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):
April 20, 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
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company   [  ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    [  ]
 




ITEM 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On April 20, 2017, Alliance Data Systems Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.


ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure

On April 20, 2017, the Company issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.  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 April 20, 2017 announcing the results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
     
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: April 20, 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 April 20, 2017 announcing the results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
     
99.2
 
Investor Presentation Materials.

 
 


 

Exhibit 99.1

 


   
Contacts:
Investors/Analysts
 
Tiffany Louder
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3048
 
Tiffany.Louder@alliancedata.com
   
 
Media
 
Shelley Whiddon
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3811
 
Shelley.Whiddon@alliancedata.com

Alliance Data Reports First Quarter 2017 Results
 
· Revenue Increases 12 Percent to $1.9 Billion    
· EPS Increases 10 Percent to $2.58    
· Core EPS Increases 2 Percent to $3.91
· Reiterates Full-Year Guidance

Dallas, TX, April 20, 2017 – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.
 
SUMMARY
   
Quarter Ended March 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
   
2017
   
2016
   
% Change
 
Revenue
   
$
1,879
   
$
1,676
     
+12
%
Net income
   
$
146
   
$
159
     
-8
%
Net income attributable to Alliance Data
  stockholders per diluted share ("EPS") (a)
   
$
2.58
   
$
2.35
     
+10
%
Diluted shares outstanding
     
56.7
     
60.2
     
-6
%
****************************** 
 
                       
Supplemental Non-GAAP Metrics (b):
                         
Adjusted EBITDA
   
$
501
   
$
493
     
+2
%
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-
  controlling interest ("adjusted EBITDA, net") (a)
   
$
440
   
$
440
     
+0
%
Core earnings attributable to Alliance Data
  stockholders per diluted share ("core EPS") (a)
   
$
3.91
   
$
3.84
     
+2
%
 
(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
April 20, 2017



Ed Heffernan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Data, commented, "We reported 12 percent revenue and 2 percent core EPS growth for the first quarter of 2017, which was slightly better than our expectations for high-single-digit revenue growth and flat core EPS. Additionally, segment balance improved during the quarter as continued strong growth at Card Services was accompanied by 7 percent revenue growth at Epsilon – its strongest organic growth rate since the fourth quarter of 2015. Our final segment, LoyaltyOne®, remains on-track to return to solid growth by the third quarter of 2017, as we restore the lost profitability at AIR MILES® resulting from the breakage estimate reset in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Heffernan continued, "Overall, our outlook for full-year 2017 results remains consistent, and all indications continue to support our belief that a significant acceleration (or what I refer to as a "slingshot") will occur in our core EPS growth rate as we move into the back-half of 2017, and throughout 2018."

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Revenue increased 12 percent to $1.88 billion and EPS increased 10 percent to $2.58 for the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA, net was flat at $440 million, while core EPS increased 2 percent to $3.91 for the first quarter of 2017.

SEGMENT REVIEW

LoyaltyOne: Revenue decreased 6 percent to $333 million while adjusted EBITDA decreased 26 percent to $59 million for the first quarter of 2017, largely due to the breakage estimate reset in the fourth quarter of 2016.

AIR MILES revenue decreased 6 percent to $181 million for the first quarter of 2017 primarily due to a 4 percent decrease in AIR MILES reward miles redeemed. AIR MILES reward miles issued also decreased 4 percent, primarily due to the timing of promotional activity by certain sponsors, particularly around the Easter holiday which is later than the previous year.

AIR MILES increased marketing spend during the first quarter of 2017 in order to stimulate both sponsor and collector engagement following media coverage surrounding the expiration of points. These campaigns, designed to renew excitement in the program and re-engage passive collectors, have led to increased collector activity with our sponsors in recent weeks.

BrandLoyalty revenue decreased 6 percent to $152 million. The decline is principally due to timing as several clients shifted programs executed in the first quarter of 2016 to later quarters in 2017.


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Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


Epsilon: Revenue increased 7 percent to $529 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased 5 percent to $85 million for the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA benefited from cost controls implemented last year, which held the increase in payroll and benefits expense during the quarter to 6 percent.

This was the strongest revenue growth quarter in five quarters for Epsilon, driven by double-digit growth in three key product offerings – Automotive, Agency and our digital CRM business powered by Conversant, coming from a combination of both new wins as well as strength in existing client relationships. Importantly, the Technology Platform offering, which exited 2016 at a 13 percent decline in the fourth quarter, narrowed to a 7 percent decline in the first quarter, and is showing positive signs from the introduction of more packaged offerings. The building backlog in this product category through new client wins is expected to support growth in coming quarters. Lastly, the Conversant Agency business, which has muted overall revenue growth for the last nine quarters, appears to be stabilizing, and now represents only 5 percent of Epsilon's revenue.

Card Services: Revenue increased 22 percent to $1.0 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 8 percent to $331 million for the first quarter of 2017.

Gross yields were 25.5 percent for the first quarter of 2017, up approximately 80 basis points from the prior comparable period. Operating expenses increased 3 percent to $316 million, or 7.9 percent of average receivables, down 120 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2016. The loan loss provision increased 83 percent to $315 million for the first quarter of 2017, driven by strong growth in average card receivables and higher principal loss rates. Portfolio funding costs were $61 million for the first quarter of 2017, or 1.5 percent of average credit card receivables, up 12 basis points from the first quarter of 2016.

Credit sales increased 6 percent to $6.6 billion for the first quarter of 2017, bolstered by over a 100 basis point increase in tender share. Average credit card receivables, excluding amounts reclassified as assets held for sale, increased 16 percent to $15.7 billion compared to the first quarter of 2016, while net principal loss rates for the first quarter of 2017 were 6.3 percent, up 110 basis points from last year, primarily due to account seasoning. The delinquency rate was 4.8 percent at March 31, 2017, up 50 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,

3

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


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 and hedging 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.

Conference Call

Alliance Data will host a conference call on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's first-quarter 2017 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 "77386549". The replay will be available at approximately 11:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, April 20, 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 17,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.


4

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


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.

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.


5

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


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

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
   
Revenue
 
$
1,879.0
   
$
1,676.1
 
Operating expenses:
 
Cost of operations
   
1,086.7
     
1,031.5
 
Provision for loan loss
   
315.1
     
171.9
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
124.8
     
128.4
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,526.6
     
1,331.8
 
Operating income
   
352.4
     
344.3
 
Interest expense, net:
 
Securitization funding costs
   
35.2
     
30.4
 
Interest expense on deposits
   
26.0
     
17.2
 
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net
   
64.0
     
51.2
 
Total interest expense, net
   
125.2
     
98.8
 
Income before income tax
 
$
227.2
   
$
245.5
 
Income tax expense
   
80.8
     
86.6
 
Net income
 
$
146.4
   
$
158.9
 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
1.8
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
146.4
   
$
157.1
 
   
   
Per share data:
 
                 
Numerator
               
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
146.4
   
$
157.1
 
Less: Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
   
     
15.9
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders after accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
 
$
146.4
   
$
141.2
 
                 
Denominator
               
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
   
56.4
     
59.8
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
   
56.7
     
60.2
 
                 
Basic – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
2.60
   
$
2.36
 
Diluted – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
2.58
   
$
2.35
 
                 
                 


6

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


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

   
March 31,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,866.8
   
$
1,859.2
 
Credit card and loan receivables:
               
Credit card and loan receivables
   
15,762.0
     
16,543.9
 
Allowance for loan loss
   
(1,020.2
)
   
(948.0
)
Credit card and loan receivables, net
   
14,741.8
     
15,595.9
 
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale
   
405.2
     
417.3
 
Redemption settlement assets, restricted
   
513.0
     
324.4
 
Intangible assets, net
   
934.7
     
1,003.3
 
Goodwill
   
3,808.6
     
3,800.7
 
Other assets
   
2,372.6
     
2,513.3
 
Total assets
 
$
24,642.7
   
$
25,514.1
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Deferred revenue
 
$
917.0
   
$
931.5
 
Deposits
   
8,205.3
     
8,391.9
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
6,191.8
     
6,955.4
 
Long-term and other debt
   
6,273.6
     
5,601.4
 
Other liabilities
   
1,691.5
     
1,975.7
 
Total liabilities
   
23,279.2
     
23,855.9
 
Stockholders' equity
   
1,363.5
     
1,658.2
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
24,642.7
   
$
25,514.1
 
   

7

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016 (1)
 
 
     
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
Net income
 
$
146.4
   
$
158.9
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
124.8
     
128.4
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(12.2
)
   
(2.7
)
Provision for loan loss
   
315.1
     
171.9
 
Non-cash stock compensation
   
23.5
     
19.9
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
9.5
     
8.4
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities
   
(150.7
)
   
(245.8
)
Originations of loan receivables held for sale
   
(1,852.2
)
   
(1,623.0
)
Sales of loan receivables held for sale
   
1,847.9
     
1,621.4
 
Other
   
35.4
     
42.7
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
487.5
     
280.1
 
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
Change in redemption settlement assets
   
(186.3
)
   
(8.0
)
Change in restricted cash
   
(5.1
)
   
(312.2
)
Change in credit card and loan receivables
   
523.5
     
383.9
 
Purchase of credit card portfolios
   
     
(755.3
)
Capital expenditures
   
(46.6
)
   
(54.9
)
Other
   
(4.5
)
   
(1.2
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
281.0
     
(747.7
)
   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
Borrowings under debt agreements
   
1,763.2
     
1,712.9
 
Repayments of borrowings
   
(1,098.9
)
   
(1,227.2
)
Issuances of deposits
   
581.9
     
1,136.9
 
Repayments of deposits
   
(770.6
)
   
(659.5
)
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
180.0
     
880.0
 
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
(945.0
)
   
(1,040.0
)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
   
     
(102.0
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(415.0
)
   
(408.8
)
Dividends paid
   
(29.0
)
   
 
Other
   
(29.5
)
   
(28.6
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(762.9
)
   
263.7
 
   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
2.0
     
5.9
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
   
7.6
     
(198.0
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,859.2
     
1,168.0
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,866.8
   
$
970.0
 
                 
 

 
(1)
Adjusted to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting." The effect of the adoption of the standard was to increase cash flows from operating activities by $22.7
million and to decrease cash flows from financing activities by $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

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Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017

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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
 
2017
   
2016
   
Change
Segment Revenue:
 
LoyaltyOne
 
$
333.1
   
$
354.6
     
(6)
 %
Epsilon
   
529.4
     
493.3
     
7
 
Card Services
   
1,023.2
     
835.5
     
22
 
Corporate/Other
   
     
0.1
   
nm
*
Intersegment Eliminations
   
(6.7
)
   
(7.4
)
 
nm
Total
 
$
1,879.0
   
$
1,676.1
     
12
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA, net:
 
LoyaltyOne
 
$
58.7
   
$
73.7
     
(20)
 %
Epsilon
   
85.0
     
80.7
     
5
 
Card Services
   
330.7
     
307.5
     
8
 
Corporate/Other
   
(34.9
)
   
(22.4
)
   
56
 
Total
 
$
439.5
   
$
439.5
     
 %
                               
Key Performance Indicators:
 
Credit card statements generated
   
72.2
     
65.5
     
10
 % 
Credit sales
 
$
6,579.2
   
$
6,178.2
     
6
 %
Average receivables
 
$
15,685.4
   
$
13,536.7
     
16
 %
AIR MILES reward miles issued
   
1,235.9
     
1,286.3
     
(4)
 % 
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed
   
1,226.3
     
1,283.9
     
(4)
 % 


* nm-not meaningful


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Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017


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

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
 
     
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net:
 
Net income
 
$
146.4
   
$
158.9
 
Income tax expense
   
80.8
     
86.6
 
Total interest expense, net
   
125.2
     
98.8
 
Depreciation and other amortization
   
44.7
     
39.8
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
80.1
     
88.6
 
Stock compensation expense
   
23.5
     
19.9
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
500.7
   
$
492.6
 
Less:  Funding costs (1)
   
61.2
     
47.6
 
Less:  Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
5.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest
 
$
439.5
   
$
439.5
 
   
Core Earnings:
 
Net income
 
$
146.4
   
$
158.9
 
Add back: non-cash/ non-operating items:
               
Stock compensation expense
   
23.5
     
19.9
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
80.1
     
88.6
 
Non-cash interest (2)
   
10.2
     
6.4
 
Income tax effect (3)
   
(38.3
)
   
(38.9
)
Core earnings
 
$
221.9
   
$
234.9
 
Less: Core earnings attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
4.0
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders
 
$
221.9
   
$
230.9
 
   
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
   
56.7
     
60.2
 
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders per share - diluted
 
$
3.91
   
$
3.84
 
                 
 

 
(1)
Represents interest expense on deposits and securitization funding costs.
(2)
Represents amortization of debt issuance and hedging costs.
(3)
Represents the tax effect for the related non-GAAP measure adjustments using the expected effective tax rate for each respective period.



10

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
April 20, 2017



   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
37.4
   
$
(1.6
)
 
$
363.1
   
$
(46.5
)
 
$
352.4
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
19.2
     
77.9
     
25.7
     
2.0
     
124.8
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.1
     
8.7
     
3.1
     
9.6
     
23.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
58.7
     
85.0
     
391.9
     
(34.9
)
   
500.7
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
61.2
     
     
61.2
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
58.7
   
$
85.0
   
$
330.7
   
$
(34.9
)
 
$
439.5
 


   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
55.7
   
$
(12.5
)
 
$
331.3
   
$
(30.2
)
 
$
344.3
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
20.9
     
84.7
     
20.1
     
2.7
     
128.4
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.6
     
8.5
     
3.7
     
5.1
     
19.9
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
79.2
     
80.7
     
355.1
     
(22.4
)
   
492.6
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
47.6
     
     
47.6
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
5.5
     
     
     
     
5.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
73.7
   
$
80.7
   
$
307.5
   
$
(22.4
)
 
$
439.5
 


 


11
 Alliance Data NYSE: ADS  Q1, 2017 ResultsApril 20, 2017  Exhibit 99.2 
 

 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.  1 
 

 Agenda  Speakers: Ed Heffernan President and CEO Charles Horn EVP and CFO First Quarter 2017 Consolidated ResultsSegment ResultsFull Year 2017 Outlook  1  2 
 

 First Quarter 2017 Consolidated Results(MM, except per share)    Quarter Ended March 31,          2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 1,879  $ 1,676  +12%    Net Income  $ 146  $ 159  -8%    EPS   $ 2.58   $ 2.35  +10%    Core EPS  $ 3.91  $ 3.84  +2%              Adjusted EBITDA  $ 501  $ 493  +2%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 440  $ 440  —%              Diluted shares  56.7  60.2  -6%                2  3 
 

 LoyaltyOne® (MM)  Soft quarter for AIR MILES® operating results, but adjustments to program are on track. Collector activity and engagement are improving. BrandLoyalty’s results down for the quarter due to program timing differences between years.    Quarter Ended March 31,          2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 333  $ 355  -6%              Adjusted EBITDA  $ 59  $ 79  -26%    Non-controlling interest  —  -5  nm    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 59  $ 74  -20%    Adjusted EBITDA %  18%  22%  -4%              3    4 
 

 Epsilon® (MM)  Best organic revenue growth since fourth quarter of 2015.Cost controls working.Conversant Agency (referred to as Conversant Audience going forward) stabilizing.    Quarter Ended March 31,          2017  2016  % Change     Revenue  $ 529  $ 493  +7%              Adjusted EBITDA  $ 85  $ 81  +5%    Adjusted EBITDA %  16%  16%  —%              4    5 
 

 Card Services (MM)    Quarter Ended March 31,          2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 1,023  $ 836  +22%              Operating expenses  316  308  +3%    Provision for loan losses  315  172  +83%    Funding costs  61   48  +29%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 331  $ 308  +8%    Adjusted EBITDA, net %  32%  37%  -5%    5    Revenue growth aided by 80 bps increase in gross yields. Strong operating expense control. Gross principal loss rates tracking to ‘wedge”. Net principal loss rates higher than expectations due to lower recoveries (timing due to delay in tax refunds).   6 
 

 Card Services (MM)  Allowance for loan loss reserve is 6.6 percent of $15.4 billion in reservable card receivables at March 31.Equivalent to 12 months forward coverageDelinquency rate of 4.8 percent consistent with guidance.     Quarter Ended March 31,        Key metrics:  2017  2016  Change    Credit sales  $ 6,579  $ 6,178  +6%    Average card receivables  $ 15,685  $ 13,537  +16%    Total gross yield  25.5%  24.7%  +0.8%    Operating expenses as % of average card receivables   7.9%  9.1%  -1.2%    Principal loss rates  6.3%  5.2%  +1.1%    Delinquency rate  4.8%  4.3%  +0.5%    6    7 
 

 9  First Quarter 2017  Consolidated: +12 percent revenue and +2 percent core EPS growthGuidance was for high-single-digit topline/flat core EPS growthBeginning to see more balanceCard Services growth continues to be strongEpsilon’s topline growth of +7 percent  Strongest organic growth since 2015LoyaltyOne:  Canada: adjusted EBITDA ↓$17 million as we retool model BrandLoyalty: soft due to program timing   8 
 

 10  Epsilon:Strong first quarter: +7 percent topline; +5 percent adjusted EBITDA growthFull year guidance remains unchanged:$2.24 billion in revenue, +4 percent$500 million in adjusted EBITDA, +4 percentTechnology platform (25 percent of Epsilon revenue)Goal: move from negative revenue growth to flat by year-end Client pricing/cost structure fixedSell standardized product to market in second quarter  Full Year 2017 Outlook  Loyalty One:Canada: full year guidance remains unchanged$760 million in revenue, $180 million in adjusted EBITDAModel fully re-tooled by third quarter 25 percent adjusted EBITDA margin starting third quarter, compared to 20 percent this quarterAIR MILES issued +3 percent for yearBrandLoyalty: major programs launch in third and fourth quarters  9 
 

 Full Year 2017 Outlook  Card Services:Card receivables growth of $2.4 billion, +15 percentPipeline robust: expect another $2 billion vintageGross yields stable; 20 bps of operating leverage (operating expenses/average receivables) Credit normalization on-trackDelinquencies tracking to wedge:Q1: 50 bps over last year (4.8 percent v. 4.3 percent) – doneQ2 – Q3: gap narrows year-over-yearQ4: flat to prior year → loss rates to followPrincipal loss rates:Approximately 6 percent in 1st half, below 5.5 percent by Q3Slowing card receivable growth rates (denominator effect) and soft recovery market (timing) negatively impacting first-halfFull Year Guidance: double-digit revenue growth; approximately 10 percent adjusted EBITDA, net growth (high end of original guidance)  10 
 

 Delinquency Wedge  11 
 

 2017 Outlook  Consolidated Guidance    Revenue   $7.7 bn, ~5 percent      Core EPS  $18.50, ~10 percent  2017 Growth Rates  Q1     Q2  Q3  Q4    Guidance  Actual  Guidance      Revenue  High-single  +12%  Mid-single  Mid-single  Low-teens  Core EPS  Flat  +2%  Flat  Mid-teens  Mid-teens              2018 “Slingshot” on-track              12 
 

 13  13  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 and hedging 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.  
 

 Q & A  14