the investments presented within the fair value hierarchy table above, the Company’s plan assets include investments in various collective trusts that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. Such investments totaled $158 million and $227 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of net periodic benefit expense were as follows for the years ended December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | $ | 16 | $ | 20 | $ | 9 | ||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (23) | (24) | (10) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit income | $ | (7) | $ | (4) | $ | (1) | ||||||||||||||
16. Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the fair value of share-based compensation awards granted to employees in cost of processing and services, cost of product, and selling, general and administrative expense in its consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s share-based compensation awards are typically granted in the first quarter of the year, and may also occur throughout the year in conjunction with acquisitions of businesses, and primarily consist of the following:
Stock Options – The Company grants stock options to employees and non-employee directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the dates of grant. Stock option grants generally vest over a - or four-year period. All stock options expire ten years from the date of the award. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of the stock options over the requisite service period of the stock option award.
Restricted Stock Units and Awards – The Company grants restricted stock units and awards to employees and non-employee directors. Restricted stock unit and award grants generally vest over a - or four-year period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock units and awards based on the market price of its common stock on the grant date over the period during which the units and awards vest.
Performance Share Units – The Company grants performance share units to employees. The number of shares issued at the end of the performance period is determined by the level of achievement of pre-determined performance and market goals, including earnings, revenue growth, synergy and integration attainment, and shareholder return. The Company recognizes compensation expense on performance share units ratably over the requisite performance period of the award, generally or three years, to the extent management views the performance goals as probable of attainment. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of the shareholder return component over the requisite service period of the award.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan – The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan that allows eligible employees to purchase a limited number of shares of common stock each quarter through payroll deductions at a
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discount of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Effective January 1, 2020, the employee discount under the employee stock purchase plan was modified from 15% to 10%. In addition, the Company temporarily suspended the employee discount, effective April 9, 2020, to help manage discretionary costs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective January 1, 2021, the discount under the employee stock purchase plan was re-established at 5%, which is considered noncompensatory and therefore does not give rise to recognizable compensation cost.
The Company recognized $239 million, $369 million and $229 million of share-based compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2021, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost for unvested stock options, restricted stock units and awards and performance share units, net of estimated forfeitures, of $314 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, stock options to purchase 4.4 million, 2.6 million and 4.7 million shares, respectively, were exercised.
Acquisition of First Data
Upon the completion of the First Data acquisition on July 29, 2019 (see Note 4), First Data’s equity awards, whether vested or unvested, were either settled in shares of the Company’s common stock or converted into equity awards denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock based on a defined exchange ratio of 0.303, as described below.
First Data time-vesting awards that were granted at or prior to the initial public offering of First Data (the “First Data IPO”) were accelerated in full in accordance with their terms, except for certain executive officer awards and certain awards held by retirement-eligible employees, which were not accelerated and instead converted into equity awards denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock. Each such time-vesting, pre-IPO restricted stock and restricted stock unit award was settled in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the exchange ratio. Each time-vesting, pre-IPO stock option award was converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s common stock based on the exchange ratio with an exercise price per share equal to the exercise price per share of such stock option award immediately prior to the completion of the acquisition divided by the exchange ratio.
First Data equity awards granted at the time of the First Data IPO that were subject to vesting solely upon achievement of a $32 price per share of First Data common stock were converted into equity awards denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock and remained eligible to vest upon satisfaction of an adjusted target price per share of the Company’s common stock equal to the existing First Data target price divided by the exchange ratio. Such awards vested during the third quarter of 2019. Each restricted stock and restricted stock unit award that was a performance-vesting IPO award was converted into an award denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the exchange ratio, and each stock option award that was a performance-vesting award was converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s common stock based on the exchange ratio with an exercise price per share equal to the exercise price per share of such stock option award immediately prior to the completion of the acquisition divided by the exchange ratio. As converted, the performance-vesting awards continued to be governed by the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the acquisition and vested during the year ended December 31, 2019 upon satisfaction of the adjusted performance condition.
The remaining existing First Data equity awards, whether vested or unvested, were converted into equity awards denominated in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the exchange ratio, with an exercise price per share for option awards equal to the exercise price per share of such stock option award immediately prior to the completion of the acquisition divided by the exchange ratio, and will continue to be governed by generally the same terms and conditions as were applicable prior to the acquisition; provided that, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, such awards will accelerate upon a covered termination as defined in the merger agreement.
The portion of the fair value of the replacement awards related to services provided prior to the acquisition was $768 million and was accounted for as consideration transferred. The remaining portion of the fair value of $467 million was associated with future service and recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.2 years. The fair value of options that the Company assumed in connection with the acquisition of First Data were estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
| Expected life (in years) | 2.5 | ||||
| Average risk-free interest rate | 1.9 | % | |||
| Expected volatility | 27.4 | % | |||
| Expected dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
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The Company determined the expected life of stock options using a midpoint approach considering the vesting schedule, contractual terms and current option life-to-date. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect as of the acquisition date. Expected volatility was determined using a weighted-average of the implied volatility and the mean reversion volatility of the Company’s stock at the time of conversion.
Share-Based Compensation Activity
The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted during 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $33.35, $35.02 and $28.52 per share, respectively. The fair values of stock options granted were estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
The Company determined the expected life of stock options using historical data. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect as of the grant date. Expected volatility was determined using weighted-average implied market volatility combined with historical volatility. The Company believes that a blend of historical volatility and implied volatility better reflects future market conditions and better indicates expected volatility than purely historical volatility.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Expected life (in years) | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Average risk-free interest rate | 0.6 | % | 1.8 | % | 2.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected volatility | 29.3 | % | 28.3 | % | 28.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | |||||||||||
A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
A summary of restricted stock unit, restricted stock award and performance share unit activity is as follows:
| Shares (In thousands) | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options outstanding - December 31, 2020 | 14,689 | $ | 50.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 168 | 111.86 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (214) | 108.74 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | (4,414) | 37.51 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options outstanding - December 31, 2021 | 10,229 | $ | 56.36 | 4.26 | $ | 498 | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercisable - December 31, 2021 | 8,822 | $ | 48.38 | 3.65 | $ | 492 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Stock Units and Awards | Performance Share Units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (In thousands) | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares (In thousands) | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Units and awards - December 31, 2020 | 4,797 | $ | 98.29 | 1,821 | $ | 95.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 3,152 | 104.38 | 255 | 108.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (420) | 103.99 | (158) | 103.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (2,455) | 99.09 | (526) | 92.72 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Units and awards - December 31, 2021 | 5,074 | $ | 101.09 | 1,392 | $ | 96.32 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The table below presents additional information related to stock option and restricted stock unit activity:
At December 31, 2021, 27.5 million share-based awards were available for grant under the Amended and Restated Fiserv, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Under its employee stock purchase plan, the Company issued 0.5 million shares in 2021, 0.5 million shares in 2020 and 0.6 million shares in 2019. At December 31, 2021, there were 23.8 million shares available for issuance under the employee stock purchase plan.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $ | 339 | $ | 194 | $ | 331 | ||||||||||||||
| Fair value of restricted stock units vested | 332 | 454 | 198 | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested | 142 | 156 | 126 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash received from stock options exercised | 91 | 83 | 104 | |||||||||||||||||
17. Restructuring and Other Charges
In connection with the acquisition of First Data, the Company implemented integration plans focused on reducing the Company’s overall cost structure, including reducing vendor spend and eliminating duplicate costs. The Company recorded restructuring charges related to certain of these integration activities of $118 million, $303 million and $56 million, primarily reported in cost of processing and service and selling, general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of income, based upon committed actions during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has completed the above integration activities as of December 31, 2021 and does not expect to incur additional restructuring or other charges associated with the First Data acquisition.
Employee Termination Costs
The Company recorded $95 million, $131 million and $32 million of employee termination costs related to severance and other separation costs for terminated employees, including those in connection with the acquisition of First Data, during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in the reserve related to the Company’s employee severance and other separation costs during the years ended December 31:
The employee severance and other separation costs accrual balance of $36 million at December 31, 2021 is expected to be paid within the next twelve months. In addition, the Company recorded $8 million, $48 million and $23 million of share-based compensation costs during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the accelerated vesting of equity awards for terminated employees.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 27 | $ | 14 | |||||||
| Severance and other separation costs | 95 | 131 | |||||||||
| Cash payments | (86) | (118) | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 36 | $ | 27 | |||||||
Facility Exit Costs
During 2021 and 2020, the Company permanently vacated certain leased facilities in advance of the non-cancellable lease terms as part of the Company’s efforts to reduce facility costs. In conjunction with the exit of these leased facilities, the Company assessed the respective operating lease ROU assets for impairment by comparing the carrying values of the ROU assets to the discounted cash flows from estimated sublease payments (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). In addition, the Company assessed certain property and equipment associated with the leased facilities for impairment. As a result, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $15 million and $124 million, reported in selling, general and administrative expense within the consolidated statements of income during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, associated with the early exit of these leased facilities. In addition, the Company recorded facility exit and related costs during the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily related to relocation costs and lease exit or termination fees; however, such costs were not significant.
Other Costs
During 2020, in connection with initiatives to reduce the Company’s overall cost structure following the acquisition of First Data, the Company terminated certain of its existing lease agreements to upgrade and consolidate its computing infrastructure.
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The Company upgraded or replaced certain leased hardware under separate, new lease agreements, resulting in the early termination and disposal of existing hardware under the current lease agreements. As such, the Company has adjusted the amortization period for these existing lease agreements to coincide with the modified remaining term. Finance lease expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 includes $62 million of accelerated amortization associated with the termination of these vendor contracts. In addition, the Company executed similar terminations to certain of its existing software financing agreements. Amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 includes $56 million of accelerated amortization associated with the termination of these vendor contracts.
During 2019, the Company recorded a $48 million non-cash impairment charge, reported primarily in cost of processing and services within the consolidated statements of income, associated with an international core account processing platform. Such impairment charge primarily related to the write-off of certain of the Fintech segment’s purchased and capitalized software development costs; however, the charge is presented within Corporate and Other as such charge was excluded from the Company’s measure of the Fintech segment’s operating performance.
18. Income Taxes
Substantially all of the Company’s pre-tax earnings are derived from domestic operations in all periods presented. The income tax provision was as follows for the years ended December 31:
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows for the years ended December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Components of income tax provision (benefit): | |||||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | 378 | $ | (25) | $ | 25 | |||||||||||
| State | 138 | 71 | 69 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 109 | 79 | 57 | ||||||||||||||
| 625 | 125 | 151 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | (186) | 189 | 118 | ||||||||||||||
| State | (106) | (34) | (18) | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 30 | (84) | (53) | ||||||||||||||
| (262) | 71 | 47 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | $ | 363 | $ | 196 | $ | 198 | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Statutory federal income tax rate | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal effect | 1.6 | % | 2.0 | % | 3.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign tax law changes | 8.0 | % | 2.8 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign derived intangibles income deduction | (3.1) | % | (3.2) | % | (0.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Excess tax benefit from share-based awards | (2.2) | % | (3.9) | % | (5.1) | % | |||||||||||
| Sale of businesses and subsidiary restructuring | (2.1) | % | 0.7 | % | (2.6) | % | |||||||||||
| Unrecognized tax benefits | (2.7) | % | (1.0) | % | (0.1) | % | |||||||||||
| Nondeductible executive compensation | 0.7 | % | 2.0 | % | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (1.3) | % | (1.7) | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Other, net | 1.9 | % | (2.0) | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 21.8 | % | 16.7 | % | 18.3 | % | |||||||||||
Foreign tax law changes include $134 million and $32 million of income tax expense attributed to the revaluation of certain net deferred tax liabilities in connection with enacted corporate income tax rate changes in the United Kingdom (tax rate increased from 19% to 25% starting in 2023) and Argentina (tax rate increased from 25% to 35%) in 2021, and in the United Kingdom (tax rate increased from 17% to 19%) in 2020, respectively.
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Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses | $ | 171 | $ | 189 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation | 134 | 185 | |||||||||
| Net operating loss and credit carry-forwards | 804 | 1,158 | |||||||||
| Leasing liabilities | 194 | 171 | |||||||||
| Other | 194 | 76 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 1,497 | 1,779 | |||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (697) | (888) | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 800 | 891 | |||||||||
| Capitalized software development costs | (633) | (614) | |||||||||
| Intangible assets | (2,676) | (2,993) | |||||||||
| Property and equipment | (280) | (198) | |||||||||
| Capitalized commissions | (95) | (87) | |||||||||
| Investments in joint ventures | (630) | (908) | |||||||||
| Leasing right-of-use assets | (142) | (141) | |||||||||
| Other | (474) | (311) | |||||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (4,930) | (5,252) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (4,130) | $ | (4,361) | |||||||
The Company maintained a valuation allowance of $697 million and $888 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, against its deferred tax assets. The decrease in the valuation allowance in 2021 is primarily the result of subsidiary restructurings. Substantially all of the valuation allowance relates to certain foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets as follows at December 31:
Noncurrent deferred tax assets are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Noncurrent assets | $ | 42 | $ | 28 | |||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | (4,172) | (4,389) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (4,130) | $ | (4,361) | |||||||
The following table presents the amounts of federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and general business credit carryforwards at December 31:
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards: (1) | |||||||||||
| Federal | $ | 178 | $ | 443 | |||||||
| State | 3,763 | 3,944 | |||||||||
| Foreign | 2,580 | 3,343 | |||||||||
General business credit carryforwards (2) | 12 | 41 | |||||||||
(1)At December 31, 2021, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $178 million, most of which do not expire, state net operating loss carryforwards of $3.8 billion, most of which expire in 2022 through 2041, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $2.6 billion, of which $375 million expire in 2022 through 2041, and the remainder of which do not expire.
(2)At December 31, 2021, the Company had general business credit carryforwards of $12 million which expire in 2027.
The Company asserts that its investment in its foreign subsidiaries is intended to be indefinitely reinvested. Undistributed historical and future earnings of its foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Should these earnings
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be distributed in the future in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to foreign or U.S. taxes. The Company has the ability and intent to limit distributions so as to not make a distribution in excess of its investment in those subsidiaries. The Company will continue to monitor its global cash requirements and the need to recognize a deferred tax liability.
Unrecognized tax benefits were as follows at December 31:
At December 31, 2021, unrecognized tax benefits of $86 million, net of federal and state benefits, would affect the effective income tax rate if recognized. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $24 million over the next twelve months as a result of possible closure of federal tax audits, potential settlements with certain states and foreign countries, and the lapse of the statute of limitations in various state and foreign jurisdictions.
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Unrecognized tax benefits - Beginning of year | $ | 171 | $ | 145 | $ | 49 | |||||||||||
| Increases for assumed tax positions related to First Data | — | — | 82 | ||||||||||||||
| Increases for tax positions taken during the current year | 16 | 9 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| Increases for tax positions taken in prior years | 5 | 53 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
| Decreases for tax positions taken in prior years | (41) | (23) | (2) | ||||||||||||||
| Decreases for settlements | (1) | (2) | (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Lapse of the statute of limitations | (26) | (11) | (7) | ||||||||||||||
| Unrecognized tax benefits - End of year | $ | 124 | $ | 171 | $ | 145 | |||||||||||
The Company classifies interest expense and penalties related to income taxes as components of its income tax provision. The income tax provision included interest expense (benefits) and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits of $(6) million in 2021, $3 million in 2020 and $2 million in 2019. Accrued interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits totaled $15 million and $22 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2020 and 2021, and tax returns in certain states and foreign jurisdictions for 2005 through 2021, remain subject to examination by taxing authorities.
19. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
In the normal course of business, the Company or its subsidiaries are named as defendants in lawsuits in which claims are asserted against the Company. In addition, the Company assumed certain legal proceedings in connection with the acquisition of First Data (see Note 4) primarily associated with its merchant acquiring business and certain tax matters. In the third quarter of 2021, the Company resolved a matter, for which the Company previously had accrued, with a class of merchants related to alleged violations by an independent sales organization resulting in a payment of $28 million. In the second quarter of 2020, the Company resolved a matter with the Federal Trade Commission related to a U.S.-based wholesale independent sales organization resulting in a payment of $40 million, for which the Company previously had accrued. The Company maintained accruals of $32 million at both December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to its various legal proceedings, primarily associated with the Company’s merchant acquiring business and certain tax matters as described above. The Company’s estimate of the possible range of exposure for various litigation matters in excess of amounts accrued is $0 million to approximately $50 million. In the opinion of management, the liabilities, if any, which may ultimately result from such lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Electronic Payments Transactions
In connection with the Company’s processing of electronic payments transactions, which are separate and distinct from the payment transactions described in Note 6, funds received from subscribers are invested from the time the Company collects the funds until payments are made to the applicable recipients. These subscriber funds are invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. Subscriber funds, which are not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, can fluctuate significantly based on consumer bill payment and debit card activity and totaled approximately $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Indemnifications and Warranties
The Company may indemnify its clients from certain costs resulting from claims of patent, copyright or trademark infringement associated with its clients’ use of the Company’s products or services. The Company may also warrant to clients that its
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products and services will operate substantially in accordance with identified specifications. From time to time, in connection with sales of businesses, the Company agrees to indemnify the buyers of such businesses for liabilities associated with the businesses that are sold. Payments, net of recoveries, under such indemnification or warranty provisions were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
20. Related Party Transactions
Merchant Alliances
A significant portion of the Company’s business is conducted through merchant alliances between the Company and financial institutions (see Note 9). To the extent the Company maintains a controlling financial interest in an alliance, the alliance’s financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company and the related processing fees are treated as an intercompany transaction and eliminated in consolidation. To the extent the Company has significant influence but not control in an alliance, the Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for its investment in the alliance. As a result, the processing and other service fees charged to merchant alliances accounted for under the equity method are recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income primarily as processing and services revenue. Such fees totaled $171 million, $183 million and $76 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. No directors or officers of the Company have ownership interests in any of the alliances. The formation of each of these alliances generally involves the Company and the financial institution contributing contractual merchant relationships to the alliance and a cash payment from one owner to the other to achieve the desired ownership percentage for each. The Company and the financial institution enter into a long-term processing service agreement as part of the negotiation process. This agreement governs the Company’s provision of transaction processing services to the alliance. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had approximately $36 million and $37 million, respectively, of amounts due from unconsolidated merchant alliances included within trade accounts receivable, net in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Effective July 1, 2020, the Company and Bank of America dissolved their BAMS joint venture, of which the Company maintained a 51% controlling ownership interest. Upon dissolution of the joint venture’s operations, the joint venture transferred a proportionate share of value, primarily the client contracts, to each party via an agreed upon contractual separation. The revenues and expenses of the BAMS joint venture were consolidated into the Company’s financial results through the date of dissolution. See Note 4 for additional information.
Joint Venture Transition Services Agreements
Pursuant to certain transition services agreements, the Company provides, at fair value, various administration, business process outsourcing, and technical and data center related services for defined periods to certain joint ventures accounted for under the equity method. Amounts transacted through these agreements, including with InvestCloud through June 30, 2021, totaled $37 million, $58 million and $36 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and were primarily recognized as processing and services revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Share Repurchases
On May 3, 2021, New Omaha Holdings L.P. (“New Omaha”), a shareholder of the Company, completed an underwritten secondary public offering of 23.0 million shares of Fiserv, Inc. common stock (the “2021 offering”). The Company did not sell any shares in, nor did it receive any proceeds from, the 2021 offering. New Omaha received all of the net proceeds from the 2021 offering. In connection with the 2021 offering, the Company repurchased from the underwriters 5.0 million shares of its common stock that were subject to the 2021 offering, at a price equal to the price per share paid by the underwriters to New Omaha in the 2021 offering (the “2021 share repurchase”). The 2021 share repurchase totaled $588 million and was funded with cash on hand. The repurchased shares were cancelled and no longer outstanding following the completion of the 2021 share repurchase. Prior to the 2021 offering, New Omaha owned approximately 13% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, and immediately following the 2021 offering, New Omaha owned approximately 9% of such outstanding shares.
On December 14, 2020, New Omaha completed an underwritten secondary public offering of 20.1 million shares of Fiserv, Inc. common stock (the “2020 offering”). The Company did not sell any shares in, nor did it receive any proceeds from, the 2020 offering. New Omaha received all of the net proceeds from the 2020 offering. In connection with the 2020 offering, the Company repurchased from the underwriters 1.8 million shares of its common stock that were subject to the 2020 offering, at a price equal to the price per share paid by the underwriters to New Omaha in the 2020 offering (the “2020 share repurchase”). The 2020 share repurchase totaled $200 million and was funded with cash on hand. The repurchased shares were cancelled and no longer outstanding following the completion of the 2020 share repurchase. Prior to the 2020 offering, New Omaha owned approximately 16% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, and immediately following the 2020 offering, New Omaha owned approximately 13% of such outstanding shares.
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21. Business Segment Information
The Company’s operations are comprised of the Acceptance segment, the Fintech segment and the Payments segment. The businesses in the Acceptance segment provide a wide range of commerce-enabling solutions and serve merchants of all sizes around the world. These solutions include point-of-sale merchant acquiring and digital commerce services; mobile payment services; security and fraud protection products; CaratSM, the Company’s omnichannel commerce ecosystem; Clover®, the Company’s cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform; and Clover Connect, the Company’s independent software vendors platform. The Company distributes the products and services in the global Acceptance segment businesses through a variety of channels, including direct sales teams, strategic partnerships with agent sales forces, independent software vendors, financial institutions and other strategic partners in the form of joint venture alliances, revenue sharing alliances and referral agreements. Merchants, financial institutions and distribution partners in the Acceptance segment are frequently clients of the Company’s other segments.
The businesses in the Fintech segment provide financial institutions around the world with the technology solutions they need to run their operations, including products and services that enable financial institutions to process customer deposit and loan accounts and manage an institution’s general ledger and central information files. As a complement to the core account processing functionality, the global Fintech segment businesses also provide digital banking, financial and risk management, professional services and consulting, item processing and source capture, and other products and services that support numerous types of financial transactions. Certain of the businesses in the Fintech segment provide products or services to corporate clients to facilitate the management of financial processes and transactions. Many of the products and services offered in the Fintech segment are integrated with products and services provided by the Company’s other segments.
The businesses in the Payments segment provide financial institutions and corporate clients around the world with the products and services required to process digital payment transactions. This includes card transactions such as debit, credit and prepaid card processing and services; a range of network services, security and fraud protection products, card production and print services. In addition, the Payments segment businesses offer non-card digital payment software and services, including bill payment, account-to-account transfers, person-to-person payments, electronic billing, and security and fraud protection products. Clients of the global Payments segment businesses reflect a wide range of industries, including merchants, distribution partners and financial institution customers in the Company’s other segments.
Corporate and Other supports the reportable segments described above, and consists of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, unallocated corporate expenses and other activities that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance, such as gains or losses on sales of businesses or investments, costs associated with acquisition and divestiture activity, and the Company’s Output Solutions postage reimbursements. Corporate and Other also includes the historical results of the Company’s Investment Services business prior to the Company’s disposal of its controlling financial interest in February 2020 (see Note 4), as well as certain transition services revenue associated with various dispositions.
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Operating results for each segment are presented below and include the results of First Data from July 29, 2019, the date of acquisition.
| Reportable Segments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Acceptance | Fintech | Payments | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing and services revenue | $ | 5,560 | $ | 2,832 | $ | 4,883 | $ | 32 | $ | 13,307 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenue | 919 | 190 | 950 | 860 | 2,919 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 6,479 | 3,022 | 5,833 | 892 | 16,226 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 1,996 | 1,081 | 2,557 | (3,346) | 2,288 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures, including capitalized software and other intangibles | 314 | 222 | 272 | 352 | 1,160 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 245 | 226 | 254 | 2,523 | 3,248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing and services revenue | $ | 4,736 | $ | 2,714 | $ | 4,702 | $ | 63 | $ | 12,215 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenue | 786 | 187 | 802 | 862 | 2,637 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 5,522 | 2,901 | 5,504 | 925 | 14,852 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) (1) | 1,427 | 992 | 2,361 | (2,928) | 1,852 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures, including capitalized software and other intangibles | 227 | 183 | 242 | 248 | 900 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 239 | 202 | 248 | 2,568 | 3,257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing and services revenue | $ | 2,215 | $ | 2,737 | $ | 3,431 | $ | 190 | $ | 8,573 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product revenue | 356 | 205 | 478 | 575 | 1,614 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | 2,571 | 2,942 | 3,909 | 765 | 10,187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 764 | 885 | 1,658 | (1,698) | 1,609 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures, including capitalized software and other intangibles | 147 | 182 | 196 | 196 | 721 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 146 | 191 | 204 | 1,237 | 1,778 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Corporate and Other includes gains of $428 million from the sale of a 60% interest of the Company’s Investment Services business and $36 million on the dissolution of BAMS.
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Fiserv, Inc.
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In millions)
| Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Charged to Other Accounts | Deductions | Balance at End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowance | $ | 888 | 13 | (127) | (2) | (77) | (2) | $ | 697 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowance | $ | 1,145 | 6 | 64 | (327) | (2) | $ | 888 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1) | $ | 101 | 8 | 1,036 | — | $ | 1,145 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated with the acquisition of First Data.
(2)The decrease in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is primarily due to subsidiary restructurings.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Fiserv, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fiserv, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and the schedule listed in Item 8 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue – Refer to Note 1 and Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company generates revenue from the delivery of processing, service and product solutions. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and the Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer, which may be at a point in time or over time. The Company’s revenue consists of a significant volume of transactions sourced from multiple systems and applications. The processing of such transactions and recording of the majority of revenue is system-driven and based on contractual terms with customers. In addition, contract modifications occur when the Company and its customers agree to modify existing customer contracts to change the scope or price (or both) of the contract. Contract modifications also occur when a customer terminates some, or all, of the existing services provided by the Company, which may result in the customer paying a termination fee to the Company based upon the terms in the initial contract. When a contract modification occurs, it requires the Company to exercise judgment to determine if the modification should be accounted for as: (i) a separate contract, (ii) the termination of the original contract and creation of a new contract, or (iii) a cumulative catch-up adjustment to the original contract. Further, contract modifications require the identification and evaluation of the performance obligations of the modified contract,
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including the allocation of consideration to the remaining performance obligations and the period of recognition for each identified performance obligation.
We identified the complexity of revenue processing and revenue recognition, including customer contract modifications, as a critical audit matter because of the increased extent of effort and involvement of professionals in our firm having expertise in information technology (IT) to identify, test, and evaluate the Company's systems and automated controls and the management judgments necessary to determine the appropriate accounting. This required an increased extent of effort and a high degree of auditor judgment when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether revenue transactions were recognized appropriately.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to revenue recognition included the following, among others:
•We evaluated management’s significant accounting policies.
•We tested internal controls within the relevant revenue business processes, including those in place to reconcile the various reports extracted from the IT systems to the Company’s general ledger and those related to the Company’s accounting for contract modifications.
•With the assistance of professionals in our firm having expertise in IT, we:
◦Identified the relevant systems used to process revenue transactions and tested the general IT controls over each of these systems, including testing of user access controls, change management controls, and IT operations controls.
◦Tested system interface controls and automated controls within the relevant revenue streams, as well as the controls designed to assess the accuracy and completeness of revenue.
•We developed expectations of revenue at a disaggregated level based on historical transaction prices and current year volumes. We compared those estimates to revenue recognized by the Company.
•For a sample of revenue transactions, we tested selected transactions by agreeing the amounts of revenue recognized to source documents and testing the mathematical accuracy of the recorded revenue.
•We selected a sample of significant customer contract modifications and performed the following procedures:
◦Obtained and read the customer contracts.
◦Evaluated whether the contract represented a new contract or a contract modification and, if applicable, assessed the treatment of any change in scope or price.
◦Tested management’s identification of remaining performance obligations.
◦Recalculated the transaction price and assessed the appropriateness of the allocation of transaction price to each performance obligation.
◦Assessed the pattern of delivery for each distinct performance obligation.
Goodwill — Certain Reporting Units — Refer to Note 1 and Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using both a discounted cash flow model and a market approach. The determination of fair value using the discounted cash flow model requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, which include assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rates. The goodwill balance was $36,433 million as of December 31, 2021. For all reporting units, the fair values exceeded the carrying values and therefore, no impairment was recognized.
The three reporting units we identified as a critical audit matter have goodwill balances of $1,844 million, $1,602 million, and $7,652 million, respectively, and their fair values exceeded their carrying values as of the annual assessment, ranging between 8% and 21%. Revenue growth rates and discounts rates for these three reporting units are sensitive to significant and long-term deterioration in the macroeconomic environment, industry or market conditions.
We identified goodwill for these three reporting units as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes to estimate the fair value of these reporting units and the sensitivity of operations to changes in the macroeconomic environment, industry or market conditions. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve professionals in our firm having expertise in valuation, when
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performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates and selection of the discount rates.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the revenue growth rates and the selection of discount rates for the three reporting units included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of these reporting units, specifically controls related to management’s forecasts and selection of the discount rates.
•We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical results, (2) expected results at the time of the First Data acquisition, (3) industry reports containing analyses of the Company’s and its competitors’ products and (4) forecasted information included in Company press releases as well as in analyst and industry reports of the Company and companies in its peer group.
•With the assistance of professionals in our firm having expertise in valuation, we evaluated the discount rates including testing the underlying source information and the mathematical accuracy of the calculations and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rates selected by management.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 24, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1985.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a)Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.
(b)Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on management’s assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued their attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. The report is included below under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
(c)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(d)Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and has issued their report as set forth below.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Fiserv, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Fiserv, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated February 24, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 24, 2022
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Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Except for information concerning our executive officers included in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Information About Our Executive Officers,” which is incorporated by reference herein, and the information regarding our Code of Conduct below, the information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Our Board of Directors – Who We Are,” “Our Board of Directors – How We Are Selected, Elected and Evaluated,” and “Our Board of Directors – How We Are Organized – Our Committees – Audit Committee” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics (“Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our directors and employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer and other persons performing similar functions as well as our other executive officers. We have posted a copy of our Code of Conduct on the “About – Investor Relations – Corporate Governance – Governance Documents” section of our website at www.fiserv.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Conduct by posting such information on the “About – Investor Relations” section of our website at www.fiserv.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Our Board of Directors – How We Are Paid,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Pay Ratio” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information set forth under the caption “Our Shareholders – Common Stock Ownership” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, is incorporated by reference herein.
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
The table below sets forth information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2021.
| (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
| Plan Category | Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by our shareholders (1) | 8,387,513 (2) | 61.69 (3) | 27,547,435 (4) | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by our shareholders | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
Total (5) | 8,387,513 (2) | 61.69 (3) | 27,547,435 (4) | ||||||||
(1)Columns (a) and (c) of the table above do not include 4,286,216 unvested restricted stock units outstanding under the Amended and Restated Fiserv, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) or 23,755,229 shares authorized for issuance under the Fiserv, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(2)Consists of options outstanding under the Incentive Plan; 1,089,148 shares subject to performance share units at the target award level under the Incentive Plan; and 230,524 shares subject to non-employee director deferred compensation notional units under the Incentive Plan.
(3)Represents the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options under the Incentive Plan and does not take into account outstanding performance share units or non-employee director deferred compensation notional units under the Incentive Plan.
(4)Reflects the number of shares available for future issuance under the Incentive Plan.
(5)This table does not include 3,161,082 options outstanding under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of First Data Corporation and its Affiliates (the “2007 First Data Plan”) and the First Data Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 First Data Plan” and together with the 2007 First Data Plan, the “First Data Plans”) as of December 31, 2021 at a weighted-average exercise price of $44.43. We assumed the First Data Plans in connection with our acquisition of First Data Corporation on July 29, 2019 and converted certain outstanding First Data equity awards into corresponding equity awards relating to common stock of Fiserv, Inc. in accordance with an exchange ratio in the merger agreement as further described in Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. This table also does not include 860,406 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding under the 2015 First Data Plan, as of December 31, 2021. No additional equity awards will be made under the First Data Plans.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Our Board of Directors – How We Are Organized – Our Independence,” and “Our Board of Directors – How We Govern – Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons,” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Fees” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy” in our definitive proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or accompanying notes.
Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | |||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||
| 4.2 | ||||||||
| 4.3 | ||||||||
| 4.4 | ||||||||
| 4.5 | ||||||||
| 4.6 | ||||||||
| 4.7 | ||||||||
| 4.8 | ||||||||
| 4.9 | ||||||||
| 4.10 | ||||||||
| 4.11 | ||||||||
| 4.12 | ||||||||
| 4.13 | ||||||||
| 4.14 | ||||||||
| 4.15 | ||||||||
| 4.16 | ||||||||
| 4.17 | ||||||||
| 4.18 | ||||||||
| 4.19 | ||||||||
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| 4.20 | ||||||||
| 4.21 | ||||||||
| 4.22 | ||||||||
| 4.23 | ||||||||
| 4.24 | ||||||||
| 4.25 | ||||||||
| 4.26 | ||||||||
| 4.27 | ||||||||
| Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, the Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt that is not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K. | ||||||||
| 10.1 | ||||||||
| Amended and Restated Fiserv, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan Forms of Award Agreements | ||||||||
| 10.2 | ||||||||
| 10.3 | ||||||||
| 10.4 | ||||||||
| 10.5 | ||||||||
| 10.6 | ||||||||
| 10.7 | ||||||||
| 10.8 | ||||||||
| 10.9 | ||||||||
| 10.10 | ||||||||
| 10.11 | ||||||||
| 10.12 | ||||||||
| 10.13 | ||||||||
| 10.14 | ||||||||
| 10.15 | ||||||||
| 10.16 | ||||||||
| 10.17 | ||||||||
| 10.18 | ||||||||
| 10.19 | ||||||||
| 10.20 | ||||||||
| 10.21 | ||||||||
| 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of First Data Corporation and its Affiliates Forms of Award Agreements | ||||||||
| 10.22 | ||||||||
| 10.23 | ||||||||
| 10.24 | ||||||||
| First Data Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan Forms of Award Agreements | ||||||||
| 10.25 | ||||||||
| 10.26 | ||||||||
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| 10.27 | ||||||||
| 10.28 | ||||||||
| 10.29 | ||||||||
| 10.30 | ||||||||
| 10.31 | ||||||||
| 10.32 | ||||||||
| 10.33 | ||||||||
| 10.34 | ||||||||
| 10.35 | ||||||||
| 10.36 | ||||||||
| 10.37 | ||||||||
| 21.1 | ||||||||
| 23.1 | ||||||||
| 31.1 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||
| 101.INS** | Inline XBRL Instance Document - The XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
| 101.SCH** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
_____
* This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the following documents formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
+ Portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to SEC confidential treatment under 17 C.F.R. Section 229.601(b)(10)(iv).
(1)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.
106
(5)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(6)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(8)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333‑147309) filed on November 13, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
(9)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.
(10)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
(11)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.
(12)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(13)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(14)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.
(15)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(16)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(17)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.
(18)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.
(19)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
(20)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 2, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
(21)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
(22)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
(23)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference.
(24)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to the Form S-4 Registration Statement of Fiserv, Inc. filed July 29, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(25)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.
(26)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference.
107
(27)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.
(28)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
108
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 on February 24, 2022.
| FISERV, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Frank J. Bisignano | |||||||
| Frank J. Bisignano | ||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 24, 2022.
| Name | Capacity | |||||||
| /s/ Denis J. O’Leary | Chairman of the Board | |||||||
| Denis J. O’Leary | ||||||||
| /s/ Frank J. Bisignano | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||
| Frank J. Bisignano | ||||||||
| /s/ Robert W. Hau | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||
| Robert W. Hau | ||||||||
| /s/ Kenneth F. Best | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||
| Kenneth F. Best | ||||||||
| /s/ Alison Davis | Director | |||||||
| Alison Davis | ||||||||
| /s/ Henrique De Castro | Director | |||||||
| Henrique De Castro | ||||||||
| /s/ Harry F. DiSimone | Director | |||||||
| Harry F. DiSimone | ||||||||
| /s/ Dylan G. Haggart | Director | |||||||
| Dylan G. Haggart | ||||||||
| /s/ Dennis F. Lynch | Director | |||||||
| Dennis F. Lynch | ||||||||
| /s/ Wafaa Mamilli | Director | |||||||
| Wafaa Mamilli | ||||||||
| /s/ Heidi G. Miller | Director | |||||||
| Heidi G. Miller | ||||||||
| /s/ Scott C. Nuttall | Director | |||||||
| Scott C. Nuttall | ||||||||
| /s/ Doyle R. Simons | Director | |||||||
| Doyle R. Simons | ||||||||
| /s/ Kevin M. Warren | Director | |||||||
| Kevin M. Warren | ||||||||
109