SEC Filing

View:

10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015



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

Commission File Number: 001-35462

Vantiv, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		26-4532998
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8500 Governor’s Hill Drive

Symmes Township, OH 45249

(Address of principal executive offices)

(513) 900-5250

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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



Large accelerated filer x		Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o

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

As of September 30, 2015, there were 142,819,809 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock outstanding and 43,042,826 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock outstanding.

Table of Contents

VANTIV, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS



	Page
PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	5
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014	7
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015	8
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014	9
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	30
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	46
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	46
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	48
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	48
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	48
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	48
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	49

Table of Contents

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the sections entitled "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors," contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our business strategy and plans, our objectives for future operations, and any statements of a general economic or industry specific nature, are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "may," "will," "continue," "could," "should," "can have," "likely," or the negative or plural of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe, based on information currently available to our management, may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this report may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement after the date of this report, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, or to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as may be required by law.

Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands, except share data)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenue:
External customers	$	795,544		$	677,073		$	2,247,484		$	1,783,494
Related party revenues	20,454			20,036			60,120			59,924
Total revenue	815,998			697,109			2,307,604			1,843,418
Network fees and other costs	385,548			316,592			1,079,043			843,030
Sales and marketing	132,481			111,233			371,461			280,184
Other operating costs	66,563			60,659			211,853			177,782
General and administrative	41,492			45,422			136,395			126,580
Depreciation and amortization	70,638			65,289			206,099			204,176
Income from operations	119,276			97,914			302,753			211,666
Interest expense—net	(27,044		)	(28,039		)	(78,769		)	(52,089		)
Non-operating expenses	(8,308		)	(6,594		)	(23,799		)	(34,250		)
Income before applicable income taxes	83,924			63,281			200,185			125,327
Income tax expense	24,776			20,436			61,348			38,078
Net income	59,148			42,845			138,837			87,249
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(17,656		)	(12,859		)	(41,820		)	(30,536		)
Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc.	$	41,492		$	29,986		$	97,017		$	56,713
Net income per share attributable to Vantiv, Inc. Class A common stock:
Basic	$	0.29		$	0.21		$	0.67		$	0.40
Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.20		$	0.64		$	0.40
Shares used in computing net income per share of Class A common stock:
Basic	145,015,310			144,632,010			145,039,413			141,127,560
Diluted	201,899,024			199,698,988			201,483,652			199,074,819

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net income	$	59,148		$	42,845		$	138,837		$	87,249
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges and other	(5,173		)	2,835			(12,873		)	(2,984		)
Comprehensive income	53,975			45,680			125,964			84,265
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(15,975		)	(13,788		)	(37,658		)	(29,368		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Vantiv, Inc.	$	38,000		$	31,892		$	88,306		$	54,897

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Unaudited

(In thousands, except share data)



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	287,558		$	411,568
Accounts receivable—net	578,842			607,674
Related party receivable	6,253			6,164
Settlement assets	107,171			135,422
Prepaid expenses	34,801			26,906
Other	17,337			27,002
Total current assets	1,031,962			1,214,736
Customer incentives	48,963			39,210
Property, equipment and software—net	293,630			281,715
Intangible assets—net	910,840			1,034,692
Goodwill	3,366,528			3,291,366
Deferred taxes	419,082			429,623
Other assets	39,155			44,741
Total assets	$	6,110,160		$	6,336,083
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	319,496		$	299,771
Related party payable	3,904			2,035
Settlement obligations	496,667			501,042
Current portion of note payable to related party	10,353			10,353
Current portion of note payable	106,148			106,148
Current portion of tax receivable agreement obligations to related parties	33,666			22,789
Current portion of tax receivable agreement obligations	61,196			—
Deferred income	7,917			5,480
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	8,592			8,158
Other	13,250			7,557
Total current liabilities	1,061,189			963,333
Long-term liabilities:
Note payable to related party	183,757			191,521
Note payable	2,807,911			3,085,716
Tax receivable agreement obligations to related parties	563,591			597,273
Tax receivable agreement obligations	122,267			152,420
Capital lease obligations	23,271			14,779
Deferred taxes	17,658			24,380
Other	41,585			6,075
Total long-term liabilities	3,760,040			4,072,164
Total liabilities	4,821,229			5,035,497
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 7 - Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees)
Equity:
Class A common stock, $0.00001 par value; 890,000,000 shares authorized; 142,819,809 shares outstanding at September 30, 2015; 145,455,008 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014	1			1
Class B common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,042,826 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	—			—
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	—			—
Paid-in capital	548,986			629,353
Retained earnings	425,375			328,358
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,479		)	(3,768		)
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,585,869 shares at September 30, 2015 and 2,173,793 shares at December 31, 2014	(67,050		)	(50,931		)
Total Vantiv, Inc. equity	894,833			903,013
Non-controlling interests	394,098			397,573
Total equity	1,288,931			1,300,586
Total liabilities and equity	$	6,110,160		$	6,336,083

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

(In thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	138,837		$	87,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	206,099			169,909
Write-off of intangible asset	—			34,267
Amortization of customer incentives	12,535			8,094
Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs	6,784			30,416
Share-based compensation expense	23,852			30,797
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(15,797		)	(11,845		)
Tax receivable agreements non-cash items	21,196			8,311
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and related party receivable	28,743			(15,946		)
Net settlement assets and obligations	23,876			109,402
Customer incentives	(22,716		)	(11,581		)
Prepaid and other assets	2,016			(10,321		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	75,578			34,473
Payable to related party	1,869			733
Other liabilities	3,685			(1,161		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	506,557			462,797
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(64,344		)	(76,984		)
Acquisition of customer portfolios and related assets	(39,312		)	(27,399		)
Purchase of investments	—			(7,487		)
Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(1,658,694		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(103,656		)	(1,770,564		)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			3,443,000
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	(295,208		)	(1,838,906		)
Payment of debt issuance cost	—			(38,069		)
Proceeds from exercise of Class A common stock options	12,739			2,774
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(161,156		)	(34,366		)
Repurchase of Class A common stock (to satisfy tax withholding obligations)	(16,119		)	(16,699		)
Settlement of certain tax receivable agreements	(44,800		)	—
Payments under tax receivable agreements	(22,805		)	(8,639		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	15,797			11,845
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(12,732		)	(13,153		)
Decrease in cash overdraft	(2,627		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(526,911		)	1,507,787
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(124,010		)	200,020
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period	411,568			171,427
Cash and cash equivalents—End of period	$	287,558		$	371,447
Cash Payments:
Interest	$	73,965		$	44,611
Income taxes	6,484			18,422
Non-cash Items:
Issuance of tax receivable agreements to related parties	$	—		$	109,400
Contingent consideration for issuance of tax receivable agreement	—			137,120

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

Unaudited

(In thousands)



																				Accumulated
				Common Stock																Other			Non-
	Total			Class A				Class B			Treasury Stock				Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			Controlling
	Equity			Shares		Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount			Capital			Earnings		Loss			Interests
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2015	$	1,300,586		145,455		$	1	43,043	$	—	2,174	$	(50,931	)	$	629,353		$	328,358	$	(3,768	)	$	397,573
Net income	138,837			—		—		—	—		—	—			—			97,017		—			41,820
Issuance of Class A common stock under employee stock plans, net of forfeitures	12,739			1,353		—		—	—		—	—			12,739			—		—			—
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation	15,797			—		—		—	—		—	—			15,797			—		—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock (to satisfy tax withholding obligation)	(16,119		)	(412	)	—		—	—		412	(16,119		)	—			—		—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(161,156		)	(3,576	)	—		—	—		—	—			(161,156		)	—		—			—
Unrealized loss on hedging activities and other, net of tax	(12,873		)	—		—		—	—		—	—			—			—		(8,711		)	(4,162		)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(12,732		)	—		—		—	—		—	—			—			—		—			(12,732		)
Share-based compensation	23,852			—		—		—	—		—	—			18,411			—		—			5,441
Reallocation of non-controlling interests of Vantiv Holding due to change in ownership	—			—		—		—	—		—	—			33,842			—		—			(33,842		)
Ending Balance, September 30, 2015	$	1,288,931		142,820		$	1	43,043	$	—	2,586	$	(67,050	)	$	548,986		$	425,375	$	(12,479	)	$	394,098

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

Unaudited

(In thousands)



																					Accumulated
				Common Stock																	Other			Non-
	Total			Class A				Class B				Treasury Stock				Paid-in			Retained		Comprehensive			Controlling
	Equity			Shares		Amount		Shares		Amount		Shares	Amount			Capital			Earnings		Income (Loss)			Interests
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2014	$	1,176,322		141,759		$	1	48,823		$	—	1,607	$	(33,130	)	$	597,730		$	203,066	$	264		$	408,391
Net income	87,249			—		—		—		—		—	—			—			56,713		—			30,536
Issuance of Class A common stock under employee stock plans, net of forfeitures	2,774			225		—		—		—		—	—			2,774			—		—			—
Tax benefit from employee share-based compensation	11,845			—		—		—		—		—	—			11,845			—		—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock (to satisfy tax withholding obligation)	(16,699		)	(525	)	—		—		—		525	(16,699		)	—			—		—			—
Issuance of Class A common stock and cancellation of Class B common stock in connection with secondary offering	—			5,780		—		(5,780	)	—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(34,366		)	(1,109	)	—		—		—		—	—			(34,366		)	—		—			—
Issuance of tax receivable agreements	(17,400		)	—		—		—		—		—	—			(17,400		)	—		—			—
Unrealized loss on hedging activities and other, net of tax	(2,984		)	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		(1,816		)	(1,168		)
Formation of joint venture	18,839			—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			18,839
Distribution to non-controlling interests	(13,153		)	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			(13,153		)
Share-based compensation	30,797			—		—		—		—		—	—			23,324			—		—			7,473
Reallocation of non-controlling interests of Vantiv Holding due to change in ownership	—			—		—		—		—		—	—			52,834			—		—			(52,834		)
Ending Balance, September 30, 2014	$	1,243,224		146,130		$	1	43,043		$	—	2,132	$	(49,829	)	$	636,741		$	259,779	$	(1,552	)	$	398,084

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Vantiv, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a holding company that conducts its operations through its majority-owned subsidiary, Vantiv Holding, LLC ("Vantiv Holding"). Vantiv, Inc. and Vantiv Holding are referred to collectively as the "Company," "Vantiv," "we," "us" or "our," unless the context requires otherwise.

The Company provides electronic payment processing services to merchants and financial institutions throughout the United States of America. The Company markets its services through diverse distribution channels, including national, regional and mid-market sales teams, third-party reseller clients and a telesales operation. The Company also has relationships with a broad range of referral partners that include merchant banks, independent software vendors ("ISVs"), value-added resellers ("VARs"), payment facilitators, independent sales organizations ("ISOs") and trade associations as well as arrangements with core processors.

Segments

The Company’s segments consist of the Merchant Services segment and the Financial Institution Services segment. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), who is the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), evaluates the performance and allocates resources based on the operating results of each segment. Below is a summary of each segment:

•

Merchant Services—Provides merchant acquiring and payment processing services to large national merchants, regional and small-to-mid sized businesses. Merchant services are sold to small to large businesses through diverse distribution channels. Merchant Services includes all aspects of card processing including authorization and settlement, customer service, chargeback and retrieval processing and interchange management.

•

Financial Institution Services—Provides card issuer processing, payment network processing, fraud protection, card production, prepaid program management, automated teller machine ("ATM") driving and network gateway and switching services that utilize the Company’s proprietary Jeanie debit payment network to a diverse set of financial institutions, including regional banks, community banks, credit unions and regional personal identification number ("PIN") networks. Financial Institution Services also provides statement production, collections and inbound/outbound call centers for credit transactions, and other services such as credit card portfolio analytics, program strategy and support, fraud and security management and chargeback and dispute services.

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include those of Vantiv, Inc. and all subsidiaries thereof, including its majority-owned subsidiary, Vantiv Holding, LLC. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and should be read in connection with the Company's 2014 audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management they include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

As of September 30, 2015, Vantiv, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank ("Fifth Third") owned interests in Vantiv Holding of 76.84% and 23.16%, respectively (see Note 6 - Controlling and Non-controlling Interests for changes in non-controlling interests).

The Company accounts for non-controlling interests in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation. Non-controlling interests primarily represent Fifth Third's minority share of net income or loss of and equity in Vantiv Holding. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests does not include expenses incurred directly by Vantiv, Inc., including income tax expense attributable to Vantiv, Inc. All of the Company’s non-controlling interests are presented after Vantiv Holding income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as "Net income

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

attributable to non-controlling interests." Non-controlling interests are presented as a component of equity in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position.

Share Repurchase Program

In February 2014, our board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $300 million of our Class A common stock. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares of its Class A common stock for approximately $161.2 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 870,000 shares for approximately $39.3 million. After these repurchases, the Company has approximately $75 million of share repurchase authority remaining under this authorization. Purchases under the repurchase program are allowed from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The manner, timing, and amount of any purchases are determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price, and other factors. The share repurchase program has no expiration date and the Company may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted.

Sponsorship

In order to provide electronic payment processing services, Visa, MasterCard and other payment networks require sponsorship of non-financial institutions by a member clearing bank. In June 2009, the Company entered into a ten-year agreement with Fifth Third (the "Sponsoring Member") to provide sponsorship services to the Company. The Company also has agreements with certain other banks that provide sponsorship into the card networks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company has contractual agreements with its clients that set forth the general terms and conditions of the relationship including line item pricing, payment terms and contract duration. Revenues are recognized as earned (i.e., for transaction based fees, when the underlying transaction is processed) in conjunction with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, establishes guidance as to when revenue is realized or realizable and earned by using the following criteria: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the seller’s price is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company follows guidance provided in ASC 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations. ASC 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, which states that whether a company should recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer or the net amount retained is a matter of judgment that depends on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement and that certain factors should be considered in the evaluation. The Company recognizes processing revenues net of interchange fees, which are assessed to the Company’s merchant customers on all processed transactions. Interchange rates are not controlled by the Company, which effectively acts as a clearing house collecting and remitting interchange fee settlement on behalf of issuing banks, debit networks, credit card associations and its processing customers. All other revenue is reported on a gross basis, as the Company contracts directly with the end customer, assumes the risk of loss and has pricing flexibility.

The Company generates revenue primarily by processing electronic payment transactions. Set forth below is a description of the Company’s revenue by segment.

Merchant Services

The Company’s Merchant Services segment revenue is primarily derived from processing credit and debit card transactions. Merchant Services revenue is primarily comprised of fees charged to businesses, net of interchange fees, for payment processing services, including authorization, capture, clearing, settlement and information reporting of electronic transactions. The fees charged consist of either a percentage of the dollar volume of the transaction or a fixed fee, or both, and are recognized at the time of the transaction. Merchant Services revenue also includes a number of revenue items that are

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

incurred by the Company and are reimbursable as the costs are passed through to and paid by the Company’s clients. These items primarily consist of Visa, MasterCard and other payment network fees. In addition, for sales through ISOs and certain other referral sources in which the Company is the primary party to the contract with the merchant, the Company records the full amount of the fees collected from the merchant as revenue. Merchant Services segment revenue also includes revenue from ancillary services such as fraud management, equipment sales and terminal rent. Merchant Services revenue is recognized as services are performed.

Financial Institution Services

The Company’s Financial Institution Services segment revenues are primarily derived from debit, credit and ATM card transaction processing, ATM driving and support, and PIN debit processing services. Financial Institution Services revenue associated with processing transactions includes per transaction and account related fees, card production fees and fees generated from the Company’s Jeanie network. Financial Institution Services revenue related to card transaction processing is recognized when consumers use their client-issued cards to make purchases. Financial Institution Services also generates revenue through other services, including statement production, collections and inbound/outbound call centers for credit transactions and other services such as credit card portfolio analytics, program strategy and support, fraud and security management and chargeback and dispute services. Financial Institution Services revenue is recognized as services are performed.

Financial Institution Services provides certain services to Fifth Third. Revenues related to these services are included in the accompanying statements of income as related party revenues.

Expenses

Set forth below is a brief description of the components of the Company’s expenses:


•	Network fees and other costs primarily consist of certain expenses incurred by the Company in connection with providing processing services to its clients which are passed through to its clients, including Visa and MasterCard network association fees, payment network fees, third party processing fees, telecommunication charges, postage and card production costs.


•	Sales and marketing expense primarily consists of salaries and benefits paid to sales personnel, sales management and other sales and marketing personnel, residual payments made to ISOs and referral partners, and advertising and promotional costs.


•	Other operating costs primarily consist of salaries and benefits paid to operational and IT personnel, costs associated with operating the Company’s technology platform and data centers, information technology costs for processing transactions, product development costs, software consulting fees and maintenance costs.


•	General and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits paid to executive management and administrative employees, including finance, human resources, product development, legal and risk management, share-based compensation costs, equipment and occupancy costs and consulting costs.


•	Non-operating expenses during 2015 primarily relate to the change in fair value of a tax receivable agreement ("TRA") entered into in June 2014 (see Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements). The amounts for 2014 primarily relate to the refinancing of the Company's senior secured credit facilities in June 2014 and the change in fair value of a TRA entered into in June 2014.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company expenses employee share-based payments under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires compensation cost for the grant-date fair value of share-based payments to be recognized over the requisite service period. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of the share-based awards issued in the form of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards and performance awards is measured based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 total share-based compensation expense was $23.9 million and $30.8 million, respectively.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc. by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc., adjusted as necessary for the impact of potentially dilutive securities, by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period and the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. See Note 9 - Net Income Per Share for further discussion.

Dividend Restrictions

The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends on its Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Vantiv, Inc. is a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of its own. As a result, Vantiv, Inc.’s ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock, if any, is dependent upon cash dividends and distributions and other transfers from Vantiv Holding, which are subject to certain Fifth Third consent rights in the Amended and Restated Vantiv Holding Limited Liability Company Agreement. These consent rights require the approval of Fifth Third for certain significant matters, including the payment of all distributions by Vantiv Holding other than certain permitted distributions, which relate primarily to the payment of tax distributions and tax-related obligations. The amounts available to Vantiv, Inc. to pay cash dividends are also subject to the covenants and distribution restrictions in its subsidiaries’ loan agreements. As a result of the restrictions on distributions from Vantiv Holding and its subsidiaries, essentially all of the Company's consolidated net assets are held at the subsidiary level and are restricted as of September 30, 2015.

Income Taxes

Vantiv, Inc. is taxed as a C corporation for U.S. income tax purposes and is therefore subject to both federal and state taxation at a corporate level.

Income taxes are computed in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, and reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the corresponding income tax amounts. The Company has deferred tax assets and liabilities and maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. To the extent the Company determines that it will not realize the benefit of some or all of its deferred tax assets, such deferred tax assets will be adjusted through the Company’s provision for income taxes in the period in which this determination is made. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded no valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.

The Company's consolidated interim effective tax rate is based upon expected annual income from operations, statutory tax rates and tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the quarter in which the related event occurs.

The Company's effective tax rates were 30.6% and 30.4%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The effective tax rate for each period reflects the impact of the Company's non-controlling interests.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand and investments with original maturities of three months or less (that are readily convertible to cash) are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of overnight EuroDollar sweep accounts which are maintained at reputable financial institutions with high credit quality and therefore are considered to bear minimal credit risk.

Accounts Receivable—net

Accounts receivable primarily represent processing revenues earned but not collected. For a majority of its customers, the Company has the authority to debit the client’s bank accounts through the Federal Reserve’s Automated Clearing House; as such, collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company records a reserve for doubtful accounts when it is probable that the accounts receivable will not be collected. The Company reviews historical loss experience and the financial position of its customers when estimating the allowance. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts was not material to the Company’s statements of financial position.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Customer Incentives

Customer incentives represent signing bonuses paid to customers. Customer incentives are paid in connection with the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts, and are therefore deferred and amortized using the straight-line method based on the contractual agreement. Related amortization is recorded as contra-revenue.

Property, Equipment and Software—net

Property, equipment and software consists of the Company’s facilities, furniture and equipment, software, land and leasehold improvements. These assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives, which are 15 to 40 years for the Company’s facilities and related improvements, 2 to 10 years for furniture and equipment, 3 to 5 years for software and 3 to 10 years for leasehold improvements or the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the term of lease. Also included in property, equipment and software is work in progress consisting of costs associated with software developed for internal use which has not yet been placed in service. Accumulated depreciation as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $229.7 million and $202.8 million, respectively.

The Company capitalizes certain costs related to computer software developed for internal use and amortizes such costs on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 3 to 5 years. Research and development costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility are charged to operations as such costs are incurred. Once technological feasibility has been established, costs are capitalized until the software is placed in service.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, the Company tests goodwill for impairment for each reporting unit on an annual basis, or when events occur or circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company performed its most recent annual goodwill impairment test for all reporting units as of July 31, 2015 using market data and discounted cash flow analyses. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the fair value of all reporting units were substantially in excess of the carrying value. There have been no other events or changes in circumstances subsequent to the testing date that would indicate impairment of these reporting units as of September 30, 2015.

Intangible assets consist of acquired customer relationships, trade names and customer portfolios and related assets that are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews finite lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. As of September 30, 2015, there have been no such events or circumstances that would indicate potential impairment of finite lived intangible assets. Subsequent to the Mercury acquisition in June 2014, the Company decided to phase out an existing trade name used in the ISO channel within the Merchant Services segment. As a result of this decision, the remaining useful life was changed from indefinite to definite which resulted in the Company recording a charge to amortization expense of $34.3 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

Settlement Assets and Obligations

Settlement assets and obligations result from Financial Institution Services when funds are transferred from or received by the Company prior to receiving or paying funds to a different entity. This timing difference results in a settlement asset or obligation. The amounts are generally collected or paid the following business day.

The settlement assets and obligations recorded by Merchant Services represent intermediary balances due to differences between the amount the Sponsoring Member receives from the card associations and the amount funded to the merchants. Such differences arise from timing differences, interchange expenses, merchant reserves and exception items. In addition, certain card associations limit the Company from accessing or controlling merchant settlement funds and, instead, require that these funds be controlled by the Sponsoring Member. The Company follows a net settlement process whereby, if the settlement received from the card associations precedes the funding obligation to the merchant, the Company temporarily records a corresponding liability. Conversely, if the funding obligation to the merchant precedes the settlement from the card associations, the amount of the net receivable position is recorded by the Company, or in some cases, the Sponsoring Member may cover the position with its own funds in which case a receivable position is not recorded by the Company.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Derivatives

The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This guidance establishes accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the statement of financial position at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item will be recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and will be recognized in the statement of income when the hedged item affects earnings. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Tax Receivable Agreements

As of September 30, 2015, the Company is party to tax receivable agreements ("TRAs") with Fifth Third, which were executed in connection with its initial public offering ("IPO"). One (the "Fifth Third TRA") provides for the payment by the Company to Fifth Third of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of the increases in tax basis that may result from the purchase of Vantiv Holding units from Fifth Third or from the future exchange of units by Fifth Third for cash or shares of the Company's Class A common stock, as well as the tax benefits attributable to payments made under such tax receivable agreement. Any actual increase in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable, and the amount and timing of the Company's income. The other tax receivable agreement (the "NPC TRA") provides for the payment by the Company to Fifth Third of 85% of the amount of cash savings according to Fifth Third's respective ownership interests in Vantiv Holding immediately prior to our initial public offering, if any, in U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax that National Processing Company ("NPC") actually realizes as a result of its use of its net operating losses ("NOLs") and other tax attributes.

Simultaneously and in connection with the completion of the acquisition of Mercury Payment Systems, LLC ("Mercury"), the Company entered into a TRA (the "Mercury TRA") with pre-acquisition owners of Mercury (the "Mercury TRA Holders"). The Mercury TRA generally provides for the payment by the Company to the Mercury TRA Holders of 85% of the value of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of the increase in tax basis of the assets of Mercury and the use of the NOLs and other tax attributes of Mercury. The Mercury TRA is considered contingent consideration under ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805") as it is part of the consideration payable to the former owners of Mercury. In accordance with ASC 805, the contingent consideration is initially measured at fair value at the acquisition date and recorded as a liability. The Mercury TRA liability is therefore recorded at fair value based on estimates of discounted future cash flows associated with estimated payments to the Mercury TRA Holders. The liability recorded by the Company for the Mercury TRA obligations will be re-measured at fair value at each reporting date with the change in fair value recognized in earnings as a non-operating expense.

On July 24, 2015, the Company entered into a Repurchase Addendum to Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA Addendum”) with each of the Mercury TRA Holders. Pursuant to the terms of the TRA Addendum, the Company has terminated and settled a portion of its obligations under the Mercury TRA, in consideration for a cash payment of $44.8 million that was paid on a pro rata basis to the Mercury TRA Holders.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, beginning December 1st of each of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and ending June 30th of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, the Company is granted call options (collectively, the “Call Options”) pursuant to which certain additional obligations of the Company under the Mercury TRA would be terminated in consideration for cash payments of $41.4 million, $38.1 million, $38.0 million, and $43.0 million, respectively.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, if the Company does not exercise the relevant Call Option, the Mercury TRA Holders are granted put options beginning July 10th and ending July 25th of each of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively (collectively, the “Put Options”), pursuant to which certain additional obligations of the Company would be terminated in consideration for cash payments with similar amounts to the Call Options.

Except to the extent the Company’s obligations under the Mercury TRA have been terminated and settled in full in accordance with the terms of the TRA Addendum, the Mercury TRA will remain in effect, and the parties thereto will continue to have all rights and obligations thereunder.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The Company’s President, Integrated Payments, is a Mercury TRA Holder. Pursuant to the initial payment under the TRA Addendum, this individual is entitled to receive an aggregate of $0.6 million, and could receive as much as an additional $2.2 million with respect to payments made pursuant to the TRA Addendum.

All TRA obligations are recorded based on the full and undiscounted amount of the expected future payments, except for the Mercury TRA which represents contingent consideration relating to an acquired business, and is recorded at fair value for financial reporting purposes (See Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements).

Payments under each of the TRAs discussed above are required to the extent the Company realizes cash savings as a result of the underlying tax attributes. The cash savings realized by the Company are computed by comparing the Company's actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes the Company would have been required to pay had there been no deductions related to the tax attributes discussed above. The Company retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of these tax savings. As a result of the TRA Addendum entered into with each of the Mercury TRA Holders discussed above, beginning in the current quarter and with the exercise of each call or put option, the Company will reflect the retention of the cash tax benefits resulting from the realization of the tax attributes.

The timing and/or amount of aggregate payments due under the TRAs may vary based on a number of factors, including the amount and timing of the taxable income the Company generates in the future and the tax rate then applicable, the use of loss carryovers and amortizable basis. Payments under the TRAs, if necessary, are required to be made no later than January 5th of the second year immediately following the current taxable year. A payment under the TRA obligations of approximately $22.8 million was paid to Fifth Third in January 2015. The term of the TRAs will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless we exercise our right to terminate the TRAs for an amount based on the agreed payments remaining to be made under the agreements. See Note 12 - Subsequent Event for discussion of the tax receivable purchase addendum with Fifth Third executed on October 23, 2015.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The update provides additional guidance to ASU 2015-03, which did not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The update noted that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. These updates require retrospective application and represent a change in accounting principle. These updates are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers." The ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized, based upon the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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. The new standard also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new standard, as amended, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. The amendment allows companies to use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU. The Company is currently evaluating which transition approach to use and assessing the impact of the adoption of this principle on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Acquisition of Mercury Payment Systems, LLC

On June 13, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Mercury, acquiring all of the outstanding voting interest. Mercury was a payment technology and service leader whose solutions are integrated into point-of-sale software applications and brought to market through dealer and developer partners. This acquisition helps to accelerate the Company's growth in the integrated payments channel.

During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments to the trade name and to the Mercury TRA. The adjustment to the trade name, which is included in intangible assets below, is based on a change in the underlying assumptions used to value the trade name due to the refinement of estimates. The trade name was initially assigned a value of $59.1 million and a weighted average estimated useful life of 9.5 years utilizing the relief from royalty method. As a result of a change in the underlying assumptions due to the refinement of estimates, the Company is assigning the trade name a value of $15 million based on a weighted average estimated useful life of 2.5 years. The adjustment to the Mercury TRA is due to a change in the inputs used in determining the fair value of the TRA as a result of refining estimates. Both measurement period adjustments are reflected in the table below and have no effect on the accompanying statement of income.

The following is the final fair value of the purchase price for Mercury (in thousands):



Cash purchase price paid at closing	$	1,681,179
Fair value of contingent consideration related to a TRA	192,507
Total purchase price	$	1,873,686

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under ASC 805. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill, a significant portion of which is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill, assigned to Merchant Services, consists primarily of the acquired workforce and growth opportunities, none of which qualify as an intangible asset. The final purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):



Cash acquired	$	22,485
Current assets	47,421
Property, equipment and software	32,257
Intangible assets	347,000
Goodwill	1,422,916
Deferred tax assets	43,054
Other non-current assets	767
Current and non-current liabilities	(42,214		)
Total purchase price	$	1,873,686

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following pro forma information shows the Company’s results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as if the Mercury acquisition had occurred January 1, 2013. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred if the acquisition had been made as of that date, nor is it intended to be indicative of future operating results.



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Actual)		(Pro forma)
	(in thousands, except share data)
Total revenue	$	697,109	$	2,003,239
Income from operations	97,914		219,721
Net income including non-controlling interests	42,845		93,056
Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc.	29,986		61,051
Net income per share attributable to Vantiv, Inc. Class A common stock:
Basic	$	0.21	$	0.43
Diluted	$	0.20	$	0.43
Shares used in computing net income per share of Class A common stock:
Basic	144,632,010		141,127,560
Diluted	199,698,988		199,074,819

The pro forma results include certain pro forma adjustments that were directly attributable to the business combination as follows:


•	additional amortization expense that would have been recognized relating to the acquired intangible assets,


•	an adjustment of interest expense to reflect the additional borrowings of the Company in conjunction with the acquisition and removal of Mercury historical debt, and


•	a reduction in non-operating expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 for acquisition-related transaction costs and debt refinancing costs incurred by the Company.

3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by business segment, are as follows (in thousands):



	Merchant Services		Financial Institution Services		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	2,716,516	$	574,850	$	3,291,366
Goodwill attributable to acquisition of Mercury (1)	75,162		—		75,162
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	2,791,678	$	574,850	$	3,366,528

(1) Amount represents adjustments to goodwill associated with the acquisition of Mercury as a result of the finalization of purchase accounting.

Intangible assets consist of acquired customer relationships, trade names and customer portfolios and related assets. The useful lives of customer relationships are determined based on forecasted cash flows, which include estimates for customer attrition associated with the underlying portfolio of customers acquired. The customer relationships acquired in conjunction with acquisitions are amortized based on the pattern of cash flows expected to be realized taking into consideration expected revenues and customer attrition, which are based on historical data and the Company's estimates of future performance. These estimates result in accelerated amortization on certain acquired intangible assets.

Indefinite lived trade names are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Subsequent to the Mercury acquisition in June 2014, the Company decided to phase out an existing trade name used in the ISO channel. The trade name was originally expected to remain in use for the foreseeable future and therefore was deemed an indefinite lived intangible asset not subject to amortization. As a result of this decision, the remaining useful life was changed from indefinite to definite which resulted in the Company recording a charge to amortization expense of $34.3 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The trade name

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

was revalued utilizing an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. The revised fair value of $6.7 million is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated useful life of two years.

The Company reviews finite lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Customer relationship intangible assets	$	1,596,581	$	1,596,581
Trade names - finite lived	21,733		65,833
Customer portfolios and related assets	127,415		57,383
	1,745,729		1,719,797

Less accumulated amortization on:
Customer relationship intangible assets	780,960		655,017
Trade names - finite lived	12,009		5,105
Customer portfolios and related assets	41,920		24,983
	834,889		685,105
	$	910,840	$	1,034,692

Customer portfolios and related assets acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 have a weighted-average amortization period of 4.9 years. Amortization expense on intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $51.0 million and $47.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense on intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $149.8 million and $152.1 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, intangible amortization expense included a $34.3 million charge related to the phasing out of a trade name.

The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):



Three months ending December 31, 2015	$	50,222
2016	191,215
2017	170,681
2018	161,629
2019	153,530
2020	81,470

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s debt consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
$2,050.0 million term A loan, maturing on June 13, 2019, and bearing interest at a variable base rate (LIBOR) plus a spread rate (200 basis points) (total rate of 2.21% at September 30, 2015) and amortizing on a basis of 1.25% per quarter during each of the first twelve quarters, 1.875% per quarter during the next four quarters and 2.50% during the next three quarters with a balloon payment due at maturity	$	1,921,875		$	1,998,750
$1,400.0 million term B loan, maturing on June 13, 2021, and bearing interest at a variable base rate (LIBOR) with a floor of 75 basis points plus a spread rate (300 basis points) (total rate of 3.75% at September 30, 2015) and amortizing on a basis of 0.25% per quarter, with a balloon payment due at maturity	1,182,500			1,393,000
$10.1 million leasehold mortgage, expiring on August 10, 2021 and bearing interest payable monthly at a fixed rate (rate of 6.22% at September 30, 2015)	10,131			10,131
Less: Current portion of note payable and current portion of note payable to related party	(116,501		)	(116,501		)
Less: Original issue discount	(6,337		)	(8,143		)
Note payable and note payable to related party	$	2,991,668		$	3,277,237

2014 Debt Refinancing

On June 13, 2014, Vantiv, LLC completed a debt refinancing by entering into an amended and restated loan agreement ("Amended Loan Agreement"). The Amended Loan Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities comprised of a $2.05 billion term A loan, a $1.4 billion term B loan and a $425 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds from the refinancing were primarily used to fund the Mercury acquisition and repay the prior term A loan with an outstanding balance of approximately $1.8 billion as of the date of refinancing. The prior revolving credit facility was also terminated. The maturity date and debt service requirements relating to the new term A and term B loans are listed in the table above. The new revolving credit facility matures in June 2019 and includes a $100 million swing line facility and a $40 million letter of credit facility. The commitment fee rate for the unused portion of the revolving credit facility is 0.375% per year. There were no outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2015.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Fifth Third held $194.1 million and $201.9 million, respectively, of the term A loans.

On January 6, 2015, the Company made an early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan. The Company expensed approximately $1.8 million in non-operating expenses related to the write-off of deferred financing fees and OID in connection with the early principal payment.

Guarantees and Security

The Company's debt obligations at September 30, 2015 are unconditional and are guaranteed by Vantiv Holding and certain of Vantiv Holding’s existing and subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiaries. The refinanced debt and related guarantees are secured on a first-priority basis (subject to liens permitted under the Amended Loan Agreement) by substantially all the capital stock (subject to a 65% limitation on pledges of capital stock of foreign subsidiaries and domestic holding companies of foreign subsidiaries) and personal property of Vantiv Holding and any obligors as well as any real property in excess of $10 million in the aggregate held by Vantiv Holding or any obligors (other than Vantiv Holding), subject to certain exceptions.

Covenants

There are certain financial and non-financial covenants contained in the Amended Loan Agreement for the refinanced debt, which are tested on a quarterly basis. The financial covenants require maintenance of certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. At September 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

5. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of its known or expected cash payments related to its variable-rate debt. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s derivative instruments consisted of interest rate swaps, which hedged the variable rate debt by converting floating-rate payments to fixed-rate payments. These swaps are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

The Company recognizes derivatives in other current and non-current assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position at their fair values. Refer to Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements for a detailed discussion of the fair value of its derivatives. The Company designates its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of forecasted interest rate payments related to its variable-rate debt.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and underlying hedged transactions, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. A formal assessment of hedge effectiveness is performed both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedge is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the underlying hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using a regression analysis. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be highly effective during the term of the hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting for such derivative.

The Company’s interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Therefore, the effective portion of changes in fair value were recorded in AOCI and will be reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transactions affected earnings.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company's objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had a total of 14 outstanding interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. Of the 14 outstanding interest rate swaps, 8 of them cover an exposure period from June 2015 through June 2017 and have a combined notional balance of $1.2 billion (amortizing to $1.1 billion). The remaining 6 interest rate swaps cover an exposure period from January 2016 through January 2019 and have a combined notional balance of $500 million. Fifth Third is the counterparty to 5 of the 14 outstanding interest rate swaps with notional balances ranging from $293.8 million to $250.0 million.

The Company does not offset derivative positions in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges included within the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position (in thousands):



	Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Location	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Interest rate swaps	Other long-term assets	$	—	$	104
Interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	10,283		5,205
Interest rate swaps	Other long-term liabilities	15,253		2,283

Any ineffectiveness associated with such derivative instruments will be recorded immediately as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. As of September 30, 2015, the Company estimates that $11.1 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as an increase to interest expense during the next 12 months.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s interest rate swaps on the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) (1)	$	(9,686	)	$	2,968		$	(22,838	)	$	(5,865	)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings (effective portion)	(2,392		)	(1,114		)	(4,685		)	(1,932		)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (2)	—			—			—			(2		)


(1)	"OCI" represents other comprehensive income.


(2)	Amount represents hedge ineffectiveness and is recorded as a component of interest expense-net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

Credit Risk Related Contingent Features

The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $27.2 million. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $27.2 million.

6. CONTROLLING AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

The Company has various non-controlling interests that are accounted for in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). As discussed in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Vantiv, Inc. owns a controlling interest in Vantiv Holding, and therefore consolidates the financial results of Vantiv Holding and its subsidiaries and records non-controlling interest for the economic interests in Vantiv Holding held by Fifth Third. In addition, the Company and People's United Bank (“PUB”) formed People’s United Merchant Services (“PUMS”) during May 2014, which represents a joint venture that provides customers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions. Vantiv Holding owns 51% of PUMS and PUB owns 49%. PUMS is consolidated by the Company in accordance with ASC 810 and records non-controlling interest for the economic interests in PUMS held by PUB.

As of September 30, 2015, Vantiv, Inc.’s interest in Vantiv Holding was 76.84%. Changes in units and related ownership interest in Vantiv Holding are summarized as follows:



	Vantiv, Inc.		Fifth Third		Total
As of December 31, 2014	145,455,008		43,042,826		188,497,834
% of ownership	77.17	%	22.83	%
Share repurchases	(3,575,900	)	—		(3,575,900	)
Equity plan activity (a)	940,701		—		940,701
As of September 30, 2015	142,819,809		43,042,826		185,862,635
% of ownership	76.84	%	23.16	%


(a)	Includes stock issued under the equity plans less Class A common stock withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting or exercise of employee equity awards and forfeitures of restricted Class A common stock awards.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As a result of changes in ownership interests in Vantiv Holding, adjustments of $33.8 million and $52.8 million were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in order to reflect the portion of net assets of Vantiv Holding attributable to non-controlling unit holders based on changes in the proportionate ownership interests in Vantiv Holding during those periods.

The table below provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to non-controlling interests based on relative ownership interests as discussed above (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Net income	$	59,148	$	42,845	$	138,837	$	87,249
Items not allocable to non-controlling interests:
Vantiv, Inc. expenses (a)	16,158		12,687		36,555		32,501
Vantiv Holding net income	$	75,306	$	55,532	$	175,392	$	119,750
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests of Fifth Third (b)	$	17,152	$	12,695	$	39,523	$	30,071
Net income attributable to PUMS non-controlling interest (c)	504		164		2,297		465
Total net income attributable to non-controlling interests	$	17,656	$	12,859	$	41,820	$	30,536

(a) Primarily represents income tax expense related to Vantiv, Inc.

(b) Net income attributable to non-controlling interests of Fifth Third reflects the allocation of Vantiv Holding’s net income based on the proportionate ownership interests in Vantiv Holding held by the non-controlling unit holders. The net income attributable to non-controlling unit holders reflects the changes in ownership interests summarized in the table above.


(c)	Reflects net income attributable to the non-controlling interest of PUMS.

In connection with the separation from Fifth Third, Fifth Third received a warrant that allows for the purchase of up to 20.4 million Class C Non-Voting Units of Vantiv Holding. The warrant is exercisable, in whole or in part, and from time to time, but not during a restricted period. A restricted period means a period during which Vantiv Holding (or any successor thereto) is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes; provided that the restricted period shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) a change of control, and (ii) in the event Vantiv, Inc. is no longer a public company owning Vantiv Holding, both as defined in the warrant agreement. The warrant expires upon the earliest to occur of June 30, 2029 or a change of control where the price paid per unit in such change of control minus the exercise price of the warrant is less than zero. Fifth Third is entitled to purchase the underlying Units of the warrant at a price of $15.98 per unit. The warrant was valued at approximately $65.4 million at June 30, 2009, the issuance date, using a Black-Scholes option valuation model using probability weighted scenarios. The warrant is recorded as a component of the non-controlling interest on the accompanying statements of financial position.

7. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES

Legal Reserve

From time to time, the Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate resolution or range of financial liability with respect to these contingent matters, management believes none of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses the hierarchy prescribed in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, based upon the available inputs to the valuation and the degree to which they are observable or not observable in the market. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:


•	Level 1 Inputs—Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible as of the measurement date.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


•	Level 2 Inputs—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 Inputs—Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):



	September 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Fair Value Measurements Using
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	104	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	25,536	$	—	$	—	$	7,488	$	—
Mercury TRA	—		—		183,463		—		—		152,420

The following table summarizes carrying amounts and estimated fair values for financial assets and liabilities, excluding assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):



	September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Note payable	$	3,108,169	$	3,102,729	$	3,393,738	$	3,310,181

We consider that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value (Level 1) given the short-term nature of these items. The fair value of the Company’s note payable was estimated based on rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves. In addition, to comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk. In adjusting the fair value of its interest rate swaps for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered any applicable credit enhancements such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Although the Company determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate swaps fell within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its interest rate swaps utilized Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its interest rate swaps and determined that the credit valuation adjustment was not significant to the overall valuation of its interest rate swaps. As a result, the Company classified its interest rate swap valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 5 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities for further discussion of the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Mercury TRA

The Mercury TRA is considered contingent consideration as it is part of the consideration payable to the former owners of Mercury. Such contingent consideration is measured at fair value and is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Mercury TRA is recorded at fair value based on estimates of discounted future cash flows associated with the estimated payments to the Mercury TRA Holders. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Mercury TRA are the discount rate, projections of taxable income and effective tax rates. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The liability recorded is re-measured at fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized in earnings as a non-operating expense. The Company recorded non-operating expenses of $7.5 million and $6.5 million related to the change in fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded non-operating expenses of $21.2 million and $7.7 million related to the change in fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion of the Mercury TRA.

9. NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc. by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period.

Diluted net income per share is calculated assuming that Vantiv Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vantiv, Inc., therefore eliminating the impact of Fifth Third's non-controlling interest. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Class B units of Vantiv Holding ("Class B units"), which are held by Fifth Third and represent the non-controlling interest in Vantiv Holding, are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Based on this conversion feature, diluted net income per share is calculated assuming the conversion of the Class B units on an "if-converted" basis. Due to the Company's structure as a C corporation and Vantiv Holding's structure as a pass-through entity for tax purposes, the numerator in the calculation of diluted net income per share is adjusted accordingly to reflect the Company's income tax expense assuming the conversion of the Fifth Third non-controlling interest into Class A common stock. The adjusted effective tax rate used in the calculation was 36.0% for 2015 and 36.5% for 2014. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were approximately 43.0 million Class B units outstanding.

In addition to the Class B units discussed above, potentially dilutive securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 included restricted stock awards, the warrant held by Fifth Third which allows for the purchase of Class C units of Vantiv Holding, stock options and performance share awards.

The shares of Class B common stock do not share in the earnings or losses of the Company and are therefore not participating securities. Accordingly, basic and diluted net income per share of Class B common stock has not been presented.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except share data):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Basic:
Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc.	$	41,492	$	29,986	$	97,017	$	56,713
Shares used in computing basic net income per share:
Weighted-average Class A common shares	145,015,310		144,632,010		145,039,413		141,127,560
Basic net income per share	$	0.29	$	0.21	$	0.67	$	0.40
Diluted:
Consolidated income before applicable income taxes	$	83,924	$	63,281	$	200,185	$	125,327
Income tax expense excluding impact of non-controlling interest	30,213		23,098		72,067		45,744
Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc.	$	53,711	$	40,183	$	128,118	$	79,583
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share:	0
Weighted-average Class A common shares	145,015,310		144,632,010		145,039,413		141,127,560
Weighted-average Class B units of Vantiv Holding	43,042,826		43,042,826		43,042,826		46,282,167
Warrant	12,826,059		10,349,050		12,124,954		10,058,028
Restricted stock awards	517,379		1,140,561		743,307		1,352,914
Stock options	497,450		534,541		533,152		254,150
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	201,899,024		199,698,988		201,483,652		199,074,819
Diluted net income per share	$	0.27	$	0.20	$	0.64	$	0.40

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The activity of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedging and other activities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below (in thousands):



				Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	AOCI Beginning Balance			Pretax Activity			Tax Effect			Net Activity			Attributable to non-controlling interests			Attributable to Vantiv, Inc.			AOCI Ending Balance
Three months ended September 30, 2015
Net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI	$	(11,606	)	$	(9,686	)	$	2,814		$	(6,872	)	$	2,235		$	(4,637	)	$	(16,243	)
Net realized loss reclassified into earnings (a)	2,831			2,392			(693		)	1,699			(554		)	1,145			3,976
Other	(212		)	—			—			—			—			—			(212		)
Net change	$	(8,987	)	$	(7,294	)	$	2,121		$	(5,173	)	$	1,681		$	(3,492	)	$	(12,479	)

Three months ended September 30, 2014
Net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI	$	(4,120	)	$	2,968		$	(856	)	$	2,112		$	(675	)	$	1,437		$	(2,683	)
Net realized loss reclassified into earnings (a)	658			1,114			(321		)	793			(254		)	539			1,197
Other	4			(70		)	—			(70		)	—			(70		)	(66		)
Net change	$	(3,458	)	$	4,012		$	(1,177	)	$	2,835		$	(929	)	$	1,906		$	(1,552	)

Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI	$	(5,288	)	$	(22,838	)	$	6,645		$	(16,193	)	$	5,238		$	(10,955	)	$	(16,243	)
Net realized loss reclassified into earnings (a)	1,732			4,685			(1,365		)	3,320			(1,076		)	2,244			3,976
Other	(212		)	—			—			—			—			—			(212		)
Net change	$	(3,768	)	$	(18,153	)	$	5,280		$	(12,873	)	$	4,162		$	(8,711	)	$	(12,479	)

Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI	$	(5	)	$	(5,865	)	$	1,569		$	(4,296	)	$	1,618		$	(2,678	)	$	(2,683	)
Net realized loss reclassified into earnings (a)	269			1,932			(554		)	1,378			(450		)	928			1,197
Other	—			(66		)	—			(66		)	—			(66		)	(66		)
Net change	$	264		$	(3,999	)	$	1,015		$	(2,984	)	$	1,168		$	(1,816	)	$	(1,552	)

(a) The reclassification adjustment on cash flow hedge derivatives affected the following lines in the accompanying consolidated statements of income:



OCI Component		Affected line in the accompanying consolidated statements of income
Pretax activity(1)		Interest expense-net
Tax effect		Income tax expense
OCI attributable to non-controlling interests		Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

(1) The three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 reflect amounts of losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings, representing the effective portion of the hedging relationships, and is recorded in interest expense-net.

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

11. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment operating results are presented below (in thousands). The results reflect revenues and expenses directly related to each segment. The Company does not evaluate performance or allocate resources based on segment asset data, and therefore such information is not presented.

Segment profit reflects total revenue less network fees and other costs and sales and marketing costs of the segment. The Company’s CODM evaluates this metric in analyzing the results of operations for each segment.



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Merchant Services		Financial Institution Services		Total
Total revenue	$	687,394	$	128,604	$	815,998
Network fees and other costs	342,518		43,030		385,548
Sales and marketing	126,400		6,081		132,481
Segment profit	$	218,476	$	79,493	$	297,969



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Merchant Services		Financial Institution Services		Total
Total revenue	$	580,082	$	117,027	$	697,109
Network fees and other costs	282,431		34,161		316,592
Sales and marketing	104,460		6,773		111,233
Segment profit	$	193,191	$	76,093	$	269,284



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Merchant Services		Financial Institution Services		Total
Total revenue	$	1,935,364	$	372,240	$	2,307,604
Network fees and other costs	962,714		116,329		1,079,043
Sales and marketing	353,435		18,026		371,461
Segment profit	$	619,215	$	237,885	$	857,100



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Merchant Services		Financial Institution Services		Total
Total revenue	$	1,486,991	$	356,427	$	1,843,418
Network fees and other costs	738,440		104,590		843,030
Sales and marketing	260,225		19,959		280,184
Segment profit	$	488,326	$	231,878	$	720,204

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

A reconciliation of total segment profit to the Company’s income before applicable income taxes is as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Total segment profit	$	297,969		$	269,284		$	857,100		$	720,204
Less: Other operating costs	(66,563		)	(60,659		)	(211,853		)	(177,782		)
Less: General and administrative	(41,492		)	(45,422		)	(136,395		)	(126,580		)
Less: Depreciation and amortization	(70,638		)	(65,289		)	(206,099		)	(204,176		)
Less: Interest expense—net	(27,044		)	(28,039		)	(78,769		)	(52,089		)
Less: Non-operating expenses	(8,308		)	(6,594		)	(23,799		)	(34,250		)
Income before applicable income taxes	$	83,924		$	63,281		$	200,185		$	125,327

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 23, 2015, the Company entered into a tax receivable purchase addendum with Fifth Third to terminate a portion of its obligations owed to Fifth Third under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA. Under the terms of the tax receivable purchase addendum, the Company paid approximately $49 million to Fifth Third to settle approximately $140 million of obligations under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA, the difference of which will be recorded as an addition to paid-in capital. The Company remains obligated to pay remaining amounts due to Fifth Third under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA not terminated pursuant to the above tax receivable purchase addendum.

Since Fifth Third is a stockholder of the Company, a special committee of the Company’s board of directors comprised of independent, disinterested directors authorized the tax receivable purchase addendum. See Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information about the TRAs.

* * * * *

Table of Contents

Vantiv, Inc.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

This management's discussion and analysis provides a review of the results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources of Vantiv, Inc. ("Vantiv", "we", "us", "our", or the "company" refer to Vantiv, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) and outlines the factors that affected recent results, as well as factors that may affect future results. Our actual results in the future may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors," "Forward Looking Statements" and elsewhere in this report, as well as in our 10-K filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report, as well as management's discussion and analysis and consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

General

We are the second largest merchant acquirer and the largest PIN debit acquirer by transaction volume, according to the Nilson Report, and a leading payment processor in the United States differentiated by our integrated technology platform, breadth of distribution and superior cost structure. Our integrated technology platform enables us to efficiently provide a comprehensive suite of services to both merchants and financial institutions of all sizes as well as to innovate, develop and deploy new services, while providing us with significant economies of scale. Our broad and varied distribution provides us with a growing and diverse client base of merchants and financial institutions.

We offer a broad suite of payment processing services that enable our clients to meet their payment processing needs through a single provider, including in omni-channel environments that span point-of-sale, ecommerce and mobile devices. We enable merchants of all sizes to accept and process credit, debit and prepaid payments and provide them supporting value-added services, such as security solutions and fraud management, information solutions, and interchange management. We also provide mission critical payment services to financial institutions, such as card issuer processing, payment network processing, fraud protection, card production, prepaid program management, ATM driving and network gateway and switching services that utilize our proprietary Jeanie PIN debit payment network.

Our integrated technology platform provides our merchant and financial institution clients with differentiated payment processing solutions and provides us with significant strategic and operational benefits. Our clients access our processing solutions primarily through a single point of service, which is easy to use and enables our clients to acquire additional services as their business needs evolve. Small and mid-sized merchants are able to easily connect to our integrated technology platform using our application process interfaces, or APIs, software development kits, or SDKs, and other tools we make available to technology partners, which we believe enhances our capacity to sell to such merchants. Our integrated technology platform allows us to collect, manage and analyze data across both our Merchant Services and our Financial Institution Services segments that we can then package into information solutions for our clients. It provides insight into market trends and opportunities as they emerge, which enhances our ability to innovate and develop new value-added services, including security solutions and fraud management, and it allows us to easily deploy new solutions that span the payment processing value chain, such as ecommerce and mobile services, which are high growth market opportunities. It is highly scalable, which enables us to efficiently manage, update and maintain our technology, increase capacity and speed, and realize significant operating leverage. We believe our integrated technology platform is a key differentiator from payment processors that operate on multiple technology platforms and provides us with a significant competitive advantage.

We distribute our services through multiple sales channels that enable us to efficiently and effectively target a broad range of merchants and financial institutions. Our sales channels include direct and indirect sales forces as well as referral partner relationships, which provide us with a growing and diverse client base. We have a national sales force that targets financial institutions and large national merchants, a regional and mid-market sales team that sell solutions to merchants and third-party reseller clients and a telesales operation that targets small and mid-sized merchants. Our indirect sales force includes Independent Sales Organizations, or ISOs, that target small and mid-sized merchants. We have referral partner relationships with merchant banks, independent software vendors, or ISVs, value-added resellers, or VARs, payment facilitators, and trade associations that target a broad range of merchants, including difficult to reach small and mid-sized merchants. We also have relationships with third-party reseller partners and arrangements with core processors that target small and mid-sized financial institutions.

Table of Contents

Executive Overview

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased 17% to $816.0 million from $697.1 million in 2014. Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 25% to $2,307.6 million from $1,843.4 million in 2014.

Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased 22% to $119.3 million from $97.9 million in 2014. Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 43% to $302.8 million from $211.7 million in 2014.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased to $59.1 million from $42.8 million in 2014. Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased to $41.5 million from $30.0 million in 2014. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased to $138.8 million from $87.2 million in 2014. Net income attributable to Vantiv, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased to $97.0 million from $56.7 million in 2014. See the "Results of Operations" section of this management's discussion and analysis for a discussion of our financial results.

On June 13, 2014, Vantiv, LLC completed a debt refinancing by entering into an amended and restated loan agreement, or Amended Loan Agreement. The Amended Loan Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities comprised of a $2.05 billion term A loan maturing in June 2019, a $1.4 billion term B loan maturing in June 2021 and a $425 million revolving credit facility that matures in June 2019. Proceeds from the refinancing were primarily used to fund the acquisition of Mercury Payment Systems, LLC, or Mercury, as further discussed below, and repay the prior term A loan with an outstanding balance of approximately $1.8 billion. On January 6, 2015, we made an early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan.

On July 24, 2015, we entered into a Repurchase Addendum to Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA Addendum”) with each of the Mercury TRA Holders. Pursuant to the terms of the TRA Addendum, we terminated and settled a portion of our obligations under the Mercury TRA, in consideration for a cash payment of $44.8 million that was paid on a pro rata basis to the Mercury TRA Holders.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, beginning December 1st of each of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and ending June 30th of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, we are granted call options (collectively, the “Call Options”) pursuant to which certain of our additional obligations under the Mercury TRA would be terminated in consideration for cash payments of $41.4 million, $38.1 million, $38.0 million, and $43.0 million, respectively.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, if we do not exercise the relevant Call Option, the Mercury TRA Holders are granted put options beginning July 10th and ending July 25th of each of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively (collectively, the “Put Options”), pursuant to which certain of our additional obligations would be terminated in consideration for cash payments with similar amounts to the Call Options.

Except to the extent our obligations under the Mercury TRA have been terminated and settled in full in accordance with the terms of the TRA Addendum, the Mercury TRA will remain in effect, and the parties thereto will continue to have all rights and obligations thereunder.

On October 23, 2015, we entered into a tax receivable purchase addendum with Fifth Third to terminate a portion of our obligations owed to Fifth Third under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA. Under the terms of the tax receivable purchase addendum, we paid approximately $49 million to Fifth Third to settle approximately $140 million of obligations under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA, the difference of which will be recorded as an addition to paid-in capital. We remain obligated to pay remaining amounts due to Fifth Third under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA not terminated pursuant to the above tax receivable purchase addendum.

Table of Contents

Since Fifth Third is a stockholder of us, a special committee of our board of directors comprised of independent, disinterested directors authorized the tax receivable purchase addendum. See Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 for additional information about the TRAs.

Recent Acquisition

On June 13, 2014, we acquired Mercury for approximately $1.68 billion in cash and $192.5 million in contingent consideration related to a tax receivable agreement, or Mercury TRA, entered into with pre-acquisition owners of Mercury, or Mercury TRA Holders, in connection with the Mercury acquisition. We funded the acquisition by borrowing an additional $1.7 billion through an amendment and refinancing of our senior secured credit facilities as discussed above. Mercury is a payment technology and service leader whose solutions are integrated into point-of-sale software applications and brought to market through dealer and developer partners. This acquisition helps to accelerate our growth in the integrated payments channel. The operations of Mercury are included in our Merchant Services segment operating results.

Our Segments, Revenue and Expenses

Segments

We report our results of operations in two segments, Merchant Services and Financial Institution Services. We evaluate segment performance based upon segment profit, which is defined as net revenue, which represents total revenue less network fees and other costs, less sales and marketing expense attributable to that segment.

Merchant Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of payment processing services to our merchant services clients. We authorize, clear, settle and provide reporting for electronic payment transactions, as further discussed below. Our merchant client base includes over 700,000 merchant locations across the United States and is heavily-weighted in non-discretionary everyday spend categories where spending has generally been more resilient during economic downturns.

Acquiring and Processing. We provide merchants with a broad range of credit, debit and prepaid payment processing services. We give them the ability to accept and process Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PIN debit network card transactions originated at the point of sale as well as for ecommerce and mobile transactions. This service includes all aspects of card processing, including authorization and settlement, customer service, chargeback and retrieval processing and network fee and interchange management.

Value-added Services. We offer value-added services that help our clients operate and manage their businesses including omni-channel acceptance, prepaid services and gift card solutions. We also provide security solutions such as point-to-point encryption and tokenization both at the point of sale and for ecommerce transactions.

We provide our services to merchants of varying sizes, which provides us with a number of key benefits. Due to the large transaction volume that they generate, large national merchants provide us with significant operating scale efficiencies and recurring revenues. Small and mid-sized merchants are more difficult to reach on an individual basis, but generally generate higher per transaction fees.

We distribute our comprehensive suite of services to a broad range of merchants through multiple sales channels, as further described below.


•	Direct: Includes a national sales force that targets large national merchants, a regional and mid-market sales team that sells solutions to merchants and third party reseller clients, and a telesales operation that targets small and mid-sized merchants.


•	Indirect: Includes ISOs that target small and mid-sized merchants.


•	Merchant Bank: Includes referral partner relationships with financial institutions that target their financial services customers as merchant referrals to us.


•	Integrated Payments, or IP: Includes referral partner relationships with ISVs, VARs, and payment facilitators that target their technology customers as merchant referrals to us.


•	eCommerce: Includes a sales force that targets internet retail, online services and direct marketing merchants.

Table of Contents

These sales channels utilize multiple strategies and leverage relationships with referral partners that sell our business solutions to small and mid-sized merchants. We believe our sales structure provides us with broad geographic coverage and access to various industries and verticals.

Financial Institution Services

We provide integrated card issuer processing, payment network processing and value-added services to our financial institution services clients, as further discussed below. Our financial institution client base is generally well diversified and includes approximately 1,400 financial institutions, including regional banks, community banks, credit unions and regional PIN debit networks. We generally focus on small to mid-sized financial institutions with less than $15 billion in assets. Smaller financial institutions generally do not have the scale or infrastructure typical of large financial institutions and are more likely to outsource payment processing needs. We provide a turnkey solution to such institutions to enable them to offer payment processing solutions.

Integrated Card Issuer and Processing. We process and service credit, debit, ATM and prepaid transactions. We process and provide statement production, collections and inbound/outbound call centers. Our card processing solution includes processing and other services such as card portfolio analytics, program strategy and support, fraud and security management and chargeback and dispute services. We also offer processing for specialized accounts, such as business cards, home equity lines of credit and health savings accounts. We provide authorization support in the form of online or batch settlement, as well as real-time transaction research capability and archiving and daily and monthly cardholder reports for statistical analysis. Our call center handles inbound and outbound calls and billing issues for customers of our financial institution clients.

Value-added Services. We provide additional services to our financial institution clients that complement our issuing and processing services. These services include fraud protection, card production, prepaid cards, ATM driving, portfolio optimization, data analytics and card program marketing. We also provide network gateway and switching services that utilize our Jeanie PIN network. Our Jeanie network offers real-time electronic payment, network bill payment, single point settlement, shared deposit taking and customer select PINs.

We distribute our financial institution services by utilizing direct sales forces as well as a diverse group of referral partner relationships. These sales channels utilize multiple strategies and leverage relationships with core processors that sell our solutions to small and mid-sized financial institutions.

Revenue

We generate revenue primarily by processing electronic payment transactions. Set forth below is a description of our revenues by segment and factors impacting segment revenues.

Our Merchant Services segment revenues are primarily derived from processing credit and debit card transactions. Merchant Services revenue is primarily comprised of fees charged to businesses, net of interchange fees, for payment processing services, including authorization, capture, clearing, settlement and information reporting of electronic transactions. The fees charged consist of either a percentage of the dollar volume of the transaction or a fixed fee, or both, and are recognized at the time of the transaction. Merchant Services revenue also includes a number of revenue items that are incurred by us and are reimbursable as the costs are passed through to and paid by our clients. These items primarily consist of Visa, MasterCard and other payment network fees. In addition, for sales through referral partners in which we are the primary party to the contract with the merchant, we record the full amount of the fees collected from the merchant as revenue. Associated residual payments made to referral partners are included in sales and marketing expenses. Merchant Services revenue also includes revenue from ancillary services such as fraud management, equipment sales and terminal rent. Revenue in our Merchant Services segment is impacted primarily by transaction volume, average transaction size, the mix of merchant types in our client portfolio, the performance of our merchant clients and the effectiveness of our distribution channels.

Our Financial Institution Services revenues are primarily derived from debit, credit and ATM card transaction processing, ATM driving and support, and PIN debit processing services. Financial Institution Services revenue associated with processing transactions includes per transaction and account related fees, card production fees and fees generated from our Jeanie network. Financial Institution Services revenue is impacted by the number of financial institutions using our services as well as their transaction volume. The number of financial institutions in the United States has declined as a result of prevailing economic conditions and consolidation, as well as other market and regulatory pressures. These factors have contributed to industry-wide pricing compression of the fees that financial institutions are willing to pay for payment processing. Since 2011, pricing compression in the Financial Institution Services segment has represented on average 3% or less of segment net revenue on an annual basis.

Table of Contents

Network Fees and Other Costs

Network fees and other costs primarily consist of certain expenses incurred by us in connection with providing processing services to our clients which we pass through to our clients, including Visa and MasterCard network association fees, payment network fees, third party processing expenses, telecommunication charges, postage and card production costs.

Net Revenue

Net revenue is revenue, less network fees and other costs and reflects revenue generated from the services we provide to our clients. Management uses net revenue to assess our operating performance. We believe that net revenue, when reviewed together with revenue, is meaningful to our investors in order to understand our performance.

Expenses

Set forth below is a brief description of the components of our expenses, aside from the network fees and other costs discussed above:


•	Sales and marketing expense primarily consists of salaries and benefits paid to sales personnel, sales management and other sales and marketing personnel, residual payments made to ISOs and referral partners, and advertising and promotional costs.


•	Other operating costs primarily consist of salaries and benefits paid to operational and IT personnel, costs associated with operating our technology platform and data centers, information technology costs for processing transactions, product development costs, software consulting fees and maintenance costs.


•	General and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits paid to executive management and administrative employees, including finance, human resources, product development, legal and risk management, share-based compensation costs, equipment and occupancy costs and consulting costs.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense consists of our depreciation expense related to investments in property, equipment and software as well as our amortization of intangible assets, principally customer relationships acquired in connection with the acquisition of a majority interest in Vantiv Holding in June 2009 and our subsequent acquisitions.


•	Interest expense—net consists primarily of interest on borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities less interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents.


•	Income tax expense represents federal, state and local taxes based on income in multiple jurisdictions.


•	Non-operating expenses during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily relate to the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA entered into in June 2014. The amounts for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 relate to the refinancing of the Company's senior secured credit facilities and the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA.

Non-Controlling Interest

As a result of the non-controlling ownership interests in Vantiv Holding held by Fifth Third, our results of operations include net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Future sales or redemptions of ownership interests in Vantiv Holding by Fifth Third will continue to reduce the amount recorded as non-controlling interest and increase net earnings attributable to our Class A stockholders. In addition, net income attributable to non-controlling interests includes the non-controlling interest in the People's United Merchant Services, or PUMS, joint venture held by People's United Bank, or PUB. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $17.7 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $41.8 million and $30.5 million, respectively.

Table of Contents

Factors and Trends Impacting Our Business and Results of Operations

We expect a number of factors will impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. In general, our revenue is impacted by the number and dollar volume of card based transactions which in turn are impacted by general economic conditions, consumer spending and the emergence of new technologies and payment types, such as ecommerce, mobile payments, and prepaid cards. In our Merchant Services segment, our net revenues are impacted by the mix of the size of merchants that we provide services to as well as the mix of transaction volume by merchant category. In our Financial Institution Services segment, our net revenues are also impacted by the mix of the size of financial institutions to which we provide services as well as consolidation and market and industry pressures, which have contributed and are expected to continue to contribute to pricing compression of payment processing fees in this segment. See "Results of Operations" below for a discussion of factors impacting our results in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Pro Forma Adjusted Net Income

We use pro forma adjusted net income for financial and operational decision making as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons of our performance and results of operations. Pro forma adjusted net income is also incorporated into performance metrics underlying certain share-based payments issued under the 2012 Vantiv, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan and our annual incentive plan. We believe pro forma adjusted net income provides useful information about our performance and operating results, enhances the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects and allows for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

In calculating pro forma adjusted net income, we make certain non-GAAP adjustments, as well as pro forma adjustments, to adjust our GAAP operating results for the items discussed below. This non-GAAP measure should be considered together with GAAP operating results.

Non-GAAP Adjustments

Transition, Acquisition and Integration Costs

In connection with our acquisitions, we incurred costs associated with the acquisitions and related integration activities, consisting primarily of consulting fees for advisory, conversion and integration services and related personnel costs. Also included are certain costs associated with our separation from Fifth Third in June 2009. In addition, these expenses include costs related to employee termination benefits and other transition activities. These transition, acquisition and integration costs are included in other operating costs and general and administrative expenses.

Share-Based Compensation

We have granted share-based awards to certain employees and members of our board of directors and intend to continue to grant additional share-based awards in the future. Share-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense.

Intangible Amortization Expense

These expenses represent amortization of intangible assets acquired through business combinations and customer portfolio and related asset acquisitions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 intangible amortization expense also included a $34.3 million charge related to phasing out a trade name.

Non-operating Expenses

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded $8.3 million and $23.8 million, respectively, within non-operating expenses primarily related to the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $6.5 million within non-operating expenses related to the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $34.3 million within non-operating expenses related to the refinancing of our senior secured credit facilities and the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA.

Table of Contents

Pro Forma Adjustments

Income Tax Expense Adjustments

Our effective tax rate reported in our results of operations reflects the impact of our non-controlling interest not being taxed at the statutory corporate tax rate. For purposes of calculating pro forma adjusted net income, income tax expense is adjusted to reflect an effective tax rate assuming conversion of Fifth Third's non-controlling interests into shares of Class A common stock, including the income tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments described above. The adjusted effective tax rate was 36.0% for 2015 and 36.5% for 2014.

Tax Adjustments

In addition to the adjustment described above, income tax expense is also adjusted for the cash tax benefits resulting from certain tax attributes, primarily the amortization of tax intangible assets resulting from or acquired with our acquisitions, the tax basis step up associated with our separation from Fifth Third and the purchase or exchange of Class B units of Vantiv Holding, net of payment obligations under TRAs established at the time of our IPO and in connection with our acquisition of Mercury. The estimate of the cash tax benefits is based on the consistent and highly predictable realization of the underlying tax attributes.

As a result of the TRA Addendum entered into with each of the Mercury TRA Holders discussed above, beginning in the current quarter and with the exercise of each call or put option we will reflect the retention of the cash tax benefits resulting from the realization of the tax attributes underlying the respective TRA in pro forma adjusted net income. In addition, as a result of the tax receivable purchase addendum with Fifth Third entered into and discussed above, beginning in 2016, we will reflect the retention of the cash tax benefits from the realization of the tax attributes underlying the respective TRA in pro forma adjusted net income.

The table below provides a reconciliation of pro forma adjusted net income to GAAP income before applicable income taxes for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Income before applicable taxes	$	83,924		$	63,281		$	200,185		$	125,327
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Transition, acquisition and integration costs	11,359			7,508			49,378			30,174
Share-based compensation	7,132			10,753			23,852			30,797
Intangible amortization	48,682			45,146			143,431			147,495
Non-operating expenses	8,308			6,594			23,799			34,250
Non-GAAP Adjusted Income Before Applicable Taxes	159,405			133,282			440,645			368,043
Pro Forma Adjustments:
Income tax expense adjustment	(57,386		)	(48,648		)	(158,632		)	(134,336		)
Tax adjustments	16,842			12,418			40,178			34,005
Less: JV non-controlling interest	(319		)	(186		)	(1,470		)	(487		)
Pro Forma Adjusted Net Income	$	118,542		$	96,866		$	320,721		$	267,225

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following tables set forth our statements of income in dollars and as a percentage of net revenue for the periods presented.



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenue	$	815,998	$	697,109	$	118,889		17	%
Network fees and other costs	385,548		316,592		68,956			22	%
Net revenue	430,450		380,517		49,933			13	%
Sales and marketing	132,481		111,233		21,248			19	%
Other operating costs	66,563		60,659		5,904			10	%
General and administrative	41,492		45,422		(3,930		)	(9	)%
Depreciation and amortization	70,638		65,289		5,349			8	%
Income from operations	$	119,276	$	97,914	$	21,362		22	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	5,776		5,360					8	%



As a Percentage of Net Revenue	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Net revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%
Sales and marketing	30.8	%	29.2	%
Other operating costs	15.5	%	16.0	%
General and administrative	9.6	%	11.9	%
Depreciation and amortization	16.4	%	17.2	%
Income from operations	27.7	%	25.7	%



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change		% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenue	$	2,307,604	$	1,843,418	$	464,186	25	%
Network fees and other costs	1,079,043		843,030		236,013		28	%
Net revenue	1,228,561		1,000,388		228,173		23	%
Sales and marketing	371,461		280,184		91,277		33	%
Other operating costs	211,853		177,782		34,071		19	%
General and administrative	136,395		126,580		9,815		8	%
Depreciation and amortization	206,099		204,176		1,923		1	%
Income from operations	$	302,753	$	211,666	$	91,087	43	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	16,907		14,420				17	%



As a Percentage of Net Revenue	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Net revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%
Sales and marketing	30.2	%	28.0	%
Other operating costs	17.3	%	17.8	%
General and administrative	11.1	%	12.7	%
Depreciation and amortization	16.8	%	20.4	%
Income from operations	24.6	%	21.1	%

Table of Contents

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Revenue

Revenue increased 17% to $816.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $697.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was due primarily to transaction growth of 8%, and increased net revenue per transaction associated with our continued penetration of small and mid-sized merchants.

Revenue increased 25% to $2,307.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $1,843.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to transaction growth of 17%, including the impact of the Mercury acquisition, which expanded our integrated payments channel and contributed to higher net revenue per transaction.

Network Fees and Other Costs

Network fees and other costs increased 22% to $385.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $316.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was due primarily to strong volume growth, and to a lesser extent an increase in third party processing costs in connection with the Mercury acquisition.

Network fees and other costs increased 28% to $1,079.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $843.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to transaction growth of 17%, including the impact of the Mercury acquisition, and to a lesser extent an increase in third party processing costs in connection with the Mercury acquisition.

Net Revenue

Net revenue, which is revenue less network fees and other costs, increased 13% to $430.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $380.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to the factors discussed above.

Net revenue increased 23% to $1,228.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $1,000.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the factors discussed above.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense increased 19% to $132.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $111.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales and marketing personnel and related costs and higher residual payments to referral partners in connection with increased revenue.

Sales and marketing expense increased 33% to $371.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $280.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the Mercury acquisition, higher sales and marketing personnel and related costs and higher residual payments to referral partners in connection with increased revenue.

Other Operating Costs

Other operating costs increased 10% to $66.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $60.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in information technology spend. Also contributing to the increase was a $2.4 million increase in acquisition and integration costs due to our recent acquisitions.

Other operating costs increased 19% to $211.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $177.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the Mercury acquisition and an increase in information technology spend. Also contributing to the increase was a $10.9 million increase in acquisition and integration costs due to our recent acquisitions.

Table of Contents

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses decreased 9% to $41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $45.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. A decrease in share-based compensation of $3.6 million and lower general and administrative expenses driven by Mercury synergies offset a $1.4 million increase in acquisition and integration costs.

General and administrative expenses increased 8% to $136.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $126.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the Mercury acquisition, continued investment in our infrastructure in support of growth initiatives, and an increase in acquisition and integration costs of $8.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation of $6.9 million.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense associated with our property, equipment and software increased 8% to $19.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $18.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the period reflects depreciation expense associated with increased capital expenditures during the last year largely related to our continued investment in information technology infrastructure in support of growth initiatives.

Depreciation expense associated with our property, equipment and software increased 8% to $56.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $52.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the period reflects depreciation expense associated with increased capital expenditures during the last year largely related to our continued investment in information technology infrastructure in support of growth initiatives, as well as assets acquired in connection with the Mercury acquisition.

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer relationship intangible assets, increased 8% to $51.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $47.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the period is attributable to amortization expense associated with intangible assets acquired through customer portfolio acquisitions.

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer relationship intangible assets, decreased 1% to $149.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $152.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. A $34.3 million charge related to phasing out a trade name during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 more than offset an increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 in amortization expense associated with intangible assets acquired in connection with the Mercury acquisition.

Income from Operations

Income from operations increased 22% to $119.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $97.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Income from operations increased 43% to $302.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $211.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Interest Expense—Net

Interest expense—net decreased to $27.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $28.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Interest expense—net increased to $78.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $52.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in interest expense—net for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is primarily attributable to our June 2014 debt refinancing, which resulted in an increase in the amount of outstanding debt, as well as an increase in the applicable interest rates. The increase in outstanding debt was used to fund the acquisition of Mercury.

Non-Operating Expenses

Non-operating expenses were $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 primarily relating to the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA entered into in June 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, non-operating expenses were $23.8 million, which primarily consisted of the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA.

Table of Contents

Non-operating expenses were $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, which consisted primarily of the change in the fair value of the Mercury TRA entered into in June 2014. Non-operating expenses were $34.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which consisted primarily of a charge related to the refinancing of our senior secured credit facilities and the change in fair value of the Mercury TRA entered into in June 2014.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $24.8 million compared to $20.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, reflecting effective rates of 29.5% and 32.3%, respectively. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $61.3 million compared to $38.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, reflecting effective tax rates of 30.6% and 30.4%, respectively. Our effective rate reflects the impact of our non-controlling interest not being taxed at the statutory corporate tax rates. Further, as our non-controlling interest declines to the point Vantiv Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary, we expect our effective rate to increase to approximately 36.0%.

We are currently party to TRAs with Fifth Third which obligate us to make payments to Fifth Third equal to 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in income taxes that we realize as a result of certain tax basis increases and net operating losses. We retain the remaining 15% of cash savings. As we purchase units of Vantiv Holding from Fifth Third or as Fifth Third exchanges units of Vantiv Holding for cash or shares of Vantiv, Inc. Class A common stock in the future, we expect the associated cash savings and the related TRA liability to increase as a result of additional tax basis increases.

Since Fifth Third is a stockholder of us, a special committee of our board of directors comprised of independent, disinterested directors authorized the tax receivable purchase addendum.

Further, as a result, beginning in 2016, we will reflect the retention of the cash tax benefits resulting from the realization of the tax attributes underlying the respective TRA in pro forma adjusted net income. See Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 for additional information about the TRAs.

Simultaneously and in connection with the Mercury acquisition, we entered into the Mercury TRA. The Mercury TRA obligates us to make payments to the Mercury TRA Holders equal to 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in income taxes that we realize as a result of certain tax basis increases and net operating losses. We retain the remaining 15% of cash savings. Unlike the TRAs with Fifth Third, which are recorded based on the full undiscounted amount of the expected future payments, the Mercury TRA represents contingent consideration relating to an acquired business, which is recorded at fair value for financial reporting purposes.

On July 24, 2015, we entered into the TRA Addendum with each of the Mercury TRA Holders. Pursuant to the terms of the TRA Addendum, we terminated and settled a portion of our obligations under the Mercury TRA, in consideration for a cash payment of $44.8 million that was paid on a pro rata basis to the Mercury TRA Holders.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, beginning December 1st of each of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and ending June 30th of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, we are granted Call Options pursuant to which certain of our additional obligations under the Mercury TRA would be terminated in consideration for cash payments of $41.4 million, $38.1 million, $38.0 million, and $43.0 million, respectively.

Under the terms of the TRA Addendum, if we do not exercise the relevant Call Option, the Mercury TRA Holders are granted Put Options beginning July 10th and ending July 25th of each of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, pursuant to which certain of our additional obligations would be terminated in consideration for cash payments with similar amounts to the Call Options.

Table of Contents

Further, as a result, in the current quarter and with the exercise of each call or put option we will reflect the retention of the cash tax benefits resulting from the realization of the tax attributes underlying the respective TRA in pro forma adjusted net income. See Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 for additional information about the Mercury TRA.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into an agreement to terminate and settle in full our obligations to Advent International Corporation, or Advent, and JPDN Enterprises, LLC, or JPDN, under the TRAs. As a result, the full amount of the cash tax benefits resulting from the realization of the tax attributes underlying the respective TRAs are reflected in pro forma adjusted net income.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the cash savings associated with the TRAs discussed above and retained by us were approximately $32.7 million. The TRAs do not have an impact on our effective tax rate; however, savings retained by us are reflected in pro forma adjusted net income discussed above.

Additionally, as a result of the acquisition of Litle, we generated tax benefits to be recognized over a period of 15 years from the date of the acquisition. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, these benefits were approximately $7.5 million. This benefit does not have an impact on our effective tax rate; however, these tax benefits are reflected in pro forma adjusted net income discussed above.

Segment Results

The following tables provide a summary of the components of segment profit for our two segments for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Merchant Services



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change		% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Total revenue	$	687,394	$	580,082	$	107,312	18	%
Network fees and other costs	342,518		282,431		60,087		21	%
Net revenue	344,876		297,651		47,225		16	%
Sales and marketing	126,400		104,460		21,940		21	%
Segment profit	$	218,476	$	193,191	$	25,285	13	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	4,743		4,398				8	%



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change		% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Total revenue	$	1,935,364	$	1,486,991	$	448,373	30	%
Network fees and other costs	962,714		738,440		224,274		30	%
Net revenue	972,650		748,551		224,099		30	%
Sales and marketing	353,435		260,225		93,210		36	%
Segment profit	$	619,215	$	488,326	$	130,889	27	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	13,887		11,575				20	%

Table of Contents

Net Revenue

Net revenue in this segment increased 16% to $344.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $297.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was due primarily to transaction growth of 8%, and increased net revenue per transaction associated with our continued penetration of small and mid-sized merchants.

Net revenue in this segment increased 30% to $972.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $748.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due primarily to transaction growth of 20%, including the impact of the Mercury acquisition, which expanded our integrated payments channel and contributed to higher net revenue per transaction.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense increased 21% to $126.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $104.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales and marketing personnel and related costs and higher residual payments to referral partners in connection with increased revenue.

Sales and marketing expense increased 36% to $353.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $260.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the Mercury acquisition, higher sales and marketing personnel and related costs and higher residual payments to referral partners in connection with increased revenue.

Financial Institution Services



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Total revenue	$	128,604	$	117,027	$	11,577		10	%
Network fees and other costs	43,030		34,161		8,869			26	%
Net revenue	85,574		82,866		2,708			3	%
Sales and marketing	6,081		6,773		(692		)	(10	)%
Segment profit	$	79,493	$	76,093	$	3,400		4	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	1,033		962					7	%



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Total revenue	$	372,240	$	356,427	$	15,813		4	%
Network fees and other costs	116,329		104,590		11,739			11	%
Net revenue	255,911		251,837		4,074			2	%
Sales and marketing	18,026		19,959		(1,933		)	(10	)%
Segment profit	$	237,885	$	231,878	$	6,007		3	%
Non-financial data:
Transactions (in millions)	3,020		2,845					6	%

Net Revenue

Net revenue in this segment increased 3% to $85.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $82.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was due primarily to an increase in transactions and value-added services revenue. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net revenue per transaction, which was driven by continued pricing compression and a continuing shift in the mix of our client portfolio, resulting in a lower rate per transaction.

Table of Contents

Net revenue in this segment increased 2% to $255.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $251.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due primarily to an increase in transactions and value-added services revenue. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net revenue per transaction, which was driven by continued pricing compression and a continuing shift in the mix of our client portfolio, resulting in a lower rate per transaction.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense decreased $0.7 million to $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 from $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Sales and marketing expense decreased $2.0 million to $18.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity is funded primarily through cash provided by operations, debt and a line of credit, which is generally sufficient to fund our operations, planned capital expenditures, tax distributions made to our non-controlling interest holders, required payments under TRAs, debt service and acquisitions. Payments under the TRAs are determined based on realized cash savings resulting from the underlying tax attributes. Excluding the call and put structure in the TRA Addendum discussed below, a period of declining profitability would result in a corresponding reduction in our TRA payments, thus resulting in the TRA having a minimal effect on our liquidity and capital resources. On January 6, 2015, the Company made an early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan. As of September 30, 2015, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of $287.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $425.0 million of availability under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facilities. Our total indebtedness, including capital leases, was $3.1 billion as of September 30, 2015.

In February 2014, our board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $300 million of our Class A common stock. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $161.2 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, we repurchased approximately 870,000 shares for approximately $39.3 million. After these repurchases, we have approximately $75 million of share repurchase authority remaining under this authorization. Purchases under the repurchase program are allowed from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The manner, timing, and amount of any purchases are determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price, and other factors. The share repurchase program has no expiration date and we may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted.

Table of Contents

remain obligated to pay remaining amounts due to Fifth Third under the Fifth Third TRA and the NPC TRA not terminated pursuant to the above tax receivable purchase addendum.

Since Fifth Third is a stockholder of us, a special committee of our board of directors comprised of independent, disinterested directors authorized the tax receivable purchase addendum.

We expect these TRA terminations to have minimal impact on our liquidity. See Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 for additional information about the TRAs.

In connection with our IPO, we entered into the Exchange Agreement with Fifth Third, under which Fifth Third has the right, from time to time, to exchange their units in Vantiv Holding for shares of our Class A common stock or, at our option, cash. If we choose to satisfy the exchange in cash, we anticipate that we will fund such exchange through cash from operations, funds available under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facilities, equity financings or a combination thereof.

We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Vantiv, Inc. is a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of its own. As a result, Vantiv, Inc.’s ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock, if any, is dependent upon cash dividends and distributions and other transfers from Vantiv Holding, which are subject to certain Fifth Third consent rights in the Amended and Restated Vantiv Holding Limited Liability Company Agreement. These consent rights require the approval of Fifth Third for certain significant matters, including the payment of all distributions by Vantiv Holding other than certain permitted distributions, which relate primarily to the payment of tax distributions and tax-related obligations. The amounts available to Vantiv, Inc. to pay cash dividends are also subject to the covenants and distribution restrictions in its subsidiaries’ loan agreements.

In addition to principal needs for liquidity discussed above, our strategy includes investing in and leveraging our integrated business model and technology platform, broadening and deepening our distribution channels, entry into new geographic markets and development of additional payment processing services. Our near-term priorities for capital allocation include investing in our operations to support organic growth and debt reduction. Long-term priorities remain unchanged and include investing for growth through strategic acquisitions and returning excess capital to shareholders.

We anticipate that to the extent that we require additional liquidity, it will be funded through the incurrence of other indebtedness, equity financings or a combination thereof. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain this additional liquidity on reasonable terms, or at all. Additionally, our liquidity and our ability to meet our obligations and fund our capital requirements are also dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial and other factors that are beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available under our credit facilities or otherwise to meet our liquidity needs. If we decide to pursue one or more significant acquisitions, we may incur additional debt or sell additional equity to finance such acquisitions.

Cash Flows

The following table presents a summary of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands).



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	506,557		$	462,797
Net cash used in investing activities	(103,656		)	(1,770,564		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(526,911		)	1,507,787

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $506.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to $462.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase is due primarily to an increase in net income, changes in working capital including the favorable impact of year-over-year changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable, partially offset by net settlement assets and obligations. Settlement assets and obligations can fluctuate due to seasonality as well as the day of the month end.

Table of Contents

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $103.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to $1,770.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the acquisition of Mercury in the prior year.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $526.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $1,507.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 consisted primarily of the repayment of debt and capital leases, including the early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan on January 6, 2015, repurchases of Class A common stock, payments made under the tax receivable agreements and distributions to non-controlling interests. Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted primarily of proceeds from the June 2014 refinancing, partially offset by the repayment of existing debt, related debt issuance costs and capital leases. Additional financing activities included repurchases of Class A common stock, payments made under the tax receivable agreements and tax distributions.

Credit Facilities

On June 13, 2014, Vantiv, LLC completed a debt refinancing by entering into the Amended Loan Agreement. The Amended Loan Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities comprised of a $2.05 billion term A loan, a $1.4 billion term B loan and a $425 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds from the refinancing were primarily used to fund the Mercury acquisition and repay the prior term A loan. On January 6, 2015, we made an early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan. At September 30, 2015, the Company has $1.9 billion and $1.2 billion outstanding under the term A and term B loans, respectively, and there were no outstanding borrowings on the Company's revolving credit facility. See additional discussion in Note 4 - Long-Term Debt to the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Amended Loan Agreement requires us to maintain a leverage ratio no greater than established thresholds (based upon the ratio of total funded debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the loan agreement) and a minimum interest coverage ratio (based upon the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to interest expense), which are tested quarterly based on the last four fiscal quarters. The required financial ratios become more restrictive over time, with the specific ratios required by period set forth in the below table.



Period	Leverage Ratio (must not exceed)	Interest Coverage Ratio (must exceed)
September 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015	6.50 to 1.00	4.00 to 1.00
June 30, 2015 to September 30, 2016	6.25 to 1.00	4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017	5.50 to 1.00	4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018	4.75 to 1.00	4.00 to 1.00
December 31, 2018 and thereafter	4.25 to 1.00	4.00 to 1.00

As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with these covenants with a leverage ratio of 4.06 to 1.00 and an interest coverage ratio of 7.90 to 1.00.

Interest Rate Swaps

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had a total of 14 outstanding interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. Of the 14 outstanding interest rate swaps, 8 of them cover an exposure period from June 2015 through June 2017 and have a combined notional balance of $1.2 billion (amortizing to $1.1 billion). The remaining 6 interest rate swaps cover an exposure period from January 2016 through January 2019 and have a combined notional balance of $500 million. Fifth Third is the counterparty to 5 of the 14 outstanding interest rate swaps with notional balances ranging from $293.8 million to $250.0 million.

Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

There have been no significant changes to contractual obligations and commitments compared to those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2014, except as noted below.

Borrowings

As a result of the early principal payment of $200 million on the term B loan on January 6, 2015, total principal and variable interest payments due under our senior secured credit facilities and our loan agreement for our corporate headquarters are as follows: $51.5 million for the remainder of 2015, $429.6 million during 2016 and 2017, $1,836.5 million during 2018 and 2019, and $1,197.4 million thereafter. Variable interest payments were calculated using interest rates as of September 30, 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our critical estimates giving consideration to a combination of factors, including historical experience, current conditions and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we have not adopted any new critical accounting policies, have not changed any critical accounting policies and have not changed the application of any critical accounting policies from the year ended December 31, 2014. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described fully within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included within our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk in connection with our senior secured credit facilities, which are subject to variable interest rates.

As of September 30, 2015 we had a total of 14 outstanding interest rate swaps. Of the 14 outstanding swaps, 8 of them cover an exposure period from June 2015 through June 2017 and have a combined notional balance of $1.2 billion (amortizing to $1.1 billion). The remaining 6 interest rate swaps cover an exposure period from January 2016 through January 2019 and have a combined notional balance of $500 million. As of September 30, 2015, we had $1.9 billion of variable rate debt not subject to a fixed rate swap effective at September 30, 2015.

Based on the amount outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities at September 30, 2015, a change in one percentage point in variable interest rates, after the effect of our interest rate swaps effective at September 30, 2015, would cause an increase or decrease in interest expense of $19.3 million on an annual basis.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management

Table of Contents

recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate resolution or range of financial liability with respect to these contingent matters, management believes none of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on us.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, cause the trading price of our common stock to decline materially or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of Vantiv. These risks are not exclusive, and additional risks to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, the risks of our businesses described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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

The following table sets forth information regarding shares of Class A common stock repurchased by us during the three months ended September 30, 2015:



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)(2)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions) (2)
July 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015	5,225	$	39.34	—	$	275.0
August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015	931,365	$	43.89	930,000	$	234.2
September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015	2,646,025	$	45.45	2,645,900	$	113.8

(1) Represents shares of Class A common stock surrendered to us to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

(2) In February 2014, our board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $300 million of our Class A common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares of our Class A common stock for approximately $161.2 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, we repurchased approximately 870,000 shares for approximately $39.3 million. After these repurchases, we have approximately $75 million of share repurchase authority remaining under this authorization. Purchases under the repurchase program are allowed from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The manner, timing, and amount of any purchases are determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price, and other factors. The share repurchase program has no expiration date and we may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted.

Item 5. Other Information

Since Fifth Third is a stockholder of the Company, a special committee of the Company’s board of directors comprised of independent, disinterested directors authorized the tax receivable purchase addendum. See Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 for additional information about the TRAs.

On October 26, 2015, the Company’s Compensation Committee approved a special long-term equity incentive award to Royal Cole in connection with his assumption of additional responsibilities as the Company’s Group President, Merchant

Table of Contents

and Financial Institution Services. The award has a target grant date fair value of $2.4 million. The vesting of this equity incentive award is contingent upon continued service through the applicable vesting dates in 2017 and 2018, and with respect to half of the grant, the achievement of pre-defined Merchant and Financial Institution net revenue goals for 2017 and 2018.

Item 6. Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.



	VANTIV, INC.


October 28, 2015	By:	/s/ Mark L. Heimbouch
		Mark. L. Heimbouch
		Sr. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer


		/s/ Christopher Thompson
		Christopher Thompson
		SVP, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

10.1		Tax Receivable Purchase Addendum, dated as of October 23, 2015, by and between Vantiv, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32		Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101		Interactive Data Files

Exhibit

Exhibit 10.1

TAX RECEIVABLE PURCHASE ADDENDUM

This Purchase Addendum (this “Addendum”) is entered into as of October 23, 2015 between Vantiv, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vantiv”), and Fifth Third Bank, a bank chartered under the laws of the State of Ohio (“Fifth Third Bank”).

WHEREAS, Vantiv, Fifth Third Bank and FTPS Partners, LLC (“FTPS”) entered into that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated March 21, 2012 (the “Fifth Third TRA”);

WHEREAS, Vantiv, Fifth Third Bank, FTPS, Advent International GPE VI-A and other parties affiliated with Advent International GPE VI-A entered into that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated March 21, 2012 (the “NPC TRA” and, together with the Fifth Third TRA, the “TRAs”);

WHEREAS, FTPS liquidated into Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Bank has assumed all of FTPS’s rights and obligations under the TRAs; and

WHEREAS, Vantiv desires to make a payment to terminate and settle in full Vantiv’s payment obligations to Fifth Third Bank and FTPS under (i) the Fifth Third TRA with respect to 743(b) Tax Items arising from Covered Exchanges and available in the 2016 Covered Taxable Year and all future Covered Taxable Years and (ii) the NPC TRA with respect to all of the NOLs available in the 2016 NPC Covered Taxable Year and all future NPC Covered Taxable Years.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, representations, warranties and covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Fifth Third TRA. As used in this addendum, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the following respective meanings.

“Covered Exchanges” shall mean (i) the Exchanges by FTPS on March 21, 2012 and December 6, 2012 and (ii) the Exchange by Fifth Third Bank on December 6, 2012.

“743(b) Tax Attributes” shall mean the Basis Adjustments that have been calculated after taking into account that TRA payments (including the payment hereunder) constitute additional purchase price and generate additional amortizable basis (i.e., the amount payable hereunder has already been “grossed up” for the iterative effects under the respective TRAs and therefore no additional gross up or other payments are or will be due under the respective TRAs).

“743(b) Tax Items” shall mean items of loss or deduction or reduction in gain attributable to the 743(b) Tax Attributes.

“Legal Proceeding” shall mean any action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation before any Governmental Entity or before any arbitrator.

“NPC Covered Taxable Year” shall mean any “Covered Taxable Year” as defined in the NPC TRA.

“NOLs” shall mean the “Pre-IPO NOLs” as defined in the NPC TRA but excluding the remaining tax amortization with respect to Code Section 197 intangible assets owned by NPC or its Subsidiaries prior to the IPO.

“Security Interest” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, charge or other lien (whether arising by contract or by operation of law).

ARTICLE II

THE PURCHASE

2.1Purchase Payment. Upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this Addendum, Vantiv shall make the payment set forth in Section 2.2(b) below to Fifth Third Bank to terminate and settle in full Vantiv’s payment obligations to Fifth Third Bank and FTPS under (i) the Fifth Third TRA with respect to Covered Exchanges giving rise to 743(b) Tax Items available in the 2016 Covered Taxable Year and all future Covered Taxable Years (including any net operating losses or other tax attributes attributable to the 743(b) Tax Items for such Covered Taxable Years) and (ii) the NPC TRA with respect to all of the NOLs available in the 2016 NPC Covered Taxable Year and all future NPC Covered Taxable Years (the “Purchase”).

2.2The Closing.

(a)The consummation of the Purchase (the “Closing”) shall take place by electronic exchange of documents commencing at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the date hereof (the “Closing Date”).

(b)At the Closing, Vantiv shall make a payment to Fifth Third Bank of $48,866,000 by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account previously designated by Fifth Third Bank.

2.3Effect on the TRAs. Each of Vantiv and Fifth Third Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that upon receipt by Fifth Third Bank of the amount to be paid to Fifth Third Bank in accordance with Section 2.2(b) above, Vantiv’s payment obligations to Fifth Third Bank and FTPS under (i) the Fifth Third TRA with respect to Covered Exchanges giving rise to 743(b) Tax Items available in the 2016 Covered Taxable Year and all future Covered Taxable Years (including any net operating losses or other tax attributes attributable to the 743(b) Tax Items for such Covered Taxable Years) and (ii) the NPC TRA with respect to all of the NOLs available in the 2016 NPC Covered Taxable Year and all future NPC Covered Taxable Years are terminated and settled in full.

ARTICLE III

ORDINARY COURSE TRA PAYMENTS

3.1Continuation of the TRAs. Vantiv and Fifth Third Bank hereby acknowledge and agree, as applicable, that (i) any payment obligation of Vantiv under the TRAs not otherwise terminated and settled in full pursuant to this Addendum shall be made pursuant to the terms of the applicable TRA and (ii) except as amended hereby, the TRAs remain in full force and effect with respect to Vantiv, on the one hand, and Fifth Third Bank with respect to those TRAs to which it is a party, on the other hand.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TRA PARTIES

Fifth Third Bank represents and warrants to Vantiv that the statements contained in this Article IV are true and correct as of the date of this Addendum.

4.1Authorization of Transaction. Fifth Third Bank has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Addendum and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by Fifth Third Bank of this Addendum and the performance by Fifth Third Bank of its obligations under this Addendum and the consummation by Fifth Third Bank of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Fifth Third Bank. This Addendum has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Fifth Third Bank and this Addendum constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Fifth Third Bank, enforceable against Fifth Third Bank in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by general equitable principles or by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, or similar laws, legal requirements and judicial decisions from time to time in effect which affect creditors’ rights generally.

4.2Noncontravention. Neither the execution and delivery by Fifth Third Bank of this Addendum, nor the consummation by Fifth Third Bank of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (a) conflict with or

violate any provision of any of the organizational documents or contractual commitments of Fifth Third Bank, (b) require on the part of Fifth Third Bank any notice to or filing with, or any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity or (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Fifth Third Bank or any of its properties or assets.

4.3Ownership of Rights. Fifth Third Bank has the sole and exclusive rights to receive the payments under the TRAs, and such rights are free and clear of all Security Interests.

4.4Litigation. There is no Legal Proceeding which is pending or has been threatened in writing, or judgment, order or decree outstanding, against or otherwise naming Fifth Third Bank which in any manner challenges or seeks, or would if commenced challenge or seek, to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Addendum.

4.5No Additional Representations. Fifth Third Bank acknowledges that neither Vantiv nor any person has made any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Vantiv furnished or made available to Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Bank’s representatives except as expressly set forth in this Addendum.

4.6Brokers’ Fees. Fifth Third Bank has no liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Addendum.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VANTIV

Vantiv represents and warrants to Fifth Third Bank that the statements contained in this Article V are true and correct as of the date of this Addendum.

5.1Authorization of the Transaction. Vantiv has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Addendum and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by Vantiv of this Addendum, the performance by Vantiv of its obligations under this Addendum and the consummation by Vantiv of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Vantiv. This Addendum has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Vantiv and this Addendum constitutes the valid and binding obligations of Vantiv, enforceable against Vantiv in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by general equitable principles or by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, or similar laws, legal requirements and judicial decisions from time to time in effect which affect creditors’ rights generally.

5.2Noncontravention. Neither the execution and delivery by Vantiv of this Addendum, nor the consummation by Vantiv of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the organizational documents of Vantiv, (b) require on the part of Vantiv any filing with, or permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, except for applicable requirements under federal or state securities statutes, rules or regulations or (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Vantiv or any of its properties or assets.

5.3Litigation. There is no Legal Proceeding which is pending or has been threatened in writing, or judgment, order or decree outstanding, against or otherwise naming Vantiv which in any manner challenges or seeks, or would if commenced challenge or seek, to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the transactions contemplated by this Addendum.

5.4Lack of Payment Restrictions. Neither Vantiv nor any of its Affiliates is a party to any contract or other agreement that by its terms would restrict their ability to make the payment required by this Addendum. Vantiv will not, and will cause its Affiliates not to, enter into any contract or other agreement that by its terms would restrict their ability to make the payment required by this Addendum.

5.5No Additional Representations. Vantiv acknowledges that none of Fifth Third Bank nor any person has made any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Fifth Third Bank furnished or made available to Vantiv and its representatives except as expressly set forth in this Addendum.

5.6Brokers’ Fees. Vantiv has no liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Addendum.

5.7Compliance with TRAs. Vantiv is and has been in compliance with its obligations under the TRAs in all material respects.

ARTICLE VI

POST-CLOSING COVENANTS

6.1Press Releases and Announcements. The parties will provide each other with advance notice of the expected content and expected timing of any initial press release or initial public announcement by that party relating to the subject matter of this Addendum and will use commercially reasonable efforts to agree on the expected timing, subject in each case to each party’s compliance with applicable law, including the U.S. federal securities laws, rules and regulations.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1General Provisions. Sections 8.01 to 8.09 (including relevant definitions related thereto) of the Fifth Third TRA shall be incorporated by reference herein, mutatis mutandis.

7.2Expenses. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Addendum and the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.3Tax Treatment. The parties agree that this Addendum shall be treated as an acceleration of the Fifth Third TRA and NPC TRA with respect to the payments that are the subject of this Addendum for U.S. federal income tax purposes, entering into this Addendum shall not be treated as a separate taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the payment to be made by Vantiv pursuant to this Addendum shall be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a payment pursuant to the TRAs. The amounts payable hereunder have been calculated after taking into account that TRA payments constitute additional purchase price and generate additional amortizable basis (i.e., the amount payable hereunder has already been “grossed up” for the iterative effects under the respective TRAs).

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Addendum as of the date first above written.

VANTIV, INC.



By:	/s/ Charles Drucker
Name:	Charles Drucker
Title:	President & CEO

FIFTH THIRD BANK



By:	/s/ Greg Carmichael
Name:	Greg Carmichael
Title:	President



By:	/s/ Tayfun Tuzun
Name:	Tayfun Tuzun
Title:	CFO

[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Purchase Addendum]

Schedule A

Notices

If to Vantiv:

c/o Vantiv, LLC

8500 Governor’s Hill Drive

Maildrop 1GH1Y1

Cincinnati, OH 45249-1384

Facsimile: (513) 900-5200

Attention: Ned Greene

Jared Warner

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

4 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Facsimile: (212) 735-2000

Attention: David C. Ingles

Stuart M. Finkelstein

If to Fifth Third Bank:

Fifth Third Bank

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, OH 45263

Facsimile: 513-534-6236

Attention: Tayfun Tuzun

Sam Lind

Kevin Lippert

Al Cliffel

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad St.

New York, NY 10004

Facsimile: 212-558-3588

Attention: Andrew R. Gladin

Ronald E. Creamer

Exhibit

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Charles D. Drucker, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vantiv, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



October 28, 2015	/s/ CHARLES D. DRUCKER
	Charles D. Drucker
	President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Mark L. Heimbouch, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vantiv, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



October 28, 2015	/s/ MARK L. HEIMBOUCH
	Mark L. Heimbouch
	Sr. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer

Exhibit

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Vantiv, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), that:


1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

The foregoing certification (i) is given to such officers' knowledge, based upon such officers' investigation as such officers reasonably deem appropriate; and (ii) is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.



October 28, 2015	/s/ CHARLES D. DRUCKER
	Charles D. Drucker
	President and Chief Executive Officer



October 28, 2015	/s/ MARK L. HEIMBOUCH
	Mark L. Heimbouch
	Sr. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer

[A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Vantiv, Inc. and will be retained by Vantiv, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.]