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):
July 19, 2018

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 July 19, 2018, Alliance Data Systems Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.


ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure

On July 19, 2018, the Company issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.  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
     
 
Press Release dated July 19, 2018 announcing the results of operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.
     
 
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: July 19, 2018
By:
 
/s/ Charles L. Horn
     
Charles L. Horn
     
Executive Vice President and
     
Chief Financial Officer



Exhibit 99.1
 

 
 
Contacts:
UInvestors/Analysts
 
Tiffany Louder
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3048
 
Tiffany.Louder@AllianceData.com
   
 
UMedia
 
Annabelle Baxter
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3818
 
Annabelle.Baxter@alliancedata.com
 

Alliance Data Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

· 
Revenue Increases 5 Percent to $1.9 Billion
Pro Forma Revenue Increases 8 Percent to $2.0 Billion
· 
EPS Increases 59 Percent to $3.93
· 
Core EPS Increases 31 Percent to $5.01

Plano, TX, July 19, 2018 – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.
Summary
   
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
   
2018
   
2017
   
% Change
 
Revenue
   
$
1,904
   
$
1,822
     
+5
%
Pro forma revenue
   
$
1,970
   
$
1,822
     
+8
%
Net income
   
$
218
   
$
138
     
+58
%
Net income per diluted share ("EPS")
   
$
3.93
   
$
2.47
     
+59
%
Diluted shares outstanding
     
55.4
     
55.8
         
*******************************
                       
Supplemental Non-GAAP Metrics (a):
                         
Adjusted EBITDA
   
$
563
   
$
499
     
+13
%
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs
("adjusted EBITDA, net")
   
$
471
   
$
433
     
+9
%
Core earnings per diluted share ("core EPS")
   
$
5.01
   
$
3.84
     
+31
%
 
 
(a)
See "Financial Measures" for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

Ed Heffernan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Data, commented, "The second quarter marked the beginning of the long-awaited acceleration in our business. Specifically, both Card Services and LoyaltyOne® produced double-digit growth in both revenue and adjusted EBITDA. These results contributed to core EPS growth of 31 percent putting our first-half growth rate at 22 percent.
"At Card Services, we continue to see favorable trends across key metrics. Credit sales and receivables growth for active programs increased 11 percent and 18 percent, respectively, while our net principal loss rate improved sequentially from the first quarter and remains on track to drop below 6 percent in the second-half of 2018."
Heffernan continued: "Looking forward, we expect both Card Services and LoyaltyOne to continue to produce strong results during the second-half of 2018. Additionally, after a soft first-half, we expect Epsilon® to solidly contribute to revenue growth in the back-half of 2018.  Overall, we remain comfortably on track to deliver our full-year core EPS guidance of $22.50 to $23.00 per share, representing a 16 to 19 percent growth rate."
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Revenue increased 5 percent to $1.9 billion for the second quarter of 2018. Pro forma revenue − which adjusts for the change to net revenue presentation for AIR MILES® effective January 1, 2018 − increased 8 percent. EPS increased 59 percent to $3.93 for the second quarter of 2018, aided by a one-time tax benefit in the GAAP effective tax rate associated with foreign restructuring. Core EPS increased 31 percent to $5.01 for the second quarter of 2018 (one-time tax benefit excluded from core effective tax rate), while adjusted EBITDA, net increased 9 percent to $471 million for the second quarter of 2018.
SEGMENT RESULTS
   
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
(in millions)
 
2018
   
2017
   
% Change
 
Revenue:
                 
  LoyaltyOne
 
$
249
   
$
280
       
  ASC 606 adjustment (a)
   
66
     
-
       
     LoyaltyOne pro forma revenue
   
315
     
280
     
+12
%
                         
  Epsilon
   
514
     
544
     
-5
%
  Card Services
   
1,149
     
1,005
     
+14
%
  Corporate/other and eliminations
   
(8
)
   
(7
)
       
     Total pro forma revenue
 
$
1,970
   
$
1,822
     
+8
%
                         
Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                       
  Loyalty One
 
$
69
   
$
57
     
+22
%
  Epsilon
   
107
     
107
     
-
%
  Card Services
   
336
     
305
     
+10
%
  Corporate/other
   
(41
)
   
(36
)
       
     Total adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
471
   
$
433
     
+9
%
 
(a)
Represents classification of certain redemption revenue recorded net upon the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, January 1, 2018.
2

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

LoyaltyOne: Pro forma revenue increased 12 percent to $315 million and adjusted EBITDA increased 22 percent to $69 million for the second quarter of 2018. AIR MILES reward miles issued increased 2 percent for the second quarter of 2018 − improving from a 1 percent decline in the second quarter of 2017 − and is projected to grow for the remainder of 2018. In addition, the number of active programs at BrandLoyalty increased at a double-digit rate in the second quarter, supported by events including the FIFA World Cup.
Epsilon: Revenue decreased 5 percent to $514 million, while adjusted EBITDA was flat with the prior year at $107 million for the second quarter of 2018. The decline in revenue was largely attributable to lower margin agency and site-based display product offerings. Adjusted EBITDA margins widened 100 basis points to 21 percent for the second quarter of 2018, due to the favorable shift in revenue mix.
Card Services: Revenue increased 14 percent to $1.15 billion while adjusted EBITDA, net increased 10 percent to $336 million for the second quarter of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA, net was tempered by a $20 million allowance for loan loss build associated with double-digit growth in average card receivables.
2018 Current Guidance
·
Revenue of $8.2 billion, representing a 6 percent increase, 10 percent on a pro forma basis.
·
Core EPS of $22.50 to $23.00, representing a 16 to 19 percent increase over 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.
3

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

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, 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. 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.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
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). No reconciliation is provided with respect to forward-looking annual guidance for 2018 core EPS as the Company cannot reliably predict all necessary components or their impact to reconcile core EPS to GAAP EPS without unreasonable effort. The events necessitating a non-GAAP adjustment are inherently unpredictable and may have a material impact on the Company's future results.
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
July 19, 2018

Conference Call
Alliance Data will host a conference call on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's second-quarter 2018 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 "82317379". The replay will be available at approximately 11:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
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, FORTUNE 500 and FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ approximately 20,000 associates at more than 100 locations worldwide.
Alliance Data's card services business is a provider of market-leading private label, co-brand, and business 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 most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.
Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
5

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

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

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Revenue
 
$
1,903.9
   
$
1,821.8
   
$
3,788.1
   
$
3,700.8
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of operations
   
1,049.7
     
1,056.8
     
2,096.7
     
2,143.5
 
Provision for loan loss
   
311.9
     
288.1
     
649.6
     
603.2
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
122.0
     
125.5
     
243.7
     
250.3
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,483.6
     
1,470.4
     
2,990.0
     
2,997.0
 
Operating income
   
420.3
     
351.4
     
798.1
     
703.8
 
Interest expense, net:
                               
Securitization funding costs
   
55.2
     
36.6
     
107.3
     
71.8
 
Interest expense on deposits
   
36.8
     
28.6
     
72.3
     
54.6
 
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net
   
73.7
     
72.3
     
145.3
     
136.3
 
Total interest expense, net
   
165.7
     
137.5
     
324.9
     
262.7
 
Income before income tax
 
$
254.6
   
$
213.9
   
$
473.2
   
$
441.1
 
Income tax expense
   
36.8
     
76.2
     
91.4
     
157.0
 
Net income
 
$
217.8
   
$
137.7
   
$
381.8
   
$
284.1
 
                                 
Per share data:
                               
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
   
55.2
     
55.6
     
55.3
     
56.0
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
55.4
     
55.8
     
55.5
     
56.3
 
                                 
Basic – Net income
 
$
3.94
   
$
2.48
   
$
6.90
   
$
5.07
 
Diluted – Net income
 
$
3.93
   
$
2.47
   
$
6.87
   
$
5.05
 
                                 
6

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

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

   
June 30,
2018
   
December 31,
2017
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,449.2
   
$
4,190.0
 
Credit card and loan receivables:
               
Credit card and loan receivables
   
17,984.9
     
18,613.8
 
Allowance for loan loss
   
(1,189.0
)
   
(1,119.3
)
Credit card and loan receivables, net
   
16,795.9
     
17,494.5
 
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale
   
984.2
     
1,026.3
 
Redemption settlement assets, restricted
   
574.8
     
589.5
 
Intangible assets, net
   
667.8
     
800.6
 
Goodwill
   
3,857.8
     
3,880.1
 
Other assets
   
2,621.2
     
2,703.8
 
Total assets
 
$
28,950.9
   
$
30,684.8
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Deferred revenue
 
$
900.9
   
$
966.9
 
Deposits
   
10,559.3
     
10,930.9
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
7,773.2
     
8,807.3
 
Long-term and other debt
   
5,790.5
     
6,079.6
 
Other liabilities
   
1,807.7
     
2,044.8
 
Total liabilities
   
26,831.6
     
28,829.5
 
Stockholders' equity
   
2,119.3
     
1,855.3
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
28,950.9
   
$
30,684.8
 
                 

7

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2018
   
2017 (1)
 
 
     
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
Net income
 
$
381.8
   
$
284.1
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
243.7
     
250.3
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(82.0
)
   
(61.0
)
Provision for loan loss
   
649.6
     
603.2
 
Non-cash stock compensation
   
46.3
     
45.2
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
25.5
     
21.2
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities
   
(87.1
)
   
(191.1
)
Originations of loan receivables held for sale
   
(4,743.4
)
   
(3,923.1
)
Sales of loan receivables held for sale
   
4,791.9
     
3,920.7
 
Other
   
95.5
     
73.1
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
1,321.8
     
1,022.6
 
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
Change in redemption settlement assets
   
(39.7
)
   
(181.7
)
Change in credit card and loan receivables
   
(121.2
)
   
(286.4
)
Sale of credit card portfolio
   
55.6
     
 
Capital expenditures
   
(98.5
)
   
(116.8
)
Other
   
(32.4
)
   
23.9
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(236.2
)
   
(561.0
)
   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
Borrowings under debt agreements
   
2,399.1
     
5,856.9
 
Repayments of borrowings
   
(2,678.5
)
   
(5,103.8
)
Net (decrease) increase in deposits
   
(373.2
)
   
332.1
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
1,475.0
     
1,465.0
 
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
(2,510.0
)
   
(1,860.0
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(94.5
)
   
(499.9
)
Dividends paid
   
(63.3
)
   
(58.0
)
Other
   
(23.6
)
   
(59.2
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(1,869.0
)
   
73.1
 
   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
   
(4.1
)
   
3.8
 
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
   
(787.5
)
   
538.5
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
   
4,314.7
     
1,968.5
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
 
$
3,527.2
   
$
2,507.0
 
                 
                     
(1)
Adjusted to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash." The effect of the adoption of the standard was to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at the beginning-of-period and end-of-period cash and cash equivalents totals.

8

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

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

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
         
Six Months Ended
June 30,
       
   
2018
   
2017
   
Change
   
2018
   
2017
   
Change
 
Segment Revenue:
                       
LoyaltyOne
 
$
248.6
   
$
280.0
     
(11
)%
 
$
474.9
   
$
613.0
     
(23
)%
Epsilon
   
514.2
     
543.8
     
(5
)
   
1,023.6
     
1,073.1
     
(5
)
Card Services
   
1,148.5
     
1,005.0
     
14
     
2,303.7
     
2,028.2
     
14
 
Corporate/Other
   
0.2
     
   
nm*
     
0.3
     
   
nm*
 
Intersegment Eliminations
   
(7.6
)
   
(7.0
)
 
nm*
     
(14.4
)
   
(13.5
)
 
nm*
 
Total
 
$
1,903.9
   
$
1,821.8
     
5
%
 
$
3,788.1
   
$
3,700.8
     
2
%
                               
Segment Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                             
LoyaltyOne
 
$
69.5
   
$
56.7
     
22
%
 
$
123.4
   
$
115.4
     
7
%
Epsilon
   
106.9
     
106.8
     
     
198.5
     
191.8
     
3
 
Card Services
   
335.7
     
305.5
     
10
     
654.3
     
636.2
     
3
 
Corporate/Other
   
(41.0
)
   
(35.6
)
   
15
     
(67.7
)
   
(70.5
)
   
(4
)
Total
 
$
471.1
   
$
433.4
     
9
%
 
$
908.5
   
$
872.9
     
4
%
                               
Key Performance Indicators:
                             
Credit card statements generated
   
74.6
     
71.4
     
5
%
   
152.4
     
143.6
     
6
%
Credit sales
 
$
7,567.9
   
$
7,515.4
     
1
%
 
$
14,373.5
   
$
14,094.6
     
2
%
Average receivables
 
$
17,570.4
   
$
15,739.9
     
12
%
 
$
17,646.4
   
$
15,712.7
     
12
%
AIR MILES reward miles issued
   
1,444.7
     
1,422.6
     
2
%
   
2,671.0
     
2,658.6
     
%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed
   
1,068.1
     
1,076.5
     
(1
)%
   
2,246.3
     
2,302.8
     
(2
)%
 
 
* nm-not meaningful

9

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

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


 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                       
Net income
 
$
217.8
   
$
137.7
   
$
381.8
   
$
284.1
 
Income tax expense
   
36.8
     
76.2
     
91.4
     
157.0
 
Total interest expense, net
   
165.7
     
137.5
     
324.9
     
262.7
 
Depreciation and other amortization
   
48.6
     
45.2
     
96.3
     
89.9
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
73.4
     
80.3
     
147.4
     
160.4
 
Stock compensation expense
   
20.8
     
21.7
     
46.3
     
45.2
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
563.1
   
$
498.6
   
$
1,088.1
   
$
999.3
 
Less: Funding costs (1)
   
92.0
     
65.2
     
179.6
     
126.4
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs
 
$
471.1
   
$
433.4
   
$
908.5
   
$
872.9
 
                                 
Core Earnings:
                               
Net income
 
$
217.8
   
$
137.7
   
$
381.8
   
$
284.1
 
Add back: non-cash/ non-operating items:
                               
Stock compensation expense
   
20.8
     
21.7
     
46.3
     
45.2
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
73.4
     
80.3
     
147.4
     
160.4
 
Non-cash interest (2)
   
14.1
     
14.0
     
25.5
     
24.3
 
Income tax effect (3)
   
(48.4
)
   
(39.5
)
   
(76.1
)
   
(77.9
)
Core earnings
 
$
277.7
   
$
214.2
   
$
524.9
   
$
436.1
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
55.4
     
55.8
     
55.5
     
56.3
 
Core earnings per share – diluted
 
$
5.01
   
$
3.84
   
$
9.45
   
$
7.75
 
                                 
                                     
(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.

10

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
July 19, 2018

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
45.6
   
$
25.3
   
$
399.3
   
$
(49.9
)
 
$
420.3
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
21.5
     
73.3
     
25.3
     
1.9
     
122.0
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.4
     
8.3
     
3.1
     
7.0
     
20.8
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
69.5
     
106.9
     
427.7
     
(41.0
)
   
563.1
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
92.0
     
     
92.0
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
69.5
   
$
106.9
   
$
335.7
   
$
(41.0
)
 
$
471.1
 


   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
34.5
   
$
20.0
   
$
341.3
   
$
(44.4
)
 
$
351.4
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
19.5
     
77.9
     
26.1
     
2.0
     
125.5
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.7
     
8.9
     
3.3
     
6.8
     
21.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
56.7
     
106.8
     
370.7
     
(35.6
)
   
498.6
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
65.2
     
     
65.2
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
56.7
   
$
106.8
   
$
305.5
   
$
(35.6
)
 
$
433.4
 


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
74.0
   
$
32.6
   
$
776.2
   
$
(84.7
)
 
$
798.1
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
43.5
     
146.3
     
50.1
     
3.8
     
243.7
 
Stock compensation expense
   
5.9
     
19.6
     
7.6
     
13.2
     
46.3
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
123.4
     
198.5
     
833.9
     
(67.7
)
   
1,088.1
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
179.6
     
     
179.6
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
123.4
   
$
198.5
   
$
654.3
   
$
(67.7
)
 
$
908.5
 


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
72.0
   
$
18.4
   
$
704.3
   
$
(90.9
)
 
$
703.8
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
38.6
     
155.8
     
51.9
     
4.0
     
250.3
 
Stock compensation expense
   
4.8
     
17.6
     
6.4
     
16.4
     
45.2
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
115.4
     
191.8
     
762.6
     
(70.5
)
   
999.3
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
126.4
     
     
126.4
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
115.4
   
$
191.8
   
$
636.2
   
$
(70.5
)
 
$
872.9
 
 
11

 Alliance Data NYSE: ADS  Second Quarter 2018 ResultsJuly 19, 2018  Exhibit 99.2 
 

 11  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. 
 

 Agenda  Speakers: Ed Heffernan President and CEO Charles Horn EVP and CFO Consolidated ResultsSegment ResultsCredit Metrics2018 Guidance  1  3 
 

 Second Quarter 2018 Consolidated Results(MM, except per share)  2  4    Quarter Ended June 30,          2018  2017  % Change    Revenue  $1,904  $1,822  +5%    Pro forma revenue1  $1,970  $1,822  +8%    Net income  $218  $138  +58%    EPS  $3.93  $2.47  +59%    Core EPS  $5.01  $3.84  +31%              Adjusted EBITDA  $563  $499  +13%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $471  $433  +9%              Diluted shares outstanding  55.4  55.8      1 ASC 606 revenue recognition, which became effective January 1, 2018, requires a net revenue recognition (gross revenue less cost of goods) for travel-related redemptions at AIR MILES®. This new presentation lowers reported revenue but does not impact net income, EPS or core EPS.  
 

 Delinquency and Loss Rates  50 bps  40 bps    ↑50 bps  ↑40 bps    TDR related  Improving delinquency rates  In June, more modified accounts (TDRs) stayed in the delinquency rate than expected (neither cured or charged-off)This caused the reported delinquency rate to be elevated compared to the true run-rate (↑10 bps)Recidivism is expected from TDRs, which is why the higher reserve rate (28 percent at June 30, 2018); this means any flow-through to charge-off has already been covered thus no P&L exposureQ3 and Q4 net loss rate guidance considers this impactUnfortunately, the “noise” in June’s delinquency rates was not effectively communicated  5 
 

   Quarter Ended June 30,              2018    2017  % Change      Revenue:               LoyaltyOne®  $249    $280         ASC 606 adjustment  66    --      Change to net revenue presentation   Pro forma  315     280   +12%                     Epsilon®  514    544  -5%    Weakness in Agency and site-based display offerings (not CRM Direct)   Card Services  1,149    1,005  +14%       Other  (8)    (7)           $1,970    $1,822  +8%                    Adjusted EBITDA, net:               LoyaltyOne  $69    $57  +22%       Epsilon  107    107  -%    Positive change in revenue mix improved margins   Card Services  336    305  +10%       Other  (41)    (36)           $471     $433   +9%      Second Quarter 2018 Segment Results(MM)  6 
 

 7  LoyaltyOne  6  Q2: Double-digit pro forma revenue and adjusted EBITDA growthKey expansion by largest sponsor in AIR MILES® program, Bank of Montreal (BMO) Key metric – AIR MILES issued - turned positive (+2 percent) for first time in over 6 quartersTelus and Kroger (U.S.) deals inked 2nd Half Guide: Continuation of strong results shown in second quarterAIR MILES issued should move solidly into growth mode  +5%  0%  -5%   
 

 Epsilon  1st Half: Revenue down 5 percent, but primarily pass-through, low-margin Agency businessAdjusted EBITDA up 4 percent in 1st half (tracking to guidance)Additional $ added to innovation fund (partial use of tax windfall)2nd Half Guide: Mid-single revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth expectedAuto and Conversant CRM revenue tracking to double-digit growth (approximately 50% of Epsilon revenue)Other businesses stable/flat revenue growth to prior year  8 
 

 Card Services  1st Half: +14 percent revenue growth, +3 percent adjusted EBITDA, net growthRevenue growth consistent Q1 and Q2, adjusted EBITDA, net ramping (-4 percent in Q1, +10 percent in Q2)+19 percent average receivables growth (active programs), +12 percent reportedApproximately $6 million of innovation fund spent supporting consumer deposit and frictionless mobile initiatives2nd Half Guide: Revenue and receivables growth similar to 1st half expectedAdjusted EBITDA, net ramping to approximately 20 percent growth in 2nd halfNet loss rates: 6.7 percent in Q1, 6.4 percent in Q2, high-5 percent in Q3, mid-5 percent in Q4, approximately 6 percent for yearNoise from 1st half is largely gone − delinquency rates narrowing: ↑60 bps in April ↑40 bps in June; early stage delinquencies narrowed to ↑25 bps in June In-house recovery efforts trending favorably: 9 percent in Q1, 15 percent in Q2 20 percent in 2nd half2018 new signings: >2.5 Bn: IKEA, Lucky Brand, Adorama, Appliances Connection, Floor and Decor, Wyndham Hotels plus several large names to be announced  9 
 

 Credit Metrics (MM)    Quarter Ended June 30,          2018  2017  Change    Credit sales  $7,568  $7,515  +1%    Credit sales – active programs  $7,405  $6,659  +11%    Average card receivables  $17,570  $15,740  +12%    Total gross yield  24.9%  25.0%  -0.1%    Operating expenses as % of average card receivables   8.9%  8.6%  +0.3%    Principal loss rates  6.4%  6.2%  +0.2%    Delinquency rate  5.5%  5.1%  +0.4%    Reserve rate  6.8%  6.6%  +0.2%    6  10 
 

 Card Services: First-Half Credit Sales  6  Active clients’ credit sales up 12 percentTotal credit sales growth masked by portfolios in liquidation (Bon Ton, Gander Mountain, Virgin America)New clients’ credit sales (2015-2018 signings) up approximately 70 percent and now represent ~25 percent of credit sales  +12%   Active Clients:  + Liquidations:  = Reported: $14.1 Bn $14.4 Bn +2%  $13.9 Bn   $1.7 Bn   $0.5 Bn  } $3.0Bn from new clients (2015-2018) +70 percent  11 
 

   6    Card Services: First-Half Card Receivables Growth  6  Active clients’ receivables growth up 19 percentTotal receivables growth masked by portfolios in liquidation (Bon Ton, Gander Mountain, Virgin America)New clients’ receivables growth (2015-2018 signings) up 110 percent and now represent ~25 percent of card receivables  +19%   Active Clients:  + Liquidations:  = Reported: $15.7 Bn $17.6 Bn +12%  $16.8 Bn   $1.5 Bn   $0.8 Bn  } $4.2Bn from new clients (2015-2018) +110 percent    12 
 

 Loss Rates: Returning to Trend  6    2005 - 2007~ 6%  At Trend  Below Trend  2016~ 5%  2017 ‐ 2018~ 6%  At Trend  13 
 

 14  2018 Guidance  Revenue running a bit softer than original guidance, but no impact to profits and cash flow Card Services: Bon-Ton (~$800 million in receivables at time of bankruptcy)Liquidation vs. reorganization assumption – liquidation is $75 million hit to revenueEpsilonAgency (primarily low-margin pass-through) and old site-based display business revenue softIncreasing comfort and visibility with $22.50 to $23.00 Core EPSCore EPS: 1st half core EPS up 22 percent vs. guidance of 16 to 19 percent for full year  Consolidated  2017  2018    Revenue  $7.7 BN  $8.2 BN  +6%  Pro forma Revenue   $7.7 BN  $8.5 BN  +10%  Core EPS  $ 19.35  $22.50 − $23.00  +16% − 19%  Growth Rates by Quarter    Q1 (Act)     Q2 (Act)    Q3 (Guide)  Revenue    -%    +5%    Mid-single  Pro forma Revenue    +4%    +8%    Low-double  Core EPS    +13%    +31%    Mid-teens 
 

 12  15  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, 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. 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). No reconciliation is provided with respect to forward-looking annual guidance for 2018 core EPS as the Company cannot reliably predict all necessary components or their impact to reconcile core EPS to GAAP EPS without unreasonable effort. The events necessitating a non-GAAP adjustment are inherently unpredictable and may have a material impact on the Company’s future results. 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  16