SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

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


Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 26, 2017


ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)




DELAWARE
 
001-15749
 
31-1429215
(State or Other Jurisdiction
 
(Commission
 
(IRS Employer
of Incorporation)
 
File Number)
 
Identification No.)



7500 DALLAS PARKWAY, SUITE 700
PLANO, TEXAS  75024
(Address and Zip Code of Principal Executive Offices)
   
(214) 494-3000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

[     ]
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
     
[     ]
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
     
[     ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
     
[     ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act




ITEM 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On January 26, 2017, Alliance Data Systems Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.


ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure

On January 26, 2017, the Company issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 is a presentation to be given to investors and others by senior officers of the Company.


ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
     
99.1
 
Press Release dated January 26, 2017 announcing the results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
99.2
 
Investor Presentation Materials.

 
Note: The information contained in this report (including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



 
Alliance Data Systems Corporation
       
Date: January 26, 2017
By:
 
/s/ Charles L. Horn
     
Charles L. Horn
     
Executive Vice President and
     
Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
     
99.1
 
Press Release dated January 26, 2017 announcing the results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
99.2
 
Investor Presentation Materials.




Exhibit 99.1
 

Contacts:
UInvestors/Analysts
 
Tiffany Louder
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3048
 
Tiffany.Louder@AllianceData.com
   
 
UMedia
 
Shelley Whiddon
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3811
 
Shelley.Whiddon@AllianceData.com


Alliance Data Reports Full-Year 2016 Results

· 
Revenue Increases 11 Percent to $7.1 Billion
· 
EPS Decreases 17 Percent to $7.34
Both Were Reduced by $242 Million Charge Due to Expiry Cancellation
· 
Core EPS Increases 12 Percent to $16.92
· 
Quarterly Dividend Declared

Dallas, TX, January 26, 2017 – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced results for the year ended December 31, 2016.

SUMMARY
   
Quarter Ended December 31,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
   
2016
   
2015
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
% Change
 
Revenue
   
$
1,828
   
$
1,749
     
+4
%
 
$
7,138
   
$
6,440
     
+11
%
Net income
   
$
11
   
$
180
     
-94
%
 
$
518
   
$
605
     
-15
%
Net income attributable to Alliance Data
stockholders per diluted share ("EPS") (a)
   
$
0.18
   
$
2.35
     
-92
%
 
$
7.34
   
$
8.85
     
-17
%
Diluted shares outstanding
     
57.9
     
61.5
     
-6
%
   
58.9
     
62.3
     
-5
%
*******************************
                                               
Supplemental Non-GAAP Metrics (b):
                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
$
566
   
$
507
     
+12
%
 
$
2,096
   
$
1,910
     
+10
%
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-
controlling interest ("adjusted EBITDA, net") (a)
   
$
507
   
$
453
     
+12
%
 
$
1,880
   
$
1,728
     
+9
%
Core earnings attributable to Alliance Data
stockholders per diluted share ("core EPS") (a)
   
$
4.67
   
$
4.13
     
+13
%
 
$
16.92
   
$
15.05
     
+12
%
 
(a)
Profitability measures shown above are net of amounts attributable to the minority interest in Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, referred to as 'non-controlling interest.'
(b)
See "Financial Measures" below for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017
 
Ed Heffernan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Data, commented, "Excluding the one-time charge associated with a newly enacted provincial law in Canada, we posted a solid year with both revenue and core EPS increasing double-digits primarily driven by our BrandLoyalty and Card Services businesses.
"We were surprised and disappointed with the enactment of new legislation in Ontario that now prohibits the time-based expiration of reward points associated with all loyalty programs. The cancellation of our 5-year expiration policy necessitated a change in our breakage estimate, creating a one-time charge recorded as a reduction of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2016. Going forward, we will need to rework the AIR MILES® Reward Program to replace the lost economics while maintaining a viable value proposition for collectors engaged in the program.
"Epsilon® fell short of revenue and EBITDA expectations for 2016 despite robust growth in the CRM and Auto product offerings. Our strategy for addressing the shortfall is two-fold. First, reduce Epsilon's cost structure - that is largely complete with our India operation up and operating at scale - and second, standardize our platform product offerings in order to reduce time to market.
"Our biggest success in 2016 was the ability to grow core EPS double-digits despite a 12 point drag on growth from credit normalization. We remain on-track for solid growth again in 2017, and expect to complete the credit normalization process towards the end of the year."
Heffernan continued, "Consistent with our announcement in October 2016 of our intention to offer a balanced approach to return capital to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases, our board of directors today declared our second quarterly dividend of $0.52 with a record date of February 15."
FULL-YEAR CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Revenue increased 11 percent to $7.14 billion and EPS decreased 17 percent to $7.34 for 2016. Excluding the $242 million charge from the breakage reset due to the elimination of time-based expiration of AIR MILES® reward miles ("Expiry Reset") from the fourth quarter of 2016 and $0.65 in regulatory settlement charges from the third quarter of 2015, revenue increased 15 percent to $7.38 billion and EPS increased 10 percent to $10.47. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased 9 percent to $1.88 billion, while Core EPS increased 12 percent to $16.92 for 2016. Foreign exchange translation rates had less than a one percent negative impact on revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2016.
FOURTH-QUARTER CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Revenue increased 4 percent to $1.83 billion and EPS decreased 92 percent to $0.18 for 2016. Excluding the previously mentioned Expiry Reset, revenue increased 18 percent to $2.07 billion and EPS increased 41 percent to $3.31. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased 12 percent to $507 million, while core EPS increased 13 percent to $4.67 for the fourth quarter of 2016.
2

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

FOURTH-QUARTER SEGMENT REVIEW
LoyaltyOne®: Revenue decreased 32 percent to $247 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. Excluding the Expiry Reset, revenue increased 34 percent to $489 million driven by strong redemption growth. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 14 percent to $74 million for the fourth quarter of 2016.
AIR MILES revenue prior to the Expiry Reset increased 65 percent to $283 million as collector redemption activity intensified ahead of the year-end expiration date. Redemptions for the fourth quarter of 2016 exceeded expectations, necessitating a reduction in the breakage rate estimate, or those AIR MILES reward miles not expected to be redeemed, from 26 percent to 24.5 percent. In addition, the five-year expiry policy implemented December 31, 2011 was cancelled December 1, 2016 as a result of the anticipated passage of Bill 47 by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario prohibiting the expiration of rewards points due to the passage of time alone. The elimination of time-based expiry further reduced the breakage rate estimate from 24.5 percent to 20 percent, prompting a one-time charge of $242 million.
BrandLoyalty revenue increased 9 percent on a constant currency basis. Its North American expansion efforts continue to progress. In Canada, revenue increased 60 percent to CAD $45 million for 2016. Additionally, the number of programs executed during 2016 increased to 7, including 5 in Canada and the initial 2 in the U.S.
Epsilon: Revenue decreased 1 percent to $600 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 3 percent to $162 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2016 benefitted from a 5 percent reduction in human capital costs as duplicative payroll costs resulting from the ramp up of the new India office were eliminated.
Core product offerings revenue (Auto, Technology, Data, Affiliate, CRM, Agency) increased 2 percent to $557 million. Strength in Auto and CRM were the primary contributors to the growth. Non-core offerings revenue (CNVR Agency) decreased 28 percent to 43 million - a 3 percent drag on growth for the fourth quarter of 2016.
The strategy to drive revenue growth in 2017 is multifaceted. First, offer nextgen products including a cloud-based, quick-launch database platform for mid-market. Second, link the ad-tech platforms to CRM's digital data and unique media reach. Third, revitalize sales/client services to aggressively sell technology platforms. Last, leverage the advantage of a services-rich offering.
3

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

Card Services: Revenue increased 26 percent to $988 million and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 21 percent to $299 million for the fourth quarter of 2015.
Gross yields were 25.1 percent for the fourth quarter of 2016, up approximately 10 basis points from the prior comparable period. Operating expenses increased 17 percent to $341 million, or 8.7 percent of average receivables, down 60 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. The loan loss provision increased 40 percent to $290 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, driven by strong growth in average card receivables and higher principal loss rates. Portfolio funding costs were $59 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, or 1.5 percent of average credit card receivables, up 15 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2015.
Credit sales increased 16 percent to $9.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2016, bolstered by a 110 basis point increase in tender share. Average credit card receivables, excluding amounts reclassified as assets held for sale, increased 22 percent to $15.3 billion compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, while net principal loss rates for the fourth quarter of 2016 were 5.5 percent, up 80 basis points from last year, primarily due to account seasoning. The delinquency rate was 4.8 percent at December 31, 2016, up 60 basis points from the same time last year.
2017 Guidance
Annual guidance is for revenue of $7.7 billion and core EPS of $18.50.
Financial Measures
In addition to the results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company may present financial measures that are non-GAAP measures, such as constant currency financial measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest, core earnings and core earnings per diluted share (core EPS). Constant currency excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company calculates constant currency by converting our current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchange rates. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net as an integral part of internal reporting to measure the performance and operational strength of reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of senior management. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all reportable segments of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, including certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations, and the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense. Similarly, core earnings and core EPS eliminate non-cash or non-operating items, including, but not limited to, stock compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, amortization of debt issuance costs, mark-to-market gains or losses on interest rate derivatives, changes to the expiry policy and regulatory settlements. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of the Company's reported GAAP results, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company's performance and overall results of operations. Reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures are available in the accompanying schedules, which are posted as part of this earnings release in both the News and Investors sections on the Company's website (www.alliancedata.com). The financial measures presented are consistent with the Company's historical financial reporting practices. Core earnings and core EPS represent performance measures and are not intended to represent liquidity measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and are not identical to corresponding measures used in other various agreements or public filings.
4

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

Conference Call
Alliance Data will host a conference call on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's fourth-quarter and full year 2016 results. The conference call will be available via the Internet at www.alliancedata.com. There will be several slides accompanying the webcast. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary software. The recorded webcast will also be available on the Company's website.
If you are unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available. To access the replay, please dial (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and enter "7949792". The replay will be available at approximately 11:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, January 26, 2017.
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 16,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.
Alliance Data's Card Services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.
Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

5

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

Forward-Looking Statements
This release 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. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our expected operating results, future economic conditions including currency exchange rates, future dividend declarations and the guidance we give with respect to our anticipated financial performance.
We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K.
Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.
6

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Revenue
 
$
1,827.6
   
$
1,748.9
   
$
7,138.1
   
$
6,439.7
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of operations
   
1,231.1
     
1,053.5
     
4,420.0
     
3,952.9
 
Provision for loan loss
   
289.5
     
206.3
     
940.5
     
668.2
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
127.4
     
124.9
     
512.1
     
492.1
 
Regulatory settlement
   
     
     
     
64.6
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,648.0
     
1,384.7
     
5,872.6
     
5,177.8
 
Operating income
   
179.6
     
364.2
     
1,265.5
     
1,261.9
 
Interest expense, net:
                               
Securitization funding costs
   
34.1
     
25.6
     
125.6
     
97.1
 
Interest expense on deposits
   
24.7
     
16.5
     
84.7
     
53.6
 
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net
   
58.9
     
47.3
     
218.2
     
179.5
 
Total interest expense, net
   
117.7
     
89.4
     
428.5
     
330.2
 
Income before income tax
 
$
61.9
   
$
274.8
   
$
837.0
   
$
931.7
 
Income tax expense
   
51.4
     
94.6
     
319.4
     
326.3
 
Net income
 
$
10.5
   
$
180.2
   
$
517.6
   
$
605.4
 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
6.0
     
1.8
     
8.9
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
10.5
   
$
174.2
   
$
515.8
   
$
596.5
 
                                 
Per share data:
                               
                                 
Numerator
                               
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
10.5
   
$
174.2
   
$
515.8
   
$
596.5
 
Less: Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
   
     
29.8
     
83.5
     
45.0
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders after accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
 
$
10.5
   
$
144.4
   
$
432.3
   
$
551.5
 
                                 
Denominator
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
   
57.6
     
61.1
     
58.6
     
61.9
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
57.9
     
61.5
     
58.9
     
62.3
 
                                 
Basic – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
0.18
   
$
2.36
   
$
7.37
   
$
8.91
 
Diluted – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
0.18
   
$
2.35
   
$
7.34
   
$
8.85
 
                                 

7

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
December 31,
2016
   
December 31,
2015 (1)
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,859.2
   
$
1,168.0
 
Credit card and loan receivables:
               
Credit card and loan receivables
   
16,543.9
     
13,799.5
 
Allowance for loan loss
   
(948.0
)
   
(741.6
)
Credit card and loan receivables, net
   
15,595.9
     
13,057.9
 
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale
   
417.3
     
95.5
 
Redemption settlement assets, restricted
   
324.4
     
456.6
 
Intangible assets, net
   
1,003.3
     
1,203.7
 
Goodwill
   
3,800.7
     
3,814.1
 
Other assets
   
2,513.3
     
2,554.1
 
Total assets
 
$
25,514.1
   
$
22,349.9
 
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
Deferred revenue
 
$
931.5
   
$
844.9
 
Deposits
   
8,391.9
     
5,605.9
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
6,955.4
     
6,482.7
 
Long-term and other debt
   
5,601.4
     
5,017.4
 
Other liabilities
   
1,975.7
     
2,221.6
 
Total liabilities
   
23,855.9
     
20,172.5
 
Redeemable non-controlling interest
   
     
167.4
 
Stockholders' equity
   
1,658.2
     
2,010.0
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
25,514.1
   
$
22,349.9
 
                 
                     
(1)
Adjusted to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs."
8

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
 
 
     
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
Net income
 
$
517.6
   
$
605.4
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
512.1
     
492.1
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(30.8
)
   
(121.3
)
Provision for loan loss
   
940.5
     
668.2
 
Non-cash stock compensation
   
76.5
     
91.3
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
34.7
     
31.5
 
Impact of expiry
   
241.7
     
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities
   
(343.6
)
   
(106.2
)
Originations of loan receivables held for sale
   
(7,366.3
)
   
(6,579.9
)
Sales of loan receivables held for sale
   
7,362.8
     
6,567.1
 
Other
   
143.2
     
57.6
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
2,088.4
     
1,705.8
 
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
Change in redemption settlement assets
   
148.7
     
(22.4
)
Change in credit card and loan receivables
   
(3,505.4
)
   
(2,872.0
)
Purchase of credit card portfolios
   
(1,008.1
)
   
(243.2
)
Sale of credit card portfolios
   
486.0
     
26.9
 
Capital expenditures
   
(207.0
)
   
(191.7
)
Payment for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
   
     
(45.4
)
Other
   
22.8
     
(14.8
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,063.0
)
   
(3,362.6
)
   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
Borrowings under debt agreements
   
3,823.7
     
3,087.4
 
Repayments of borrowings
   
(3,222.8
)
   
(2,228.3
)
Issuances of deposits
   
4,866.8
     
3,252.2
 
Repayments of deposits
   
(2,076.9
)
   
(2,403.4
)
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
4,404.4
     
4,675.0
 
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
(3,930.0
)
   
(3,373.8
)
Payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration
   
     
(205.9
)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
   
(360.7
)
   
(87.4
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(798.8
)
   
(951.6
)
Dividends paid
   
(30.0
)
   
 
Other
   
(12.3
)
   
8.7
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
2,663.4
     
1,772.9
 
   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
2.4
     
(25.3
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
   
691.2
     
90.8
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,168.0
     
1,077.2
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,859.2
   
$
1,168.0
 
9

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
SUMMARY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
         
Year Ended
December 31,
       
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change
 
Segment Revenue:
                       
LoyaltyOne
 
$
247.2
   
$
363.9
     
(32
)%
 
$
1,337.9
   
$
1,352.6
     
(1
)%
Epsilon
   
599.9
     
608.2
     
(1
)
   
2,155.2
     
2,140.7
     
1
 
Card Services
   
987.9
     
785.3
     
26
     
3,675.0
     
2,974.4
     
24
 
Corporate/Other
   
0.1
     
   
nm*
     
0.3
     
0.3
   
nm*
 
Intersegment Eliminations
   
(7.5
)
   
(8.5
)
 
nm*
     
(30.3
)
   
(28.3
)
 
nm*
 
Total
 
$
1,827.6
   
$
1,748.9
     
4
%
 
$
7,138.1
   
$
6,439.7
     
11
%
                               
Segment Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                             
LoyaltyOne
 
$
73.6
   
$
73.3
     
%
 
$
308.9
   
$
270.6
     
14
%
Epsilon
   
162.0
     
157.1
     
3
     
480.2
     
508.4
     
(6
)
Card Services
   
298.5
     
246.3
     
21
     
1,213.3
     
1,068.7
     
14
 
Corporate/Other
   
(27.1
)
   
(24.2
)
   
12
     
(122.4
)
   
(119.4
)
   
3
 
Total
 
$
507.0
   
$
452.5
     
12
%
 
$
1,880.0
   
$
1,728.3
     
9
%
                               
Key Performance Indicators:
                             
Credit card statements generated
   
75.2
     
64.3
     
17
%
   
279.4
     
242.3
     
15
%
Credit sales
 
$
9,008.7
   
$
7,767.3
     
16
%
 
$
29,271.3
   
$
24,736.1
     
18
%
Average receivables
 
$
15,306.0
   
$
12,545.4
     
22
%
 
$
14,085.8
   
$
11,364.6
     
24
%
AIR MILES reward miles issued
   
1,622.1
     
1,676.3
     
(3
)%
   
5,772.3
     
5,743.1
     
1
%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed
   
2,704.3
     
990.2
     
173
%
   
7,071.6
     
4,406.3
     
60
%
                                                 

* nm-not meaningful

10

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP INFORMATION
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                       
Net income
 
$
10.5
   
$
180.2
   
$
517.6
   
$
605.4
 
Income tax expense
   
51.4
     
94.6
     
319.4
     
326.3
 
Total interest expense, net
   
117.7
     
89.4
     
428.5
     
330.2
 
Depreciation and other amortization
   
43.5
     
37.0
     
167.1
     
142.0
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
83.9
     
87.9
     
345.0
     
350.1
 
Stock compensation expense
   
17.1
     
18.0
     
76.5
     
91.3
 
Impact of expiry (1)
   
241.7
     
     
241.7
     
 
Regulatory settlement
   
     
     
     
64.6
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
565.8
   
$
507.1
   
$
2,095.8
   
$
1,909.9
 
Less: Funding costs (2)
   
58.8
     
42.1
     
210.3
     
150.7
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
12.5
     
5.5
     
30.9
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest
 
$
507.0
   
$
452.5
   
$
1,880.0
   
$
1,728.3
 
                                 
Core Earnings:
                               
Net income
 
$
10.5
   
$
180.2
   
$
517.6
   
$
605.4
 
Add back: non-cash/ non-operating items:
                               
Stock compensation expense
   
17.1
     
18.0
     
76.5
     
91.3
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
83.9
     
87.9
     
345.0
     
350.1
 
Non-cash interest expense (3)
   
6.8
     
6.0
     
25.6
     
23.9
 
Impact of expiry (1)
   
241.7
     
     
241.7
     
 
Regulatory settlement
   
     
     
     
64.6
 
Income tax effect (4)
   
(89.5
)
   
(29.0
)
   
(206.4
)
   
(176.0
)
Core earnings
   
270.5
     
263.1
     
1,000.0
     
959.3
 
Less: Core earnings attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
9.2
     
4.0
     
21.9
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders
 
$
270.5
   
$
253.9
   
$
996.0
   
$
937.4
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
57.9
     
61.5
     
58.9
     
62.3
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted
 
$
4.67
   
$
4.13
   
$
16.92
   
$
15.05
 
                                 
                                     
(1)
Represents the impact of the cancellation of the AIR MILES® Reward Program's five-year expiry policy on December 1, 2016.
(2)
Represents interest expense on deposits and securitization funding costs.
(3)
Represents amortization of debt issuance costs and mark-to-market gains or losses on interest rate derivatives.
(4)
Represents the tax effect for the related non-GAAP measure adjustments using the effective tax rate for each respective period. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, the effective tax rate was adjusted for the impact of expiry.

11

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 26, 2017

   
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(191.6
)
 
$
76.7
   
$
328.2
   
$
(33.7
)
 
$
179.6
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
21.1
     
78.6
     
25.7
     
2.0
     
127.4
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.4
     
6.7
     
3.4
     
4.6
     
17.1
 
Impact of expiry
   
241.7
     
     
     
     
241.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
73.6
     
162.0
     
357.3
     
(27.1
)
   
565.8
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
58.8
     
     
58.8
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
73.6
   
$
162.0
   
$
298.5
   
$
(27.1
)
 
$
507.0
 


   
Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
62.3
   
$
65.3
   
$
265.6
   
$
(29.0
)
 
$
364.2
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
20.8
     
82.5
     
18.9
     
2.7
     
124.9
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.7
     
9.3
     
3.9
     
2.1
     
18.0
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
85.8
     
157.1
     
288.4
     
(24.2
)
   
507.1
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
42.1
     
     
42.1
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
12.5
     
     
     
     
12.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
73.3
   
$
157.1
   
$
246.3
   
$
(24.2
)
 
$
452.5
 


   
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(24.0
)
 
$
123.2
   
$
1,318.3
   
$
(152.0
)
 
$
1,265.5
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
86.6
     
325.2
     
91.2
     
9.1
     
512.1
 
Stock compensation expense
   
10.1
     
31.8
     
14.1
     
20.5
     
76.5
 
Impact of expiry
   
241.7
     
     
     
     
241.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
314.4
     
480.2
     
1,423.6
     
(122.4
)
   
2,095.8
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
210.3
     
     
210.3
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
5.5
     
     
     
     
5.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
308.9
   
$
480.2
   
$
1,213.3
   
$
(122.4
)
 
$
1,880.0
 


   
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
208.2
   
$
134.9
   
$
1,066.6
   
$
(147.8
)
 
$
1,261.9
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
82.5
     
327.0
     
73.0
     
9.6
     
492.1
 
Stock compensation expense
   
10.8
     
46.5
     
15.2
     
18.8
     
91.3
 
Regulatory settlement
   
     
     
64.6
     
     
64.6
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
301.5
     
508.4
     
1,219.4
     
(119.4
)
   
1,909.9
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
150.7
     
     
150.7
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
30.9
     
     
     
     
30.9
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
270.6
   
$
508.4
   
$
1,068.7
   
$
(119.4
)
 
$
1,728.3
 


12

Exhibit 99.2
 Alliance Data NYSE: ADS  Full Year 2016 ResultsJanuary 26, 2017 
 

 Forward-Looking StatementsThis presentation 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. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “likely,” “may,” “should” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our expected operating results, future economic conditions including currency exchange rates, future dividend declarations and the guidance we give with respect to our anticipated financial performance. We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this presentation, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.  11  2 
 

 Agenda  Speakers: Ed Heffernan President and CEO Charles Horn EVP and CFO Fourth Quarter and Full Year Consolidated ResultsSegment Results2016 Wrap-Up2017 Outlook  1  3 
 

 Fourth Quarter and 2016 Consolidated Results(MM, except per share)  2  1 Before $242 million or $3.13 from cancellation of time-based expiry. 2 Before $0.65 in regulatory settlement charges.   4   
 

 LoyaltyOne® (MM)    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2016  2015  % Change  2016  2015  % Change    Revenue  $247  $364  -32%  $1,338  $1,353  -1%                    Adjusted EBITDA  $ 74  $ 86  -14%  $ 314  $ 302  4%    Non-controlling interest  0  -13  nm  -5  -31  nm    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 74  $ 73  -%  $ 309  $ 271  14%    Adjusted EBITDA %  30%  24%  6%  23%  22%  1%                    Pro forma:                Revenue  $489  $364  34%  $1,580  $1,353  17%    Adjusted EBITDA %  15%  24%  -9%  20%  22%  -2%    3    5  Breakage estimate reset from 26 percent to 20 percent for AIR MILES Dream program option~ 1.5 point reset from elevated redemption activity (normal operations)~ 4.5 point reset from cancellation of time based expiration policy (one-time charge and add-back of $242 million)High single-digit revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth for BrandLoyalty 
 

 Epsilon® (MM)  Core revenue increased 4 percent for 2016, offset by a 3 point drag from non-core businesses Drag from non-core should abate in 2017Adjusted EBITDA returned to growth during the fourth quarter due to cost initiatives    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2016  2015  % Change  2016  2015  % Change    Revenue  $600  $608  -1%  $2,155  $2,141  1%                    Adjusted EBITDA  $162  $157  3%  $ 480  $ 508  -6%    Adjusted EBITDA %  27%  26%  1%  22%  24%  -2%                    4    6 
 

 Card Services (MM)    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2016  2015  % Change  2016  2015  % Change    Revenue  $988  $785  26%  $3,675  $2,974  24%                    Operating expenses  341  291  17%  1,311  1,0861  21%    Provision for loan losses  290  206  40%  941  668  41%    Funding costs  59   42  40%  210   151  40%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $299  $246  21%  $1,213  $1,069  14%    Adjusted EBITDA, net %  30%  31%  -1%  33%  36%  -3%    5    Core credit sales growth increased 4 percent for the year, but were flat for the fourth quarterRetailer comp sales -3 percent in Q4; primarily due to weakness in apparelTender share increased ~ 110 bps for Q4 and 150 bps for full yearAllowance for loan loss reserve is 5.9 percent of reservable card receivables at 12/31Equivalent to 12 months forward coverage  1 Excludes $65 million in regulatory settlement charges.   7 
 

 Card Services (MM)  Gross yields increased 10 bps in Q4Operating expenses improved 60 bps expressed as a percentage of average card receivables in Q4Delinquency rate trends tracking to the “wedge”  Key Metrics:  Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2016  2015  Change  2016  2015  Change    Credit sales  $9,009  $ 7,767  16%  $29,271  $24,736  18%    Average card receivables  $15,306  $12,545  22%  14,086  $11,365  24%    Total gross yield  25.1%  25.0%  0.1%  25.5%  26.2%  -0.7%    Operating expenses as % of average card receivables   8.7%  9.3%  -0.6%  9.1%  9.6%1  -0.5%    Principal loss rates  5.5%  4.7%  0.8%  5.1%  4.5%  0.6%    Delinquency rate  4.8%  4.2%  0.6%  4.8%  4.2%  0.6%    6    8  1 Excludes $65 million in regulatory settlement charges.  
 

 2016 Wrap-up   7  9  Revenue +7.14 bn ↑11 percent, core EPS +16.92 ↑12 percent Revenue +7.38 bn ↑15 percent excluding expiry resetApproximately $175 mm of AIR MILES revenue pull-forward from 2017 to 2016 due to ‘run on the bank’ in Q3 and Q4Run-rate revenue: +7.2 bn ↑12 percentDouble-digit revenue and core EPS growth despite absorbing 12 point drag from increase in Card Services’ loss rateBalanced use of cash:~ $800 mm for share repurchases~ $350 mm for M&A (final 30 percent of BrandLoyalty)~500 mm for $2.7 bn card receivables growthEstablished 1 percent dividendLeverage < 3X  Consolidated 
 

 8  10  Revenue ↑17 percent (before $242 mm reduction for expiry breakage reset), adjusted EBITDA ↑4 percentRevenue included ~ $175 mm in pull-forward from 2017 into 2016 due to elevated redemption activity in advance of now cancelled 12/31 expiration dateAdjusted numbers: revenue ↑4 percent, adjusted EBITDA ↑4 percentBrandLoyalty: strong growth from existing and new marketsCanada: firmly established; US: first client rolloutAIR MILES:Ontario’s Parliament enacted new law prohibiting the time-based expiration of points in December 2016One-time charge to reflect lost breakage revenue  LoyaltyOne  2016 Wrap-up  
 

 Revenue ↑1 percent, adjusted EBITDA ↓6 percentCore (92 percent of total revenue >100 percent of profit)Revenue ↑4 percent including -4 percent drag from Technology Platform businessIndia office ended year at full scale run-rate: ~ 1,000 associatesCompleted Part 1 of 2 for Platform turnaround: expense sideNon-core revenue decreased from 11 percent to 8 percent of total revenue in 2016, but was still a 3 point drag on total revenue growth  Epsilon  2016 Wrap-up   11 
 

 Revenue ↑24 percent, average receivables ↑24 percent, and adjusted EBITDA, net ↑14 percentResults include absorbing ~ 60 bps increase in principal loss ratesApproximately -$165 mm EBITDA drag or -$1.85 per share = 12 point drag on core EPSCredit “normalization” on-track to complete latter part of 2017.Large year for new signings: $2 bn vintageVast majority of new signings are start-upsBoscov’s, Hot Topic, Forever 21, The Children’s Place, Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, Century 21, Ulta Beauty~ 150 bps increase in tender share  Card Services  2016 Wrap-up   12 
 

 2017 Outlook  Consolidated  2016  2017  Revenue       Prior Guidance  $7.2 bn, +12%  $7.9 bn, +10%   LoyaltyOne pull-forward   0.2   -0.2   New Guidance   $7.4 bn, +15%  $7.7 bn, +5%        Core EPS  $16.92  $18.50, ~10 percent  13  2017 growth rates  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Reported revenue  High-single  Mid-single  Mid-single  Low-teens  Core EPS  Flat  Flat  Mid-teens  Mid-teens               CAGR10 Year History: Revenue + 13% Adjusted EBITDA + 12% Core EPS + 17% 
 

 2017 Outlook  14  LoyaltyOne    2017: - All segments contributing - Solid growth while absorbing final credit normalization2018: - “Slingshot” (stable principal loss rates = higher growth rates)  Consolidated  
 

 15  2017 Outlook   2016 2017Revenue Core $2.0 bn +4% $2.1 bn +5% Total $2.16 bn +1% $2.24 bn + 4%Adjusted EBITDA $480 mm -6% $500 mm +4%Technology Platform (26 percent of total revenue): Step 1: significantly lower expense base → done Step 2: standardize product, faster time to market → 2017Non-core percentage of revenue: 11 percent (2015), 8 percent (2016), and 6 percent (2017)Drag on total revenue growth decreases from 3 percent in 2016 to 1 percent in 2017  Epsilon  
 

 Card receivables growth: $2.4 bn, +15 percent in 2017 compared to $2.7 bn, +20% in 2016Pipeline: remains robust; expect another $2 bn vintage yearGross yields: stableOperating expenses (excludes loan loss provision and funding costs): ~20 bps of leverageCredit normalization on-track - delinquenciesQ1: 50 bps over last yearQ2 - Q3: gap narrowsQ4: flat to prior year loss rate to follow shortlyPrincipal loss rates in the mid-5 percent rangeApproximately 6 percent in 1st half, below 5.5 percent by Q31st half negatively impacted by slowing card receivable growth rates (denominator effect) and soft recovery market (timing)Overall, still expect 8 – 10 percent adjusted EBITDA, net growth  Card Services  2017 Outlook  16 
 

 Delinquency rates have strong seasonality (Sep-Oct peak), but are very predictable.Delinquency rates are 90% correlated with net loss rates that come 3-6 months later (an account becomes a p&l loss after 180 days delinquent).2017 delinquency rates should narrow and become flat by the third quarter. Loss rates expected to follow and be flat to prior year.Long-term steady state loss rates should then settle in and remain stable.Earnings acceleration begins.  17  2017 Outlook – Closing The ‘Wedge’ 
 

 Financial MeasuresIn addition to the results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company may present financial measures that are non-GAAP measures, such as constant currency financial measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest, core earnings and core earnings per diluted share (core EPS). Constant currency excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company calculates constant currency by converting our current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchange rates. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net as an integral part of internal reporting to measure the performance and operational strength of reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of senior management. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all reportable segments of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, including certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations, and the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense. Similarly, core earnings and core EPS eliminate non-cash or non-operating items, including, but not limited to, stock compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, amortization of debt issuance costs, mark-to-market gains or losses on interest rate derivatives, changes to the expiry policy and regulatory settlements. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of the Company’s reported GAAP results, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s performance and overall results of operations. Reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures are available in the Company’s earnings release, which is posted in both the News and Investors sections on the Company’s website (www.alliancedata.com). The financial measures presented are consistent with the Company’s historical financial reporting practices. Core earnings and core EPS represent performance measures and are not intended to represent liquidity measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and are not identical to corresponding measures used in other various agreements or public filings.   12  18 
 

 Q & A  19