Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

 

     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

OR

 

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

 

     For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-15749

 

 

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS

CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware   31-1429215

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

7500 Dallas Parkway, Suite 700

Plano, Texas 75024

(Address of Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)

(214) 494-3000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

17655 Waterview Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75252

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)

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

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer  þ

   Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

   Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of August 4, 2010, 52,632,878 shares of common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

INDEX

 

          Page
Number
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.   

Financial Statements (unaudited)

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

   5
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
Item 2.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   30
Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   48
Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

   48
Part II: OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   

Legal Proceedings

   50
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

   50
Item 2.   

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   50
Item 3.   

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   51
Item 4.   

(Removed and Reserved)

   51
Item 5.   

Other Information

   51
Item 6.   

Exhibits

   52
SIGNATURES    55

 

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Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (In thousands)  
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 250,335      $ 213,378   

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($4,307 and $6,736 at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)

     209,609        225,212   

Seller’s interest

     —          297,108   

Credit card receivables:

    

Credit card receivables—restricted for securitization investors

     4,295,127        —     

Other credit card receivables

     748,341        671,182   
                

Total credit card receivables

     5,043,468        671,182   

Allowance for loan loss

     (526,845     (54,884
                

Credit card receivables, net

     4,516,623        616,298   

Deferred tax asset, net

     339,993        197,455   

Other current assets

     116,663        201,427   

Redemption settlement assets, restricted

     476,629        574,004   

Assets of discontinued operations

     22,020        34,623   
                

Total current assets

     5,931,872        2,359,505   

Property and equipment, net

     157,593        165,012   

Due from securitizations

     —          775,570   

Cash collateral, restricted

     313,018        216,953   

Intangible assets, net

     283,124        316,597   

Goodwill

     1,161,953        1,166,275   

Other non-current assets

     199,074        225,755   
                

Total assets

   $ 8,046,634      $ 5,225,667   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Accounts payable

   $ 125,534      $ 103,891   

Accrued expenses

     108,565        128,012   

Certificates of deposit

     426,300        772,500   

Asset-backed securities debt—owed to securitization investors

     253,593        —     

Current debt

     269,403        51,963   

Other current liabilities

     86,946        88,716   

Deferred revenue

     967,308        984,930   
                

Total current liabilities

     2,237,649        2,130,012   

Deferred revenue

     160,249        161,216   

Deferred tax liability, net

     107,421        140,712   

Certificates of deposit

     672,600        692,500   

Asset-backed securities debt—owed to securitization investors

     3,099,165        —     

Long-term and other debt

     1,544,258        1,730,389   

Other liabilities

     190,503        98,062   
                

Total liabilities

     8,011,845        4,952,891   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 200,000 shares; issued 92,616 shares and 91,121 shares at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     926        911   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,288,348        1,235,669   

Treasury stock, at cost (39,379 and 38,922 shares at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)

     (1,956,951     (1,931,102

Retained earnings

     715,955        1,033,039   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (13,489     (65,741
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     34,789        272,776   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 8,046,634      $ 5,225,667   
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010    2009    2010    2009  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Revenues

           

Transaction

   $ 69,341    $ 94,695    $ 145,942    $ 189,133   

Redemption

     127,709      114,009      266,386      226,156   

Securitization income

     —        93,219      —        216,622   

Finance charges, net

     319,269      11,178      625,626      29,010   

Database marketing fees and direct marketing services

     134,972      119,679      260,163      235,288   

Other revenue

     18,427      24,759      35,138      40,781   
                             

Total revenue

     669,718      457,539      1,333,255      936,990   

Operating expenses

           

Cost of operations

     357,704      326,567      717,827      647,860   

General and administrative

     21,509      19,214      43,673      47,033   

Provision for loan loss

     95,704      —        184,585      —     

Depreciation and other amortization

     16,580      15,300      32,905      30,351   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     17,841      15,815      35,687      30,063   

Merger costs (reimbursements)

     —        64      —        (516
                             

Total operating expenses

     509,338      376,960      1,014,677      754,791   
                             

Operating income

     160,380      80,579      318,578      182,199   

Interest expense:

           

Securitization funding costs

     43,606      —        85,225      —     

Interest expense on certificates of deposit

     7,604      6,803      16,202      13,184   

Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net

     32,638      27,304      65,127      52,210   
                             

Total interest expense, net

     83,848      34,107      166,554      65,394   
                             

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     76,532      46,472      152,024      116,805   

Provision for income taxes

     29,212      18,085      58,050      45,369   
                             

Income from continuing operations

     47,320      28,387      93,974      71,436   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —        1,049      —        (14,145
                             

Net income

   $ 47,320    $ 29,436    $ 93,974    $ 57,291   
                             

Basic income (loss) per share:

           

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.89    $ 0.50    $ 1.78    $ 1.21   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —        0.02      —        (0.24
                             

Net income per share

   $ 0.89    $ 0.52    $ 1.78    $ 0.97   
                             

Diluted income (loss) per share:

           

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.83    $ 0.49    $ 1.67    $ 1.20   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —        0.02      —        (0.24
                             

Net income per share

   $ 0.83    $ 0.51    $ 1.67    $ 0.96   
                             

Weighted average shares:

           

Basic

     53,188      56,918      52,820      59,027   
                             

Diluted

     56,821      57,808      56,122      59,749   
                             

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 93,974      $ 57,291   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     68,592        60,482   

Deferred income taxes

     19,973        28,756   

Provision for loan loss

     184,585        24,640   

Non-cash stock compensation

     23,021        28,747   

Fair value loss on interest-only strip

     —          4,040   

Fair value loss on interest rate derivatives

     5,384        —     

Amortization of discount on convertible senior notes

     32,162        22,224   

Loss on the sale of assets

     —          18,018   

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

    

Change in trade accounts receivable

     2,619        17,892   

Change in merchant settlement activity

     —          (7,901

Change in other assets

     24,833        (8,009

Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (668     (80,973

Change in deferred revenue

     (5,169     (12,980

Change in other liabilities

     11,865        3,552   

Proceeds from the sale of credit card receivable portfolios to the securitization trusts

     —          53,240   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (11,416     (603

Other

     (3,260     4,669   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     446,495        213,085   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Change in redemption settlement assets

     16,927        29,684   

Change in seller’s interest

     —          7,298   

Change in credit card receivables

     276,446        (146,796

Change in cash collateral, restricted

     (95,053     77,732   

Change in restricted cash

     21,802        (63,359

Change in due from securitizations

     —          (137,697

Capital expenditures

     (31,512     (24,243

Proceeds from the sale of assets

     —          8,013   

Other

     (3,699     (67
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     184,911        (249,435

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Borrowings under debt agreements

     555,000        1,950,000   

Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes due 2014

     —          345,000   

Repayment of borrowings

     (544,346     (1,949,864

Issuances of certificates of deposit

     94,000        565,200   

Repayments of certificates of deposit

     (460,100     (456,300

Proceeds from asset-backed securities

     411,945        —     

Maturities of asset-backed securities

     (745,120     —     

Payment of capital lease obligations

     (11,476     (10,737

Payment of deferred financing costs

     (730     (17,232

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     11,416        603   

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     29,631        4,912   

Proceeds from issuance of warrants

     —          30,050   

Payments for convertible note hedges

     —          (80,765

Payments for prepaid forward contracts

     —          (74,872

Purchase of treasury shares

     (14,520     (314,055
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (674,300     (8,060
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (1,702     5,922   
                

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     (44,596     (38,488

Cash effect on adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810

     81,553        —     

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     213,378        156,911   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 250,335      $ 118,423   
                

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

Interest paid

   $ 119,290      $ 41,635   
                

Income taxes paid, net

   $ 16,897      $ 41,118   
                

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADSC” or, including its wholly owned subsidiaries and its consolidated variable interest entities, the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2010.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to state fairly the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the fiscal year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of assets; (2) liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (3) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 2, “Change in Accounting Principle,” for information on the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” and ASC 810, “Consolidation.”

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company reorganized its segments with Private Label Services and Private Label Credit reflected as one segment. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform to the current presentation. In addition, the Company renamed its other two segments from Epsilon Marketing Services and Loyalty Services to “Epsilon” and “LoyaltyOne,” respectively.

In February 2009, the Company sold the remainder of its utility services division, which was reflected as a discontinued operation. In November 2009, the Company terminated operations of its credit program for web and catalog retailer VENUE. Prior period information has been restated to reflect the termination of VENUE as a discontinued operation.

2. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 860 related to accounting for transfers of financial assets and ASC 810 related to the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). ASC 860 removed the concept of qualifying special purpose entity (“QSPE”) and eliminated the consolidation exemption that was then available for QSPEs. ASC 810 requires an initial evaluation as well as an ongoing assessment of the Company’s involvement in the activities of World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust (“Master Trust”), World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust (“Master Trust I”), World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust II (“Master Trust II”) and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III (“Master Trust III”) (collectively, the “WFN Trusts”), and World Financial Capital Credit Card Master Note Trust (the “WFC Trust”) and the Company’s rights or obligations to receive benefits or absorb losses of the trusts that could

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

be potentially significant in order to determine whether those VIEs are required to be consolidated on the balance sheets of World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”),World Financial Capital Bank (“WFCB”) or their affiliates, including ADSC.

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASC 860 and ASC 810 on a prospective basis, resulting in the consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. Based on the carrying amounts of the WFN Trusts’ and the WFC Trust’s assets and liabilities as prescribed by ASC 810, the Company recorded an increase in assets of approximately $3.4 billion, including $0.5 billion to loan loss reserves, an increase in liabilities of approximately $3.7 billion and a $0.4 billion decrease in stockholders’ equity.

After adoption, the Company’s consolidated statements of income no longer reflect securitization income, but instead reflect finance charges and certain other income associated with the securitized credit card receivables. Net charge-offs associated with credit card receivables impact the Company’s provision for loan loss reflected in the Company’s total operating expenses. Interest expense associated with debt issued from the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust to third-party investors is reported in securitization funding costs. Additionally, the Company no longer records initial gains on new securitization activity since securitized credit card loans no longer receive sale accounting treatment, nor are there any gains or losses on the revaluation of the interest-only strip receivable, as that asset is not recognized in a transaction accounted for as a secured borrowing. Since the Company’s securitization transactions are accounted for under the new accounting rules as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the cash flows from these transactions are presented as cash flows from financing activities rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities.

The assets of the consolidated VIEs include certain credit card receivables, which are restricted to settle the obligations of those entities and are not expected to be available to the Company or its creditors. The liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include asset-backed secured borrowings and other liabilities for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” which supersedes certain guidance in ASC 605-25, “Revenue Recognition — Multiple-Element Arrangements,” and requires an entity to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all of its deliverables based on their relative selling prices (the relative-selling-price method). ASU 2009-13 eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation in which the undelivered element is measured at its estimated selling price and the delivered element is measured as the residual of the arrangement consideration, and requires the relative-selling-price method in all circumstances in which an entity recognizes revenue for an arrangement with multiple deliverables subject to ASU 2009-13. ASU 2009-13 will be effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. If the Company elects early adoption and the adoption is during an interim period, the Company will be required to apply this ASU retrospectively from the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year. The Company can also elect to apply this ASU retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2009-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to add separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements related to Level 3 measurements. The requirement to provide the Level 3 disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 for the separate Level 3 disclosures will only impact disclosures and will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” which amends ASC 310, “Receivables,” to require further disaggregated disclosures that improve financial statement users’ understanding of (1) the nature of an entity’s credit risk associated with its financing receivables and (2) the entity’s assessment of that risk in estimating its allowance for credit losses as well as changes in the allowance and the reasons for those changes. The new and amended disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-20 will only impact disclosures and will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4. SHARES USED IN COMPUTING NET INCOME PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010    2009    2010    2009  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Numerator

           

Income from continuing operations

   $ 47,320    $ 28,387    $ 93,974    $ 71,436   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —        1,049      —        (14,145
                             

Net income

   $ 47,320    $ 29,436    $ 93,974    $ 57,291   
                             

Denominator

           

Weighted average shares, basic

     53,188      56,918      52,820      59,027   

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:

           

Shares from assumed conversion of convertible senior notes

     2,295      —        1,950      —     

Net effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock

     1,338      890      1,352      722   
                             

Denominator for diluted calculation

     56,821      57,808      56,122      59,749   
                             

Basic

           

Income from continuing operations per share

   $ 0.89    $ 0.50    $ 1.78    $ 1.21   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share

     —        0.02      —        (0.24
                             

Net income per share

   $ 0.89    $ 0.52    $ 1.78    $ 0.97   
                             

Diluted

           

Income from continuing operations per share

   $ 0.83    $ 0.49    $ 1.67    $ 1.20   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share

     —        0.02      —        (0.24
                             

Net income per share

   $ 0.83    $ 0.51    $ 1.67    $ 0.96   
                             

The Company calculates the effect of its convertible senior notes, which can be settled in cash or shares of common stock, on diluted net income per share as if they will be settled in cash as the Company has the intent to settle the convertible senior notes in cash. At June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company excluded, in each case, 17.5 million warrants from the calculation of net income per share as the effect was anti-dilutive.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company entered into prepaid forward contracts to purchase 1,857,400 shares of its common stock for $74.9 million that are to be delivered over a settlement period in 2014. The number of shares to be delivered under the prepaid forward contracts is used to reduce weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding.

5. CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES

Beginning January 1, 2010, the Company’s credit card securitization trusts, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, were consolidated on the balance sheets of WFNNB, WFCB or their affiliates, including ADSC, under ASC 860 and ASC 810. The WFN Trusts’ and the WFC Trust’s credit card receivables are reported in credit card receivables — restricted for securitization investors. Retained interests in the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust have been reclassified, derecognized or eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets with the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

The tables below present quantitative information about the components of total credit card receivables and delinquencies:

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
     (In millions)

Principal receivables

   $ 4,816.0    $ 5,332.8

Billed and accrued finance charges

     203.3      155.7

Other receivables

     24.2      21.0
             

Total credit card receivables

     5,043.5      5,509.5

Less credit card receivables—restricted for securitization investors

     4,295.1      4,838.3
             

Other credit card receivables

   $ 748.4    $ 671.2
             

Principal amount of credit card receivables 90 days or more past due

   $ 115.8    $ 157.4
             

Net charge-offs of credit card receivables were $112.4 million and $103.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $234.7 million and $197.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Loss

Management evaluates the allowance for loan loss monthly for adequacy. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. In estimating losses inherent in the credit card portfolio, management uses an approach that utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card receivables. A migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. The migration analysis considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees reflected in credit card receivables. In determining the proper level of the allowance for loan loss, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning, loan volume and amounts, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Changes in the allowance for loan loss on credit card receivables for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (In thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 54,884      $ 38,124   

Adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810

     523,950        —     

Provision for loan loss

     182,701        52,259   

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

     (234,690     (35,499
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 526,845      $ 54,884   
                

The provision for loan loss expense was $95.7 million and $184.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, which includes $1.0 million and $1.9 million of credit card fraud losses, respectively. The provision for loan loss expense was $10.9 million and $19.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, for the Company’s on-balance sheet credit card receivables. These amounts were netted against securitization income in 2009.

Securitized Credit Card Receivables

The Company regularly securitizes its credit card receivables to the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. The Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate credit card receivables held by the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. In its capacity as a servicer, each of the respective banks earns a fee from the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust to service and administer the credit receivables, collect payments, and charge-off uncollectible receivables. Upon consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, this fee was eliminated.

The tables below present quantitative information about the components of total securitized credit card receivables, delinquencies and net charge-offs:

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
     (In millions)

Total credit card receivables—restricted for securitization investors

   $ 4,295.1    $ 4,838.3
             

Principal amount of credit card receivables—restricted for securitization investors,
90 days or more past due

   $ 104.7    $ 148.2
             

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010      2009      2010      2009
     (In millions)

Net securitized charge-offs

   $ 97.9      $ 93.1      $ 206.0      $ 180.9

During the initial phase of a securitization reinvestment period, the Company generally retains principal collections in exchange for the transfer of additional credit card receivables into the securitized pool of assets. During the amortization or accumulation period of a securitization, the investors’ share of principal collections (in certain cases, up to a maximum specified amount each month) is either distributed to the investors or held in an account until it accumulates to the total amount due, at which time it is paid to the investors in a lump sum.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The table below summarizes certain cash flows received from and paid to the securitization trusts when transfers of credit card receivables to the securitization trusts were treated as sales prior to the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2009
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009
     (In millions)

Proceeds from collections reinvested in previous credit card securitizations

   $ 1,193.2    $ 2,284.1

Proceeds from new securitizations

     708.9      1,068.6

Proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving period transfers

     1,560.1      3,180.5

Servicing fees received

     17.7      36.0

6. REDEMPTION SETTLEMENT ASSETS

Redemption settlement assets consist of cash and cash equivalents and securities available-for-sale and are designated for settling redemptions by collectors of the AIR MILES® Reward Program in Canada under certain contractual relationships with sponsors of the AIR MILES Reward Program. These assets are primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. Realized gains and losses from the sale of investment securities were not material. The principal components of redemption settlement assets, which are carried at fair value, are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2010   December 31, 2009
     Cost   Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value   Cost   Unrealized
Gains
  Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 45,016   $ —     $ —        $ 45,016   $ 71,641   $ —     $ —        $ 71,641

Government bonds

     50,758     1,059     (35     51,782     41,026     1,205     —          42,231

Corporate bonds(1)

     374,992     5,344     (505     379,831     453,447     8,473     (1,788     460,132
                                                    

Total

   $ 470,766   $ 6,403   $ (540   $ 476,629   $ 566,114   $ 9,678   $ (1,788   $ 574,004
                                                    

 

(1)

Included in corporate bonds at December 31, 2009 is an investment in retained interests in the WFN Trusts with a fair value of $73.9 million. Upon adoption of ASC 860, these amounts were eliminated with the consolidation of the WFN Trusts, and therefore not reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2010.

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair value for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

 

     Less than 12 months     June 30, 2010
12 Months or Greater
   Total  
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In thousands)  

Government bonds

   $ 9,377    $ (35   $ —      $ —      $ 9,377    $ (35

Corporate bonds

     65,508      (505     —        —        65,508      (505
                                            

Total

   $ 74,885    $ (540   $ —      $ —      $ 74,885    $ (540
                                            

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Less than 12 months     December 31, 2009
12 Months or Greater
    Total  
     Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In thousands)  

Corporate bonds

   $ 98,448    $ (1,646   $ 7,705    $ (142   $ 106,153    $ (1,788
                                             

Total

   $ 98,448    $ (1,646   $ 7,705    $ (142   $ 106,153    $ (1,788
                                             

Market values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the security’s issuer, and the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company typically invests in highly-rated securities with low probabilities of default and has the ability to hold the investments until maturity. As of June 30, 2010, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

The net carrying value and estimated fair value of the securities at June 30, 2010 by contractual maturity are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Due in one year or less

   $ 217,902    $ 219,689

Due after one year through five years

     252,864      256,940
             

Total

   $ 470,766    $ 476,629
             

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

    June 30, 2010   Amortization Life and Method
    Gross
Assets
  Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  
    (In thousands)    

Finite Lived Assets

       

Customer contracts and lists

  $ 186,428   $ (134,092   $ 52,336   5-10 years—straight line

Premium on purchased credit card portfolios

    151,430     (53,170     98,260   3-10 years—straight line, accelerated

Collector database

    65,752     (56,474     9,278   30 years—15% declining balance

Customer database

    160,200     (65,509     94,691   4-10 years—straight line

Noncompete agreements

    2,514     (2,191     323   3-5 years—straight line

Tradenames

    11,615     (4,309     7,306   4-10 years—straight line

Purchased data lists

    18,816     (10,236     8,580   1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
                     
  $ 596,755   $ (325,981   $ 270,774  

Indefinite Lived Assets

       

Tradenames

    12,350     —          12,350   Indefinite life
                     

Total intangible assets

  $ 609,105   $ (325,981   $ 283,124  
                     
    December 31, 2009   Amortization Life and Method
    Gross
Assets
  Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  
    (In thousands)    

Finite Lived Assets

       

Customer contracts and lists

  $ 186,428   $ (121,540   $ 64,888   5-10 years—straight line

Premium on purchased credit card portfolios

    155,227     (46,936     108,291   3-10 years—straight line, accelerated

Collector database

    66,541     (56,316     10,225   30 years—15% declining balance

Customer database

    160,564     (57,043     103,521   4-10 years—straight line

Noncompete agreements

    2,522     (1,986     536   3-5 years—straight line

Tradenames

    11,658     (3,674     7,984   4-10 years—straight line

Purchased data lists

    17,178     (8,376     8,802   1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
                     
  $ 600,118   $ (295,871   $ 304,247  

Indefinite Lived Assets

       

Tradenames

    12,350     —          12,350   Indefinite life
                     

Total intangible assets

  $ 612,468   $ (295,871   $ 316,597  
                     

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

     LoyaltyOne     Epsilon     Private Label
Services and
Credit
   Corporate/
Other
   Total  
     (In thousands)  

December 31, 2009

   $ 234,613      $ 669,930      $ 261,732    $ —      $ 1,166,275   

Effects of foreign currency translation

     (2,642     (1,680     —        —        (4,322
                                      

June 30, 2010

   $ 231,971      $ 668,250      $ 261,732    $ —      $ 1,161,953   
                                      

8. DEBT

Debt consists of the following:

 

Description

  June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
    Maturity   Interest Rate
    (In thousands)          

Long-term and other debt:

       

Credit facility

  $ 500,000      $ 487,000      March 2012   (1)

Senior notes

    250,000        250,000      May 2011   6.14%

2009 Term loan

    161,000        161,000      March 2012   (2)

Convertible senior notes due 2013

    635,144        612,058      August 2013   1.75%

Convertible senior notes due 2014

    247,945        238,869      May 2014   4.75%

Capital lease obligations and other debt

    19,572        33,425      July 2010 – July  2013(3)   5.20% to 8.10%(3)
                   
    1,813,661        1,782,352       

Less: current portion

    (269,403     (51,963    
                   

Long-term portion

  $ 1,544,258      $ 1,730,389       
                   

Certificates of deposit:

       

Certificates of deposit

  $ 1,098,900      $ 1,465,000      One year to five years   0.50% to 5.25%

Less: current portion

    (426,300     (772,500    
                   

Long-term portion

  $ 672,600      $ 692,500       
                   

Asset-backed securities debt—owed to securitization investors:(4)

       

Fixed rate asset-backed term note securities

  $ 1,489,065      $ —        July 2010 – July 2013   2.36% to 7.00%

Floating rate asset-backed term note securities

    1,216,633        —        August 2010 – April 2013   0.48% to  7.85%(5)

Conduit asset-backed securities

    647,060        —        June 2011– September 2011   1.88% to 2.69%
                   

Total asset-backed securities—owed to securitization investors

    3,352,758        —         

Less: current portion

    (253,593     —         
                   

Long-term portion

  $ 3,099,165      $ —         
                   

 

(1)

The Company maintains a $750.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility,”) where advances are in the form of either base rate loans or Eurodollar loans and may be denominated in Canadian dollars, subject to a sublimit, or U.S. dollars. The interest rate for base loans is the higher of (a) the Bank of Montreal’s prime rate, (b) the Federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (c) the quoted London Interbank Offered

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

 

Rate (“LIBOR”) as defined in the credit agreement plus 1.0%. The interest rate for Eurodollar loans denominated in U.S. or Canadian dollars fluctuates based on the rate at which deposits of U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars, respectively, in the London interbank market are quoted plus a margin of 0.4% to 0.8% based upon the Company’s senior leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Facility. Total availability under the Credit Facility at June 30, 2010 was $250.0 million. At June 30, 2010, the amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility were based on Eurodollar loans where the weighted average interest rate was 0.75%.

(2)

Advances under the term loan agreement, dated May 15, 2009 (the “2009 Term Loan”), are in the form of either base rate loans or Eurodollar loans. The interest rate for base rate loans fluctuates and is equal to the highest of (a) Bank of Montreal’s prime rate; (b) the Federal funds rate plus 0.5%; and (c) the quoted LIBOR as defined in the 2009 Term Loan agreement plus 1.0%, in each case plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.0% based upon the Company’s senior leverage ratio as defined in the 2009 Term Loan agreement. The interest rate of Eurodollar loans fluctuates based on the rate at which deposits of U.S. dollars in the London interbank market are quoted plus a margin of 3.0% to 4.0% based on the Company’s senior leverage ratio as defined in the 2009 Term Loan. At June 30, 2010, the amounts outstanding under the 2009 Term Loan were based on Eurodollar loans where the weighted average interest rate was 3.35%.

(3)

The Company has other minor borrowings, primarily capital leases, with varying interest rates and maturities.

(4)

Upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810, the Company consolidated the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust and the related asset-backed securities debt. See Note 2, “Change in Accounting Principle,” for more information on the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

(5)

Interest rates include those for certain of the Company’s asset-backed securities — owed to securitization investors where floating rate debt is fixed through interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate of the fixed rate achieved through interest rate swap agreements is 4.45% at June 30, 2010.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.

Credit Facility

On June 18, 2010, the Company amended its Credit Facility to clarify the application of ASC 860 and ASC 810 with respect to the calculation of covenant compliance.

2009 Term Loan

On June 18, 2010, the Company amended its 2009 Term Loan to clarify the application of ASC 860 and ASC 810 with respect to the calculation of covenant compliance. In addition, the amendment removed the prepayments that were required beginning June 30, 2010 and now provides that principal payments be paid at maturity, March 30, 2012.

Convertible Senior Notes

The table below summarizes the carrying value of the components of the convertible senior notes:

 

     June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (In thousands)  

Carrying amount of equity component

   $ 368,678      $ 368,678   
                

Principal amount of liability component

   $ 1,150,000      $ 1,150,000   

Unamortized discount

     (266,911     (299,073
                

Net carrying value of liability component

   $ 883,089      $ 850,927   
                

If-converted value of common stock

   $ 1,042,086      $ 1,130,852   
                

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The discount on the liability component will be amortized as interest expense over the remaining life of the convertible senior notes which is a weighted average period of 3.3 years.

Interest expense on the convertible senior notes recognized in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
    Six Months Ended
June  30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Interest expense calculated on contractual interest rate

   $ 7,618      $ 4,796      $ 15,237      $ 8,318   

Amortization of discount on liability component

     16,301        11,870        32,162        22,224   
                                

Total interest expense on convertible senior notes

   $ 23,919      $ 16,666      $ 47,399      $ 30,542   
                                

Effective interest rate (annualized)

     11.0 %     11.0 %     11.0 %     11.0 %

Asset-backed Securities — Owed to Securitization Investors

An asset-backed security is a security whose value and income payments are derived from and collateralized (or “backed”) by a specified pool of underlying assets. The sale of the pool of underlying assets to general investors is accomplished through a securitization process.

The Company regularly sells its credit card receivables to its securitization trusts, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. Beginning January 1, 2010, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust were consolidated on the balance sheets of the Company, under ASC 860 and ASC 810. See Note 2, “Change in Accounting Principle,” for more information on the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810. The liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include asset-backed securities for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Asset-backed Term Notes

In March 2010, Master Trust II issued $100.8 million of term asset-backed securities to investors. The offering consisted of $65.0 million of Class A Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 4.2% per year, $9.8 million of Class M Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.3% per year, $6.6 million of Class B Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 6.3% per year, $11.6 million of Class C Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 7.0% per year and $7.8 million of Class D Series 2010-1 zero-coupon notes which were retained by the Company. The Class A notes will mature in November 2012, the Class M notes will mature in December 2012, the Class B notes will mature in January 2013, the Class C notes will mature in February 2013 and the Class D notes will mature in March 2013. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts, the Class D Series 2010-1 notes are eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Conduit Facilities

During the first quarter of 2010, the Company renewed its $550.0 million 2009-VFC1 conduit facility under Master Trust III, extending the maturity to September 30, 2011.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company renewed its $1.2 billion 2009-VFN conduit facility under Master Trust I, extending the maturity to June 23, 2011, and its $275.0 million 2009-VFN conduit facility under the WFC Trust, extending the maturity to June 3, 2011.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table shows the maturities of borrowing commitments as of June 30, 2010 for the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust by year:

 

     2010    2011    2012    2013    2014 &
Thereafter
   Total
     (In millions)

Term notes

   $ 211.4    $ 1,158.9    $ 805.2    $ 925.7    $ —      $ 3,101.2

Conduit facilities(1)

     —        2,447.8      —        —        —        2,447.8
                                         

Total(2)

   $ 211.4    $ 3,606.7    $ 805.2    $ 925.7    $ —      $ 5,549.0
                                         

 

(1)

Amount represents borrowing capacity, not outstanding borrowings.

(2)

As of June 30, 2010, with the consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, $554.1 million of debt issued by the trusts and retained by the Company has been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The credit card securitization trusts have entered into derivative financial instruments, which include both interest rate swaps and an interest rate cap, to mitigate their interest rate risk on a related financial instrument or to lock the interest rate on a portion of its asset-backed variable debt. Effective January 1, 2010, the derivative financial instruments of the credit card securitization trusts were consolidated on the Company’s balance sheets under ASC 860 and ASC 810.

As part of its interest rate risk management program, the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments with institutions that are established dealers and manage its exposure to changes in fair value of certain asset-backed security obligations attributable to changes in LIBOR. These interest rate contracts involve the receipt of fixed rate amounts from counterparties in exchange for the Company making variable rate payments over the life of the agreement without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. These interest rate contracts are not designated as hedges. Such contracts are not speculative and are used to manage interest rate risk, but do not meet the specific hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”

The following tables identify the notional amount, fair value and classification of the Company’s outstanding interest rate contracts at June 30, 2010 in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

     Notional Amount
(in thousands)
   Weighted
Average Years
to Maturity

Interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments

   $ 1,216,633    2.1

 

     Balance Sheet Location    Fair Value
(in thousands)

Interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments

   Other current liabilities    $ 323

Interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments

   Other liabilities    $ 83,616

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following tables identify the classification of the Company’s outstanding interest rate contracts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

   Income Statement Location    Loss on
Derivative
Contracts

(in thousands)

Interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments

   Securitization funding costs    $ 3,203

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

   Income Statement Location    Loss on
Derivative
Contracts

(in thousands)

Interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments

   Securitization funding costs    $ 5,384

The Company limits its exposure on derivatives by entering into contracts with institutions that are established dealers and maintain certain minimum credit criteria established by the Company. At June 30, 2010, the Company does not maintain any derivative contracts subject to master agreements that would require the Company to post collateral or that contain any credit-risk related contingent features. The Company has provisions in certain of the master agreements that require counterparties to post collateral to the Company when their credit ratings fall below certain thresholds. At June 30, 2010, these thresholds were not breached and no amounts were held as collateral by the Company.

9. DEFERRED REVENUE

Because management has determined that the earnings process is not complete at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is issued, the recognition of revenue on all fees received at issuance is deferred. The Company allocates the proceeds from the issuance of AIR MILES reward miles into two components as follows:

 

   

Redemption element. The redemption element is the larger of the two components. Revenue related to the redemption element is based on the estimated fair value. For this component, revenue is recognized at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is redeemed, or for those AIR MILES reward miles that are estimated to go unredeemed by the collector base, known as “breakage,” over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile.

 

   

Service element. The service element consists of marketing and administrative services provided to sponsors. Revenue related to the service element is determined using the residual method in accordance with ASC 605-25. It is initially deferred and then amortized pro rata over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile.

Under certain of the Company’s contracts, a portion of the proceeds is paid to the Company upon the issuance of an AIR MILES reward mile and a portion is paid at the time of redemption and therefore, the Company does not have a redemption obligation related to these contracts. Revenue is recognized at the time of redemption and is not reflected in the reconciliation of the redemption obligation detailed below. Under such contracts, the proceeds received at issuance are initially deferred as service revenue and revenue is recognized pro rata over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile. Amounts for revenue related to the redemption element and service element are recorded in redemption revenue and transaction revenue, respectively, in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A reconciliation of deferred revenue for the AIR MILES Reward Program is as follows:

 

     Deferred Revenue  
     Service     Redemption     Total  
     (In thousands)  

December 31, 2009

   $ 306,336      $ 839,810      $ 1,146,146   

Cash proceeds

     88,940        236,918        325,858   

Revenue recognized

     (83,680     (251,641     (335,321

Other

     —          4,301        4,301   

Effects of foreign currency translation

     (3,773     (9,654     (13,427
                        

June 30, 2010

   $ 307,823      $ 819,734      $ 1,127,557   
                        

Amounts recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:

      

Current liabilities

   $ 147,574      $ 819,734      $ 967,308   
                        

Non-current liabilities

   $ 160,249      $ —        $ 160,249   
                        

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Stock Repurchase Programs

On January 27, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to $275.1 million of the Company’s common stock through December 2010, subject to any restrictions pursuant to the terms of the Company’s credit agreements or otherwise.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company acquired a total of 188,000 shares and 456,500 shares, respectively, of its common stock for $11.3 million and $25.8 million, respectively.

Stock Compensation Plans

On March 31, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2005 long-term incentive plan, which was subsequently approved by the Company’s stockholders on June 7, 2005 and became effective July 1, 2005. This plan reserved 4,750,000 shares of common stock for grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other performance-based awards to selected officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants performing services for the Company or its affiliates. On September 24, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the 2005 long term incentive plan to provide that, in addition to settlement in shares of the Company’s common stock or other securities, equity awards may be settled in cash. No more grants may be made from the 2005 long-term incentive plan, which expired on June 30, 2010.

On March 25, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2010 plan”), which was subsequently approved by the Company’s stockholders on June 8, 2010, became effective July 1, 2010 and expires on June 30, 2015. This plan reserves 3,000,000 shares of common stock for grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share awards, cash incentive awards, deferred stock units, and other stock-based and cash-based awards to selected officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants performing services for the Company or its affiliates, with only employees being eligible to receive incentive stock options.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock Compensation Expense

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009
     (In thousands)

Cost of operations

   $ 6,308    $ 5,771    $ 12,203    $ 16,136

General and administrative

     6,107      4,927      10,818      12,521
                           

Total

   $ 12,415    $ 10,698    $ 23,021    $ 28,657
                           

There was no stock-based compensation expense related to discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and for the three months ended June 30, 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, stock-based compensation expense for the Company’s discontinued operations was approximately $0.1 million. This amount is included in the loss from discontinued operations in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company awarded 476,096 performance-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $57.15 as determined on the date of grant. The performance restriction on the awards will lapse upon determination by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that the Company’s core earnings per share growth for the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 met certain pre-defined vesting criteria that permit a range from 50% to 150% of such performance-based restricted stock units to vest. Upon such determination, the restrictions will lapse with respect to 33% of the award on February 22, 2011, an additional 33% of the award on February 22, 2012 and the final 34% of the award on February 22, 2013, provided that the participant is employed by the Company on each such vesting date.

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company awarded 188,625 service-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $60.49 as determined on the date of grant. Service-based restricted stock units typically vest ratably over three years provided that the participant meets the service condition on each such vesting date.

In March 2009, the Company determined that it was no longer probable that the specified performance measures associated with certain performance-based restricted stock units would be achieved. As a result, 1,242,098 performance-based restricted stock units granted during 2008 and in January 2009, having a weighted-average grant date fair value of $56.43 per share, are not expected to vest. The Company has not recognized stock-based compensation expense related to those awards no longer expected to vest.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

11. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax effect, are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010    2009     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 47,320    $ 29,436      $ 93,974      $ 57,291   

Adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810(1)

     —        —          55,881        —     

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale

     3,953      (31,186     (1,748     (29,449

Foreign currency translation adjustments(2)

     5,757      12,521        (1,881     9,126   
                               

Total comprehensive income, net of tax

   $ 57,030    $ 10,771      $ 146,226      $ 36,968   
                               

 

(1)

These amounts related to unrealized losses associated with retained interests in the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, which were classified as available-for-sale. These amounts were previously reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. Effective January 1, 2010, upon the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810, these interests and related accumulated other comprehensive income have been reclassified, derecognized or eliminated upon consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust.

(2)

Primarily related to the impact of changes in the Canadian currency exchange rate.

12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” the Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate fair value. To obtain fair values, observable market prices are used if available. In some instances, observable market prices are not readily available and fair value is determined using present value or other techniques appropriate for a particular financial instrument. These techniques involve judgment and as a result are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions or estimation techniques may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2010    December 31, 2009
     Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value    Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Financial assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 250,335    $ 250,335    $ 213,378    $ 213,378

Trade receivables, net

     209,609      209,609      225,212      225,212

Seller’s interest

     —        —        297,108      297,108

Credit card receivables, net

     4,516,623      4,516,623      616,298      616,298

Redemption settlement assets, restricted

     476,629      476,629      574,004      574,004

Due from securitizations

     —        —        775,570      775,570

Cash collateral, restricted

     313,018      313,018      216,953      216,953

Financial liabilities

           

Accounts payable

     125,534      125,534      103,891      103,891

Asset-backed securities debt—owed to securitization investors

     3,352,758      3,387,008      —        —  

Debt, including certificates of deposit

     2,912,561      3,018,304      3,247,352      3,408,039

Derivative financial instruments

     83,939      83,939      —        —  

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Held at June 30, 2010

The following techniques and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of financial instruments as disclosed herein:

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, net and accounts payable—The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity.

Credit card receivables, net—The carrying amount of credit card receivables, net approximates fair value due to the short maturity, and the average interest rates approximate current market origination rates.

Redemption settlement assets, restricted—Fair value for securities is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities.

Cash collateral, restricted—The spread deposits are recorded at their fair value based on discounted cash flow models. The carrying amount of excess funding deposits approximates its fair value due to the relatively short maturity period and average interest rates, which approximate current market rates.

Asset-backed securities debt—owed to securitization investors—The fair value is estimated based on the current rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities.

Debt, including certificates of deposit—The fair value is estimated based on the current rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities.

Derivative financial instruments—The valuation of these instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and option volatility.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Held at December 31, 2009

The following techniques and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of financial instruments which were subsequently reclassified, derecognized or eliminated upon consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust as a result of the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810 as disclosed herein:

Seller’s interest—Seller’s interest was carried at an allocated carrying amount based on their fair value. The Company determined the fair value of its seller’s interest through discounted cash flow models. The estimated cash flows used included assumptions related to rates of payments and defaults, which reflected economic and other relevant conditions. The discount rate used was based on an interest rate curve that was observable in the market place plus an unobservable credit spread. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust on January 1, 2010, seller’s interest has been eliminated.

Due from securitizations—The retained interest and interest-only strips were recorded at their fair value. The Company used a valuation model that calculated the present value of estimated future cash flows for each asset which incorporated the Company’s own estimates of assumptions market participants used in determining fair value, including estimates of payment rates, defaults, net charge-offs, discount rates and contractual interest and fees. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust on January 1, 2010, due from securitizations has been derecognized or eliminated.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

ASC 825 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

 

   

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

 

   

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

 

   

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial instruments also include those for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The use of different techniques to determine fair value of these financial instruments could result in different estimates of fair value at the reporting date.

The following tables provide the assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

     Balance at
June 30, 2010
   Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2010 Using
        Level 1    Level 2    Level 3
     (In thousands)

Government bonds(1)

   $ 51,782    $ 17,258    $ 34,524    $ —  

Corporate bonds(1)

     379,831      222,750      157,081      —  

Other available-for-sale securities(2)

     86,150      76,568      9,582      —  

Cash collateral, restricted

     313,018      —        141,228      171,790
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 830,781    $ 316,576    $ 342,415    $ 171,790
                           

Derivative financial instruments(3)

   $ 83,939    $ —      $ 83,939    $ —  
                           

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ 83,939    $ —      $ 83,939    $ —  
                           
     Balance at
December 31, 2009
   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009 Using
        Level 1    Level 2    Level 3
     (In thousands)

Government bonds(1)

   $ 42,231    $ 16,676    $ 25,555    $ —  

Corporate bonds(1)

     460,132      308,668      77,598      73,866

Other available-for-sale securities(2)

     105,064      95,300      9,764      —  

Seller’s interest

     297,108      —        —        297,108

Due from securitizations

     775,570      —        —        775,570

Cash collateral, restricted

     216,953      —        10,275      206,678
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 1,897,058    $ 420,644    $ 123,192    $ 1,353,222
                           

 

(1)

Amounts are included in redemption settlement assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2)

Amounts are included in other current and non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(3)

Amounts are included in other current liabilities and other liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following tables summarize the changes in fair value of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 825 as of June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Corporate
Bonds
    Seller’s
Interest
    Due from
Securitizations
    Cash
Collateral,
Restricted
 
     (In thousands)  

March 31, 2010

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 183,700   

Total losses (realized or unrealized)

        

Included in earnings

     —          —          —          (363

Included in other comprehensive income

     —          —          —          —     

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     —          —          —          (11,547

Transfers in or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —     
                                

June 30, 2010

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 171,790   
                                

Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at June 30, 2010

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ (363
                                
     Corporate
Bonds
    Seller’s
Interest
    Due from
Securitizations
    Cash
Collateral,
Restricted
 
     (In thousands)  

December 31, 2009

   $ 73,866      $ 297,108      $ 775,570      $ 206,678   

Adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810

     (73,866     (297,108     (775,570     —     

Total losses (realized or unrealized)

        

Included in earnings

     —          —          —          (330

Included in other comprehensive income

     —          —          —          —     

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     —          —          —          (34,558

Transfers in or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —     
                                

June 30, 2010

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 171,790   
                                

Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at June 30, 2010

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ (330
                                
     Corporate
Bonds
    Seller’s
Interest
    Due from
Securitizations
    Cash
Collateral,
Restricted
 
     (In thousands)  

March 31, 2009

   $ 93,748      $ 41,166      $ 496,320      $ 173,322   

Total (losses) gains (realized or unrealized)

        

Included in earnings

     —          8,952        (9,995     395   

Included in other comprehensive income

     (10,189     —          (29,841     —     

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     —          133,555        74,902        15,951   

Transfers in or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —     
                                

June 30, 2009

   $ 83,559      $ 183,673      $ 531,386      $ 189,668   
                                

Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at June 30, 2009

   $ —        $ —        $ (4,992   $ —     
                                

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Corporate
Bonds
    Seller’s
Interest
    Due from
Securitizations
    Cash
Collateral,
Restricted
     (In thousands)

December 31, 2008

   $ 28,625      $ 182,428      $ 428,853      $ 175,384

Total (losses) gains (realized or unrealized)

        

Included in earnings

     —          8,543        (10,576     471

Included in other comprehensive income

     (9,623     —          (30,287     —  

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

     64,557        (7,298     143,396        13,813

Transfers in or out of Level 3

     —          —          —          —  
                              

June 30, 2009

   $ 83,559      $ 183,673      $ 531,386      $ 189,668
                              

Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at June 30, 2009

   $ —        $ —        $ (5,290   $ —  
                              

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, gains and losses included in earnings attributable to cash collateral, restricted were included in revenue under finance charges, net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, gains and losses included in earnings for seller’s interest and due from securitizations were included in securitization income in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company also has assets that under certain conditions are subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include those associated with acquired businesses, including goodwill and other intangible assets. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if one or more is determined to be impaired. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company had no impairments related to these assets.

13. INCOME TAXES

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company utilized an effective tax rate of 38.2% to calculate its provision for income taxes. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company’s effective tax rate was 38.9% and 38.8%, respectively. In accordance with ASC 740-270, “Income taxes — Interim Reporting,” the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate for calendar year 2010 based on all known variables is 38.2%.

On January 1, 2010, the Company’s deferred tax asset increased by approximately $197.2 million as a result of the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company reorganized its segments with Private Label Services and Private Label Credit reflected as one segment. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform to the current presentation. In addition, the Company renamed its other two segments from Epsilon Marketing Services and Loyalty Services to “Epsilon” and “LoyaltyOne,” respectively.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company operates in three reportable segments: LoyaltyOne, Epsilon and Private Label Services and Credit.

 

   

LoyaltyOne includes the Company’s Canadian AIR MILES Reward Program;

 

   

Epsilon provides integrated direct marketing solutions that combine database marketing technology and analytics with a broad range of direct marketing services; and

 

   

Private Label Services and Credit provides risk management solutions, account origination, funding, transaction processing, customer care and collections services for the Company’s private label retail credit card programs.

Additionally, corporate and all other immaterial businesses are reported collectively as an “all other” category labeled “Corporate/Other.” Total interest expense, net and income taxes are not allocated to the segments in the computation of segment operating profit for internal evaluation purposes and have also been included in “Corporate/Other.” Total assets are not allocated to the segments. The Company’s utility services business and a terminated credit program have been classified as discontinued operations. See Note 15, “Discontinued Operations,” for additional information.

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

  LoyaltyOne   Epsilon   Private Label
Services and
Credit
  Corporate/
Other
    Eliminations     Total
    (In thousands)

Revenues

  $ 191,531   $ 137,024   $ 343,260   $ 388      $ (2,485   $ 669,718

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    58,666     31,277     133,229     (14,243     (1,713     207,216

Depreciation and amortization

    6,147     18,076     8,532     1,666        —          34,421

Stock compensation expense

    2,365     2,166     1,777     6,107        —          12,415

Operating income (loss)

    50,154     11,035     122,920     (22,016     (1,713     160,380

Interest expense, net

    —       —       —       83,848        —          83,848

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    50,154     11,035     122,920     (105,864     (1,713     76,532

Three Months Ended June 30, 2009

  LoyaltyOne   Epsilon   Private Label
Services and
Credit
  Corporate/
Other
    Eliminations     Total
    (In thousands)

Revenues

  $ 167,346   $ 123,003   $ 156,821   $ 10,369      $ —        $ 457,539

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    38,334     30,383     60,999     (7,260     —          122,456

Depreciation and amortization

    4,957     17,825     5,880     2,453        —          31,115

Stock compensation expense

    2,257     1,901     1,614     4,926        —          10,698

Merger and other costs(2)

    —       —       —       64        —          64

Operating income (loss)

    31,120     10,657     53,505     (14,703     —          80,579

Interest expense, net

    —       —       —       34,107        —          34,107

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    31,120     10,657     53,505     (48,810     —          46,472

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2010

  LoyaltyOne   Epsilon   Private Label
Services and
Credit
  Corporate/
Other
    Eliminations     Total
    (In thousands)

Revenues

  $ 391,201   $ 263,331   $ 682,464   $ 1,153      $ (4,894   $ 1,333,255

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    112,253     58,563     272,984     (30,183     (3,426     410,191

Depreciation and amortization

    12,284     36,092     17,021     3,195        —          68,592

Stock compensation expense

    4,528     4,136     3,539     10,818        —          23,021

Operating income (loss)

    95,441     18,335     252,424     (44,196     (3,426     318,578

Interest expense, net

    —       —       —       166,554        —          166,554

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    95,441     18,335     252,424     (210,750     (3,426     152,024

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

  LoyaltyOne   Epsilon   Private Label
Services and
Credit
  Corporate/
Other
    Eliminations     Total
    (In thousands)

Revenues

  $ 327,977   $ 240,569   $ 345,978   $ 22,466      $ —        $ 936,990

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    93,233     52,521     148,469     (19,941     —          274,282

Depreciation and amortization

    9,911     33,832     11,931     4,740        —          60,414

Stock compensation expense

    6,281     5,225     4,631     12,520        —          28,657

Merger and other costs(2)

    —       —       —       3,012        —          3,012

Operating income (loss)

    77,041     13,464     131,907     (40,213     —          182,199

Interest expense, net

    —       —       —       65,394        —          65,394

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    77,041     13,464     131,907     (105,607     —          116,805

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization, merger and other costs. Adjusted EBITDA is presented in accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” as it is the primary performance metric by which senior management is evaluated.

(2)

Merger and other costs are not allocated to the segments in the computation of segment operating profit for internal evaluation purposes. Merger costs represent investment banking, legal and accounting costs directly associated with the proposed merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. Other costs represent compensation charges related to the departure of certain employees resulting from cost saving initiatives and other non-routine costs associated with the disposition of certain businesses.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

15. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In February 2009, the Company completed the sale of the remainder of its utility services business, including the termination of a services agreement and the resolution of certain contractual disputes, to a former utility client. In November 2009, the Company terminated operations of its credit program for web and catalog retailer VENUE. These have been treated as discontinued operations under ASC 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Discontinued Operations.” The underlying assets of the discontinued operations for the periods presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
     (In thousands)

Assets:

     

Credit card receivables, net

   $ 22,020    $ 34,623
             

Assets of discontinued operations

   $ 22,020    $ 34,623
             

The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (In thousands)  

Revenue

   $     —        $ 2,872       $     —        $ 8,335   
                                   

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     —          1,626         —          (21,642

(Provision) benefit from income taxes

     —          (577      —          7,497   
                                   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ —        $ 1,049       $ —        $ (14,145
                                   

16. NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES

On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASC 860 and ASC 810 resulting in the consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. Based on the carrying amounts of the WFN Trusts’ and the WFC Trust’s assets and liabilities as prescribed by ASC 810, the consolidation of the trusts had the following non-cash impact to the financing and investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as follows:

 

   

elimination of $74 million in redemption settlement assets for those interests retained in the WFN Trusts,

 

   

elimination of $775 million in retained interests classified in due from securitizations,

 

   

consolidation of $4.1 billion in credit card receivables, and

 

   

consolidation of $3.7 billion in asset-backed securities.

17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 1, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the Direct Marketing Services (DMS) division of Equifax, Inc. The total purchase price was approximately $117 million. Equifax’s DMS division provides proprietary data-driven, integrated marketing solutions through two complementary offers: database marketing and hosting, and data services, including U.S. consumer demographic information. In connection with the acquisition, the division will be integrated into the Company’s Epsilon segment.

 

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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

On July 8, 2010, Master Trust I issued $450.0 million of term asset-backed securities to investors in a public offering. The offering consisted of $355.5 million of Class A Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 3.96% per year, $16.9 million of Class M Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.2% per year, $21.4 million of Class B Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 6.75% per year and $56.2 million of Class C Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.0% per year. The Class A, Class M, Class B and Class C notes will all mature in June 2015. The Class C Series 2010-A notes were retained by the Company. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts, the Class C Series 2010-A notes are eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

On July 15, 2010, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) approved an application filed by the Company’s credit card services bank subsidiary, WFNNB, to change the location of the bank to Wilmington, Delaware through the merger of the bank with an interim banking association organized under the laws of the United States and located in Wilmington, Delaware. WFNNB is a national banking association and a limited purpose credit card bank and is regulated, supervised, and examined by the OCC, its primary regulator. WFNNB is also subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Neither the name of the bank nor any of its assets, liabilities or contemplated business purposes will change as a result of the merger. It is anticipated the merger will be completed in the third quarter of 2010.

On August 6, 2010, the Company, as borrower, and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., ADS Foreign Holdings, Inc., Alliance Data Foreign Holdings, Inc., Epsilon Marketing Services, LLC and Epsilon Data Management, LLC, as guarantors, entered into a term loan agreement with the Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent, and various other agents and banks (the “2010 Term Loan”). The 2010 Term Loan is an unsecured loan in the amount of $200.0 million with the option, up to sixty days after the closing date, to increase the amount by $100.0 million up to a total loan amount of $300.0 million. The Company borrowed $221.0 million on August 6, 2010, and $79.0 million remains available on the option to increase. The proceeds were used to refinance existing indebtedness. Amounts borrowed under the 2010 Term Loan are scheduled to mature on March 30, 2012.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented in this quarterly report and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 1, 2010.

In the first quarter of 2010, we reorganized our segments with Private Label Services and Private Label Credit reflected as one segment. All prior year segment information has been restated to conform to the current presentation. In addition, we renamed our other two segments from Epsilon Marketing Services and Loyalty Services to “Epsilon” and “LoyaltyOne,” respectively.

Year in Review Highlights

Our results for the first six months of 2010 included the following new and renewed agreements:

 

   

In January 2010, we announced the signing of a multi-year expansion agreement with New York & Company, a specialty retail apparel chain, to provide a comprehensive database marketing solution that includes customer data management, campaign management, reporting and strategic consulting and analytics services.

 

   

In February 2010, we announced the signing of multi-year agreements with Kraft Foods Inc. to provide a comprehensive direct-to-consumer marketing solution, including database and data management, consumer data integration, permission-based email marketing services, multi-channel campaign management and interactive web services.

 

   

In February 2010, we announced that Budgetcar, Inc., a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and an AIR MILES® Reward Program sponsor and rewards supplier since 2007, had signed a multi-year renewal agreement.

 

   

In February 2010, we announced the signing of a new multi-year agreement with Dallas-based La Quinta to provide permission-based email marketing services. In addition, La Quinta also renewed its existing agreement for Epsilon’s ongoing support and management of La Quinta’s frequent guest program.

 

   

In March 2010, we announced that Vision Electronics, an AIR MILES Reward Program sponsor since 2007, had signed a multi-year renewal agreement.

 

   

In March 2010, our private label credit card banking subsidiary, World Financial Network National Bank, or WFNNB, issued $100.8 million of asset-backed securities to investors.

 

   

In March 2010, WFNNB completed the renewal of its $550.0 million conduit facility.

 

   

In April 2010, we announced the signing of a new 5-year contract with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, a top-10 AIR MILES sponsor and a sponsor since 1998.

 

   

In May 2010, we announced that Pharmasave Atlantic, an Atlantic Canadian pharmacy retailer and an AIR MILES Reward Program sponsor since 1995, signed a multi-year renewal agreement.

 

   

In May 2010, we announced the signing of a multi-year agreement with Whirlpool Canada LP, one of Canada’s leading marketers and supplier of home appliances, as a sponsor in our AIR MILES Reward Program.

 

   

In June 2010, we announced that Washington, D.C.-based AARP has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to provide data and database marketing services in support of AARP’s member acquisition program.

 

   

In June 2010, we announced a new sponsor agreement coinciding with an innovative energy conversation campaign with the Ontario Power Authority, representing an expansion of the AIR MILES Reward Program in the energy sector.

 

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In June 2010, WFNNB completed the renewal of its $1.2 billion conduit facility, and our industrial bank subsidiary, World Financial Capital Bank, or WFCB, completed the renewal of its $275.0 million conduit facility, resulting in an increase of $175.0 million in overall conduit capacity.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes, other than those noted below with the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” and ASC 810, “Consolidation,” to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in our 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Effective January 1, 2010, our seller’s interest, interest-only strips and retained interest, which were recorded at estimated fair value, have been reclassified, derecognized or eliminated upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810. Additionally, with the consolidation of World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, or Master Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust, or Master Trust I, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust II, or Master Trust II, and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III, or Master Trust III, or collectively, the WFN Trusts, and the World Financial Capital Credit Card Master Note Trust, or the WFC Trust, the estimate for the allowance for loan loss has become a critical accounting estimate. The provision for loan loss represents management’s estimate of probable net loan losses inherent in the credit card portfolio.

Management evaluates its allowance for loan loss monthly for adequacy. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. In estimating losses inherent in the credit card portfolio, we use an approach that utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card receivables. A migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. The migration analysis considers uncollectible principal, interest and fees reflected in credit card receivables. In determining the proper level of the allowance for loan loss, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning, loan volume and amounts, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” which supersedes certain guidance in ASC 605-25, “Revenue Recognition — Multiple-Element Arrangements,” and requires an entity to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all of its deliverables based on their relative selling prices (the relative-selling-price method). ASU 2009-13 eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation in which the undelivered element is measured at its estimated selling price and the delivered element is measured as the residual of the arrangement consideration, and requires the relative-selling-price method in all circumstances in which an entity recognizes revenue for an arrangement with multiple deliverables subject to ASU 2009-13. ASU 2009-13 will be effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted. If we elect early adoption and the adoption is during an interim period, we will be required to apply this ASU retrospectively from the beginning of our fiscal year. We can also elect to apply this ASU retrospectively for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2009-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to add separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements related to Level 3 measurements. The requirement to provide the Level 3 disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 for the separate Level 3 disclosures will only impact disclosures and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” which amends ASC 310, “Receivables,” to require further disaggregated disclosures that improve financial statement users’ understanding of (1) the nature of an entity’s credit risk associated with its financing receivables and (2) the entity’s assessment of that risk in estimating its allowance for credit losses as well as changes in the allowance and the reasons for those changes. The new and amended disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-20 will only impact disclosures and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Treatment for Securitizations

We have consolidated the credit card securitization trusts used in our securitization transactions, as the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust were no longer exempt from consolidation effective January 1, 2010, upon our adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

At adoption, we added approximately $3.4 billion of assets, including a $0.5 billion addition to loan loss reserves, and approximately $3.7 billion of liabilities to our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The impact of the new accounting is a reduction to stockholders’ equity of $0.4 billion. The adoption required a full consolidation of the securitization trusts in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP.

Subsequent to January 1, 2010, our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income no longer reflect securitization income, but instead reflect finance charges and certain other income associated with the securitized credit card receivables. Net charge-offs associated with credit card receivables impact our provision for loan loss reflected in our total operating expenses. Interest expense associated with debt issued from the trusts to third-party investors is reported in securitization funding costs. Additionally, we no longer record initial gains on new securitization activity since securitized credit card loans no longer receive sale accounting treatment, nor are there any gains or losses on the revaluation of the interest-only strip receivable, as that asset is not recognized in a transaction accounted for as a secured borrowing. Since our securitization transactions are accounted for under the new accounting rules as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the cash flows from these transactions are presented as cash flows from financing activities rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities.

Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (“CARD”) ACT

On June 15, 2010, the Federal Reserve Board released the final guidelines on late fees that can be charged by financial institutions effective as of August 22, 2010. In anticipation of the late fee guidelines, we modified cardholder terms to include a $1 processing fee to offset the impact of any decline in average late fees charged. However, the final guidelines had less impact than initially expected as they provide for: (1) a $25 maximum late fee compared to our original expectation of $20, and (2) late fees to be charged in excess of the $25 maximum for repeat offenses within a six month period. Accordingly we suspended the $1 processing fee previously scheduled for implementation this summer as it is disproportionate to the anticipated impact to average late fees from the final rules. Instead, we will marginally increase minimum payments and modify existing late fee structures to maintain the current average late fee of approximately $25. The mailing of revised cardholder terms will be made as early as August 2010, to be effective for billing cycles beginning in November 2010.

2010 Third Quarter and Full-Year Outlook

We expect double-digit consolidated revenue growth with the potential for each of the three segments to generate double-digit revenue growth compared to the prior year’s third quarter. Private Label Services and

 

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Credit and Epsilon are expected to provide positive, double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, while a decline is expected at LoyaltyOne. LoyaltyOne is expected to report a year-over-year decline in adjusted EBITDA primarily due to the run-off of deferred revenue related to the conversion of a certain split fee to non-split fee program. Adjusted EBITDA for LoyaltyOne will also be negatively impacted in the second half of 2010 due to a change in sponsor mix for AIR MILES reward miles in the latter part of 2008 and 2009. Because service revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over a 42 month period, the impact of this will be realized in the second half of 2010. However, overall we expect a solid third quarter.

Key metrics for the AIR MILES Reward Program continue to improve. AIR MILES reward miles issued during the second quarter of 2010 increased 4% compared to the second quarter of 2009, representing the fourth consecutive period of quarter-over-quarter growth. The growth rate of AIR MILES reward miles issued in the second quarter of 2010 is below historical growth rates of 7% - 8% primarily due to slower promotional activity in the grocer sector compared to the prior corresponding quarter. Promotional activity, which can vary by quarter based upon sponsors’ marketing strategies, generally remains stable on a yearly basis. As 2010 progresses, we expect AIR MILES reward miles issued to remain stable at growth of approximately 5% with potential upside if promotional activity increases in the grocer sector. Additionally, LoyaltyOne has a partnership interest in an entity operating a Brazilian coalition loyalty program. The initial phase is currently in progress and a further planned investment of up to $15.0 million in the initiative is dependent on the success of the initial phase and the timing of the phased program rollout.

On July 1, 2010, we bolstered our data business by acquiring the Direct Marketing Services (DMS) division of Equifax, Inc. This division provides proprietary data-driven, integrated marketing solutions through two complementary offerings: database marketing and hosting, and data services, including U.S. consumer demographic information. The DMS acquisition is not expected to materially benefit earnings in 2010, but is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2011.

Key drivers in Private Label Services and Credit continue to be solid as the annual percentage rate increase in March 2010 has added approximately 1% to gross yield; credit losses are steadily improving; and funding costs are trending downward with continued improvement in securitization financings. These factors should increase net yield for the remainder of 2010.

Our outlook for 2010 assumed the rollout of the $1 processing fee in the third quarter of 2010 as an offset to the potential impact of the CARD Act requirements to 2010. As noted previously, we have suspended this rollout. Without the benefit of the $1 processing fee, the CARD Act requirements are expected to lower our earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.30 in 2010. This reduction results from the timing gap between when the rollout of the $1 processing fee was scheduled and when the new cardholder terms relating to late fees can be implemented. This short-term impact places downward risk on our estimated 2010 earnings.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, merger and other costs, depreciation and other amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles.

We use adjusted EBITDA as an integral part of our internal reporting to measure the performance of our reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of our senior management. Adjusted EBITDA is considered an important indicator of the operational strength of our businesses. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all business segments of considerable amounts of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations. A limitation of this measure, however, is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our businesses. Management evaluates the costs of such tangible and intangible

 

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assets, the impact of related impairments, as well as asset sales through other financial measures, such as capital expenditures, investment spending and return on capital and therefore the effects are excluded from adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA also eliminates the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense. Stock compensation expense is not included in the measurement of segment adjusted EBITDA provided to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing segment performance and decision making with respect to resource allocations. Therefore, we believe that adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to our investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a performance measure that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either operating income or net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent funds available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The adjusted EBITDA measures presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in our various agreements.

 

     Three Months Ended
June  30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009
     (In thousands)

Income from continuing operations

   $ 47,320    $ 28,387    $ 93,974    $ 71,436

Stock compensation expense

     12,415      10,698      23,021      28,657

Provision for income taxes

     29,212      18,085      58,050      45,369

Interest expense, net

     83,848      34,107      166,554      65,394

Merger and other costs (1)

     —        64      —        3,012

Depreciation and other amortization

     16,580      15,300      32,905      30,351

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     17,841      15,815      35,687      30,063
                           

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 207,216    $ 122,456    $ 410,191    $ 274,282
                           

 

(1)

Represents investment banking, legal and accounting costs directly associated with the proposed merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. Other costs represent compensation charges related to the departure of certain employees resulting from cost saving initiatives and other non-routine costs associated with the disposition of certain businesses.

 

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Results of Continuing Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Change  
     2010     2009     $     %  
     (In thousands, except percentages)  

Revenue:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 191,531      $ 167,346      $ 24,185      14.5

Epsilon

     137,024        123,003        14,021      11.4   

Private Label Services and Credit

     343,260        156,821        186,439      118.9   

Corporate/Other

     388        10,369        (9,981   (96.3

Eliminations

     (2,485     —          (2,485   NM
                              

Total

   $ 669,718      $ 457,539      $ 212,179      46.4
                              

Adjusted EBITDA(1):

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 58,666      $ 38,334      $ 20,332      53.0

Epsilon

     31,277        30,383        894      2.9   

Private Label Services and Credit

     133,229        60,999        72,230      118.4   

Corporate/Other

     (14,243     (7,260     (6,983   96.2   

Eliminations

     (1,713     —          (1,713   NM
                              

Total

   $ 207,216      $ 122,456      $ 84,760      69.2
                              

Stock compensation expense:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 2,365      $ 2,257      $ 108      4.8

Epsilon

     2,166        1,901        265      13.9   

Private Label Services and Credit

     1,777        1,614        163      10.1   

Corporate/Other

     6,107        4,926        1,181      24.0   
                              

Total

   $ 12,415      $ 10,698      $ 1,717      16.0
                              

Depreciation and amortization:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 6,147      $ 4,957      $ 1,190      24.0

Epsilon

     18,076        17,825        251      1.4   

Private Label Services and Credit

     8,532        5,880        2,652      45.1   

Corporate/Other

     1,666        2,453        (787   (32.1
                              

Total

   $ 34,421      $ 31,115      $ 3,306      10.6
                              

Operating income from continuing operations:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 50,154      $ 31,120      $ 19,034      61.2

Epsilon

     11,035        10,657        378      3.5   

Private Label Services and Credit

     122,920        53,505        69,415      129.7   

Corporate/Other

     (22,016     (14,703     (7,313   49.7   

Eliminations

     (1,713     —          (1,713   NM
                              

Total

   $ 160,380      $ 80,579      $ 79,801      99.0
                              

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2):

        

LoyaltyOne

     30.6     22.9     7.7  

Epsilon

     22.8        24.7        (1.9  

Private Label Services and Credit

     38.8        38.9        (0.1  
                          

Total

     30.9     26.8     4.1  
                          

Segment operating data:

        

Private Label statements generated

     35,559        31,177        4,382      14.1

Credit sales

   $ 2,220,513      $ 1,944,288      $ 276,225      14.2

Average credit card receivables

   $ 4,992,034      $ 4,136,726      $ 855,308      20.7

AIR MILES reward miles issued

     1,165,089        1,122,576        42,513      3.8

AIR MILES reward miles redeemed

     801,111        756,933        44,178      5.8

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is equal to income from continuing operations, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, merger and other costs, depreciation and amortization. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included in this report.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. Management uses adjusted EBITDA margin to analyze the operating performance of the segments and the impact revenue growth has on operating expenses.

* Not Meaningful

 

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Consolidated Operating Results:

Revenue. Total revenue increased $212.2 million, or 46.4%, to $669.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $457.5 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

Transaction. Revenue decreased $25.4 million, or 26.7%, to $69.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to several factors:

 

   

elimination of servicing fees of $17.9 million from the credit card securitization trusts, as a result of the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810. In its capacity as a servicer, each of our respective banks earns a fee from the credit card securitization trusts to service and administer its receivables, collect payments, and charge-off uncollectible receivables. Upon consolidation of the credit card securitization trusts, this fee was eliminated;

 

   

a decline in merchant fees, which are transaction fees charged to the retailer, of $12.6 million attributable to increases in royalty payments to our retail clients, as well as a decline in fees earned from deferred programs; and

 

   

a decline in transition services revenue of $7.3 million from agreements associated with the acquirers of our merchant services and utility services businesses, which were no longer in place in 2010.

These decreases were offset in part by increased AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees of $7.8 million due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate and growth in our AIR MILES reward miles issued. Our issuance fees, which consist of fees for marketing and administrative services provided to sponsors, are recognized pro rata over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile. The average foreign currency exchange rate for the current year period increased to $0.97 as compared to $0.87 in the prior year period. Additionally, debt cancellation premiums paid by our credit card holders increased $4.8 million due to higher volumes in part from the October 2009 acquisition of the Charming Shoppes credit card program.

 

   

Redemption. Revenue increased $13.7 million, or 12.0%, to $127.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate, which favorably impacted revenue by $15.3 million. Redemption revenue in local currency (Canadian dollars) decreased approximately CAD $1.6 million, although miles redeemed increased 5.8%. This resulted from a reduction in the amortization of deferred revenue related to the conversion of a certain split fee to non-split fee program. Revenue has been recognized as these AIR MILES reward miles have been redeemed. As of June 30, 2010, there is a minimal amount of deferred revenue related to the conversion remaining.

 

   

Securitization income. Securitization income decreased $93.2 million. Upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810 and the consolidation of the credit card securitization trusts, securitization income is no longer reflected. Amounts that were previously included in this financial statement line item are now reflected in finance charges, net in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

   

Finance charges, net. Revenue increased $308.1 million to $319.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 securitization income for securitization funding costs and credit losses which totaled $138.5 million, revenue increased $76.4 million. The increase was a result of continued positive trends in portfolio growth of 20.7%, credit sales growth of 14.2% and an increase in gross yield of 70 basis points to 25.6% for the current period.

 

   

Database marketing fees and direct marketing. Revenue increased $15.3 million, or 12.8%, to $135.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The database/digital businesses continue to build from recent client signings and expansion of services to existing clients increasing 14.2 % for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The positive trends in our catalog business are continuing from the first quarter. Our large catalog coalition database, Abacus, achieved solid revenue growth of 14.5% during the second quarter of 2010 as the data sector continues to show positive momentum, signifying the demand that marketers have for rich insight to drive targeted marketing initiatives.

 

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Other revenue. Revenue decreased $6.3 million, or 25.6%, to $18.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to (1) the inclusion in 2009 of revenue from the sale of our MasterCard Incorporated class B stock, and (2) the elimination of investment revenue of $1.7 million from investments held by LoyaltyOne in the credit card securitization trusts due to their consolidation in 2010 upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $31.1 million, or 9.5%, to $357.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was driven by the following:

 

   

higher payroll and benefit costs in Private Label Services and Credit of $12.2 million and in Epsilon of $10.7 million as a result of growth in both segments;

 

   

increases in the cost of redemptions for the AIR MILES Reward Program of $11.0 million, driven by the increase in average foreign currency exchange rates. The cost of redemptions for the AIR MILES Reward Program in local currency was relatively flat to the prior year, increasing CAD $0.4 million; and

 

   

credit card related expenses such as marketing, credit bureau and postage rose $9.2 million in the current period as compared to the prior year period due to higher volumes.

Increases in cost of operations were partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange losses. In the second quarter of 2009, we recognized a foreign exchange loss of $15.9 million related to certain U.S. investments held at LoyaltyOne.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $2.3 million, or 11.9%, to $21.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was driven by severance expense associated with the departure of certain associates and an increase in incentive compensation for the current year period as compared to the prior year period.

Provision for loan loss. Provision for loan loss was $95.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. In 2009, net losses were netted against securitization income. On a conformed presentation, provision for loan loss decreased $7.9 million, or 7.6%, as compared to the prior year period provision for loan loss of $103.6 million. The decrease was a result of continued declines in the loss rate.

Depreciation and other amortization. Depreciation and other amortization increased $1.3 million, or 8.4%, to $16.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to capital additions placed in service during the second half of 2009 and 2010.

Amortization of purchased intangibles. Amortization of purchased intangibles increased $2.0 million, or 12.8%, to $17.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as a result of the intangible assets acquired with the Charming Shoppes credit card program in October 2009.

Interest expense. Total interest expense, net increased $49.7 million, or 145.8%, to $83.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $34.1 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

Securitization funding costs. Securitization funding costs were $43.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. In 2009, these costs were netted against securitization income and totaled $34.9 million. The increase in these costs is due to growth in the portfolio as compared to June 30, 2009, and the amortization of securitized fees.

 

   

Interest expense on certificates of deposit. Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $0.8 million to $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $6.8 million for the comparable period in 2009 due to higher average balances offset in part by a decline in interest rates.

 

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Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net. Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net increased $5.3 million, to $32.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $27.3 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase in interest expense resulted from a $4.4 million increase in the amortization of the discount associated with our convertible senior notes, an increase of $0.9 million for our credit facilities due to higher average balances and the amortization of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million.

Merger costs (reimbursements). In 2010, there were no merger costs or reimbursements. During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we incurred approximately $0.1 million in legal costs associated with our proposed merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. We do not expect any future costs associated with the proposed merger.

Taxes. Income tax expense increased $11.1 million to $29.2 million, or 61.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $18.1 million for the comparable period in 2009 due to an increase in taxable income, partially offset by a decrease in our effective tax rate to 38.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from 38.9% for the comparable period in 2009.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations. In 2010, there were no gains or losses associated with discontinued operations. Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $1.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2009 related to the terminated operations of our credit program for web and catalog retailer VENUE.

Segment Information:

Revenue. Total revenue increased $212.2 million, or 46.4%, to $669.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $457.5 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

LoyaltyOne. Revenue increased $24.2 million, or 14.5%, to $191.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate, which impacted revenue by $22.3 million. Redemption revenue in local currency decreased approximately CAD $1.6 million, although miles redeemed increased 5.8%. This was a result of a decline in the amortization of deferred revenue related to the conversion of a certain split fee to non-split fee program. As of June 30, 2010, there is a minimal amount of this deferred revenue remaining. This decline was offset by an increase in issuance revenue of CAD $3.3 million as a result of the growth in AIR MILES reward miles issued.

 

   

Epsilon. Revenue increased $14.0 million, or 11.4%, to $137.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The database/digital businesses continued their trend of double-digit organic revenue growth, increasing 14.2% as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2009. Momentum in this group continues to build as, increasingly, large multi-national companies are directing a portion of their marketing spend to Epsilon. These businesses have benefited from the number of new client signings in 2009, a trend which has continued into 2010 with two large client wins and three expansion agreements. Additionally, Abacus, which operates a larger coalition database, achieved solid revenue growth of 14.5% during the second quarter of 2010, continuing the positive trend from the first quarter of 2010. The data sector continues to show positive momentum, signifying the demand that marketers have for rich insight to drive targeted marketing initiatives.

 

   

Private Label Services and Credit. Revenue increased $186.4 million, or 118.9%, to $343.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 revenue for securitization funding costs and credit losses of $295.3 million, revenue increased $47.9 million, or 16.2%. The increase was a result of continued positive trends in portfolio growth of 20.7%, credit sales growth of 14.2% and an increase in gross yield.

 

   

Corporate/Other. Revenue decreased $10.0 million to $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 due to a decline in transition services revenue from agreements associated with the acquirers of our merchant services and utility services businesses, which were no longer in place in 2010.

 

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Adjusted EBITDA. For purposes of the discussion below, adjusted EBITDA is equal to income from continuing operations plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, merger and other costs, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA increased $84.8 million, or 69.2%, to $207.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from $122.5 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

LoyaltyOne. Adjusted EBITDA increased $20.3 million, or 53.0%, to $58.7 million and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 30.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 22.9% in the same period in 2009. The increase in 2010 was driven by the impact of a foreign exchange loss of $15.9 million in 2009 related to certain U.S. investments, as well as the impact of a favorable currency exchange rate for the current period. In local currency, excluding the impact of the foreign currency exchange loss, adjusted EBITDA decreased CAD $3.9 million. The decline in adjusted EBITDA is largely due to lower margins on AIR MILES reward miles redeemed as well as increased marketing costs due to the timing of certain marketing campaigns.

 

   

Epsilon. Adjusted EBITDA was relatively flat, increasing $0.9 million, or 2.9%, to $31.3 million but adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 22.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 24.7% in the same period in 2009. This was driven by double digit revenue growth offset by increases in payroll costs, due to an increase in headcount. This increase in employees is expected to support anticipated revenue growth in the second half of the year.

 

   

Private Label Services and Credit. Adjusted EBITDA increased $72.2 million, or 118.4%, to $133.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 while adjusted EBITDA margin decreased slightly to 38.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 38.9% in the same period in 2009. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 for funding costs of $103.6 million due to the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810, adjusted EBITDA increased $37.3 million, or 38.9%, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 38.8% from 32.5%. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin were positively impacted by the increases in our average credit card receivable balances which increased 20.7% from 2009, improvement in our gross yield and an improvement in credit losses as compared to the prior year.

 

   

Corporate/Other. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $7.0 million to a loss of $14.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, as a result of $1.6 million in severance costs and an increase in incentive compensation as compared to the second quarter of 2009. Additionally, the second quarter of 2009 was impacted by a $2.6 million non-income based tax benefit which did not reoccur in the second quarter of 2010.

 

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Results of Continuing Operations

Six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Change  
     2010     2009     $     %  
     (In thousands, except percentages)  

Revenue:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 391,201      $ 327,977      $ 63,224      19.3

Epsilon

     263,331        240,569        22,762      9.5   

Private Label Services and Credit

     682,464        345,978        336,486      97.3   

Corporate/Other

     1,153        22,466        (21,313   (94.9

Eliminations

     (4,894     —          (4,894   NM
                              

Total

   $ 1,333,255      $ 936,990      $ 396,265      42.3
                              

Adjusted EBITDA(1):

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 112,253      $ 93,233      $ 19,020      20.4

Epsilon

     58,563        52,521        6,042      11.5   

Private Label Services and Credit

     272,984        148,469        124,515      83.9   

Corporate/Other

     (30,183     (19,941     (10,242   51.4   

Eliminations

     (3,426     —          (3,426   NM
                              

Total

   $ 410,191      $ 274,282      $ 135,909      49.6
                              

Stock compensation expense:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 4,528      $ 6,281      $ (1,753   (27.9 )% 

Epsilon

     4,136        5,225        (1,089   (20.8

Private Label Services and Credit

     3,539        4,631        (1,092   (23.6

Corporate/Other

     10,818        12,520        (1,702   (13.6
                              

Total

   $ 23,021      $ 28,657      $ (5,636   (19.7 )% 
                              

Depreciation and amortization:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 12,284      $ 9,911      $ 2,373      23.9

Epsilon

     36,092        33,832        2,260      6.7   

Private Label Services and Credit

     17,021        11,931        5,090      42.7   

Corporate/Other

     3,195        4,740        (1,545   (32.6
                              

Total

   $ 68,592      $ 60,414      $ 8,178      13.5
                              

Operating income from continuing operations:

        

LoyaltyOne

   $ 95,441      $ 77,041      $ 18,400      23.9

Epsilon

     18,335        13,464        4,871      36.2   

Private Label Services and Credit

     252,424        131,907        120,517      91.4   

Corporate/Other

     (44,196     (40,213     (3,983   9.9   

Eliminations

     (3,426     —          (3,426   NM
                              

Total

   $ 318,578      $ 182,199      $ 136,379      74.9
                              

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2):

        

LoyaltyOne

     28.7     28.4     0.3  

Epsilon

     22.2        21.8        0.4     

Private Label Services and Credit

     40.0        42.9        (2.9  
                          

Total

     30.8     29.3     1.5  
                          

Segment operating data:

        

Private Label statements generated

     71,800        63,022        8,778      13.9

Credit sales

   $ 4,073,243      $ 3,492,362      $ 580,881      16.6

Average credit card receivables

   $ 5,088,590      $ 4,187,559      $ 901,031      21.5

AIR MILES reward miles issued

     2,202,768        2,108,798        93,970      4.5

AIR MILES reward miles redeemed

     1,694,264        1,543,965        150,299      9.7

 

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is equal to income from continuing operations, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, merger and other costs, depreciation and amortization. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included in this report.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. Management uses adjusted EBITDA margin to analyze the operating performance of the segments and the impact revenue growth has on operating expenses.

* Not Meaningful

 

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Consolidated Operating Results:

Revenue. Total revenue increased $396.3 million, or 42.3%, to $1.33 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $937.0 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

Transaction. Revenue decreased $43.2 million, or 22.8%, to $145.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to the following factors:

 

   

elimination of servicing fees of $36.2 million from the credit card securitization trusts, as a result of the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810. In its capacity as a servicer, each of our respective banks earns a fee from the credit card securitization trusts, to service and administer its receivables, collect payments, and charge-off uncollectible receivables. Upon consolidation of the credit card securitization trusts, this fee was eliminated;

 

   

a decrease in merchant fees, which are transaction fees charged to the retailer, of $14.5 million attributable to increases in royalty payments to our retail clients, as well as a decline in fees earned from deferred programs; and

 

   

a decline in transition services revenue of $18.9 million from agreements associated with the acquirers of our merchant services and utility services businesses, which were no longer in place in 2010.

These decreases were offset in part by increased AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees of $17.1 million due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate and growth in our AIR MILES reward miles issued. Our issuance fees, which consist of marketing and administrative services provided to sponsors, are recognized pro rata over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile. The average foreign currency exchange rate for the current year period increased to $0.97 as compared to $0.83 in the prior year period. Debt cancellation premiums received from our credit card holders increased $8.3 million resulting from higher volumes in part from the October 2009 acquisition of the Charming Shoppes credit card program.

 

   

Redemption. Revenue increased $40.2 million, or 17.8%, to $266.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate, which favorably impacted revenue by $36.8 million. Redemption revenue in local currency (Canadian dollars) increased approximately CAD $3.4 million, or 1.2%, although AIR MILES reward miles redeemed increased 9.7%. This is due to the decline in the amortization of deferred revenue related to the conversion of a certain split fee to non-split fee programs. Revenue has been recognized as these AIR MILES reward miles have been redeemed. As of June 30, 2010, there is a minimal amount of deferred revenue related to the conversion remaining.

 

   

Securitization income. Securitization income decreased $216.6 million. Upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810 and the consolidation of the credit card securitization trusts, securitization income is no longer reflected. Amounts that were previously included in this financial statement line item are now reflected in finance charges, net in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

   

Finance charges, net. Revenue increased $596.6 million to $625.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 securitization income for securitization funding costs and credit losses which totaled $266.0 million, revenue increased $114.0 million. The increase was a result of continued positive trends in portfolio growth of 21.5% and credit sales growth of 16.6%, offset in part by a slight decline in gross yield, which was 24.6% for the current period as compared to 25.9% for the prior year period.

 

   

Database marketing fees and direct marketing. Revenue increased $24.9 million, or 10.6%, to $260.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The database/digital businesses continue to build from recent client signings and expansion of services to existing clients increasing 12.2%. Our catalog business has shown positive trends for the current year as compared to the prior year. Our large catalog coalition database, Abacus, achieved solid revenue growth of 14.1% as the data sector continues to show positive momentum, signifying the demand that marketers have for rich insight to drive targeted marketing initiatives. The growth in strategic database and our catalog business was partially offset by declines in our agency business.

 

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Other revenue. Revenue decreased $5.6 million, or 13.8%, to $35.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to (1) the inclusion in 2009 of revenue from the sale of our MasterCard Incorporated class B stock, and (2) the elimination of investment revenue of $3.4 million from investments held by LoyaltyOne in the credit card securitization trusts due to their consolidation in 2010 upon adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810.

Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $70.0 million, or 10.8%, to $717.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The increase was driven by the following:

 

   

higher payroll and benefit costs in Private Label Services and Credit of $15.9 million and at Epsilon of $13.0 million due to growth in both of the segments;

 

   

increases in the cost of redemptions for the AIR MILES Reward Program of $37.2 million, driven by the increase in average foreign currency exchange rates. The cost of redemptions for the AIR MILES Reward Program in local currency increased CAD $12.4 million, or 6.6%, due to an increase in miles redeemed; and

 

   

credit card related expenses such as marketing, credit bureau and postage rose $15.5 million in the current period as compared to the prior year period due to higher volumes.

Increases in cost of operations were partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange losses of $11.8 million. In the second quarter of 2009, we recognized a foreign exchange loss of $15.9 million related to certain U.S. investments held at LoyaltyOne.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased $3.4 million, or 7.1%, to $43.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The decrease was driven by a decline in medical and benefit costs for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the prior year comparable period.

Provision for loan loss. Provision for loan loss was $184.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. In 2009, net losses were netted against securitization income. On a conformed presentation, provision for loan loss decreased $13.0 million, or 6.6%, as compared to the prior year comparable period provision for loan loss of $197.6 million. The decrease was a result of continued declines in the loss rate.

Depreciation and other amortization. Depreciation and other amortization increased $2.6 million, or 8.4%, to $32.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to capital additions including internally developed software projects placed in service during the second half of 2009 and 2010.

Amortization of purchased intangibles. Amortization of purchased intangibles increased $5.6 million, or 18.7%, to $35.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as a result of the intangible assets acquired in the October 2009 acquisition of the Charming Shoppes credit card program.

Interest expense. Total interest expense, net increased $101.2 million, or 154.7%, to $166.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $65.4 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

Securitization funding costs. Securitization funding costs were $85.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. In 2009, these costs were netted against securitization income and totaled $68.4 million. Increases in securitization funding costs are due to increased borrowings from the growth in the portfolio as compared to June 30, 2009, and the amortization of securitized fees.

 

   

Interest expense on certificates of deposit. Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $3.0 million to $16.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $13.2 million for the comparable period in 2009 due to higher average balances offset in part by a decline in interest rates.

 

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Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net. Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net increased $12.9 million, or 24.7%, to $65.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $52.2 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase in interest expense resulted from a $9.9 million increase in the amortization of the discount associated with our convertible senior notes, an increase of $1.3 million for our credit facilities due to higher average balances and the amortization of debt issuance costs of $1.2 million.

Merger costs (reimbursements). In 2010, there were no merger costs or reimbursements. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we received a reimbursement of $0.5 million from costs associated with our proposed merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group. We do not anticipate any future costs associated with the proposed merger.

Taxes. Income tax expense increased $12.7 million, or 28.0%, to $58.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $45.4 million for the comparable period in 2009 due to an increase in taxable income, partially offset by a decrease in our effective tax rate to 38.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 from 38.8% for the comparable period in 2009.

Income (Loss) from discontinued operations. In 2010, there were no gains or losses associated with discontinued operations. Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $14.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2009 related to the sale of the remaining portion of our utility services business, offset by income from the terminated operations of our credit program for web and catalog retailer VENUE.

Segment Information:

Revenue. Total revenue increased $396.3 million, or 42.3%, to $1.33 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $937.0 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

LoyaltyOne. Revenue increased $63.2 million, or 19.3%, to $391.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to a favorable foreign currency exchange rate. The average foreign currency exchange rate for the current year period increased to $0.97 as compared to $0.83 in the prior year period, which favorably impacted revenue by $53.2 million. In local currency (Canadian dollars), revenue increased approximately CAD $7.1 million, or 1.8%. Although redemption revenue increased CAD $3.4 million, or 1.2%, miles redeemed increased 9.7%. This was a result of a decline in the amortization of deferred revenue related to the conversion of a certain split fee to non-split fee program as the AIR MILES reward miles acquired have been redeemed. As of June 30, 2010, there is a minimal amount of this deferred revenue remaining. Issuance revenue in local currency also increased $6.4 million as AIR MILES reward miles issued grew 4.5%. As 2010 progresses, we expect AIR MILES reward miles issued to continue to return to a growth rate of 7% – 8%, consistent with historical growth periods.

 

   

Epsilon. Revenue increased $22.8 million, or 9.5%, to $263.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The database/digital businesses continued their trend of double-digit organic revenue growth, increasing 12.2% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009. Momentum in this group continues to build as, increasingly, large multi-national companies are directing a portion of their marketing spend to Epsilon. These businesses have benefited from the number of client signings in 2009 which has continued into 2010 with two large client wins and three expansion agreements. Our large catalog coalition database, Abacus, achieved solid revenue growth of 14.1% during the six months ended June 30, 2010, continuing the positive trend from the first quarter of 2010. The data sector continues to show positive momentum, signifying the demand that marketers have for rich insight to drive targeted marketing initiatives. The growth in strategic database and our catalog business was partially offset by declines in our agency business.

 

   

Private Label Services and Credit. Revenue increased $336.5 million, or 97.3%, to $682.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 revenue for

 

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securitization funding costs and credit losses which totaled $612.0 million, revenue increased $70.5 million, or 11.5%. The increase was a result of continued positive trends in portfolio growth of 21.5% and credit sales growth of 16.6%. The increase was in part mitigated by a slight decline in gross yield, which was 24.6% for the current period as compared to 25.9% for the prior period. Gross yields dipped temporarily in February 2010 upon the implementation of certain provisions of the CARD Act. However, the March 2010 implementation of new cardholder terms returned gross yields to historic levels, where they are anticipated to remain.

 

   

Corporate/Other. Revenue decreased $21.3 million to $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 due to a decline of $18.9 million in transition services revenue from agreements associated with the acquirers of our merchant services and utility services businesses, which were no longer in place in 2010.

Adjusted EBITDA. For purposes of the discussion below, adjusted EBITDA is equal to income from continuing operations plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, merger and other costs, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA increased $135.9 million, or 49.6%, to $410.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from $274.3 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to the following:

 

   

LoyaltyOne. Adjusted EBITDA increased $19.0 million, or 20.4%, to $112.3 million and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 28.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 28.4% in the same period in 2009. The increase in 2010 was driven by the impact of a foreign exchange loss of $15.9 million in the second quarter of 2009 related to certain U.S. investments, as well as the impact of a favorable currency exchange. In local currency, excluding the impact of the foreign currency exchange loss, adjusted EBITDA decreased CAD $12.5 million. The decline in adjusted EBITDA is largely due to lower margins on AIR MILES reward miles redeemed as well as increased marketing costs due to the timing of certain marketing campaigns.

 

   

Epsilon. Adjusted EBITDA increased $6.0 million, or 11.5%, to $58.6 million and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 22.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 21.8% in the same period in 2009. This was driven by revenue growth of 9.5%, offset by increases in payroll costs due to an increase in headcount. This increase in employees is expected to support anticipated revenue growth in the second half of the year.

 

   

Private Label Services and Credit. Adjusted EBITDA increased $124.5 million, or 83.9%, to $273.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 while adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 40.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to 42.9% in the same period in 2009. On a conformed presentation, adjusting 2009 for funding costs of $197.6 million due to the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810, adjusted EBITDA increased $56.1 million, or 25.9%, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 40.0% from 35.4%. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin were positively impacted by the increases in our average credit card receivable balances which increased 21.5% from 2009, increases in our credit sales which increased 16.6% from 2009 and an improvement in credit losses as compared to the prior year.

 

   

Corporate/Other. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $10.2 million to a loss of $30.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 related to $2.6 million in severance costs and an increase in incentive compensation as compared to the prior year period. Also, the second quarter of 2009 was impacted by a $2.6 million non-income based tax benefit which did not reoccur in 2010.

Asset Quality

Our delinquency and net charge-off rates reflect, among other factors, the credit risk of our private label credit card receivables, the average age of our various private label credit card account portfolios, the success of our collection and recovery efforts, and general economic conditions. The average age of our private label credit

 

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card portfolio affects the stability of delinquency and loss rates of the portfolio. We continue to focus resources on refining our credit underwriting standards for new accounts and on collections and post charge-off recovery efforts to minimize net losses.

An older private label credit card portfolio generally drives a more stable performance in the portfolio. At June 30, 2010, 63.4% of our accounts with balances and 64.4% of receivables were for accounts with origination dates greater than 24 months old. At June 30, 2009, 63.2% of our accounts with balances and 62.8% of receivables were for accounts with origination dates greater than 24 months old.

Delinquencies. A credit card account is contractually delinquent if we do not receive the minimum payment by the specified due date on the cardholder’s statement. When an account becomes delinquent, we print a message on the cardholder’s billing statement requesting payment. After an account becomes 30 days past due, a proprietary collection scoring algorithm automatically scores the risk of the account rolling to a more delinquent status. The collection system then recommends a collection strategy for the past due account based on the collection score and account balance and dictates the contact schedule and collections priority for the account. If we are unable to make a collection after exhausting all in-house efforts, we engage collection agencies and outside attorneys to continue those efforts.

The following table presents the delinquency trends of our credit card portfolio:

 

     June 30,
2010
   % of
total
    December 31,
2009
   % of
total
 
     (In thousands, except percentages)  

Receivables outstanding—principal

   $ 4,816,039    100   $ 5,332,777    100

Principal receivables balances contractually delinquent:

          

31 to 60 days

     86,200    1.8        97,024    1.8   

61 to 90 days

     60,197    1.2        70,423    1.3   

91 or more days

     115,816    2.4        157,449    3.0   
                          

Total

   $ 262,213    5.4   $ 324,896    6.1
                          

Net Charge-Offs. Net charge-offs comprise the principal amount of losses from cardholders unwilling or unable to pay their account balances, as well as bankrupt and deceased cardholders, less current period recoveries. The following table presents our net charge-offs for the periods indicated. Average credit card receivables represents the average balance of the cardholder receivables at the beginning of each month in the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Average credit card receivables

   $ 4,992,034      $ 4,136,726      $ 5,088,590      $ 4,187,559   

Net charge-offs

   $ 112,424        103,558        234,690        197,547   

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card receivables (annualized)

     9.0     10.0     9.2     9.4

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities. We have historically generated cash flows from operations, although that amount may vary based on fluctuations in working capital and the timing of merchant settlement activity. Our operating cash flow is seasonal, with cash utilization peaking at the end of December due to increased activity in our Private Label Services and Credit segment related to holiday retail sales.

We generated cash flow from operating activities of $446.5 million and $213.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows was due to increased

 

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profitability, including non-cash charges to income such as an increase of $184.6 million in the provision for loan loss as a result of the consolidation of the credit card securitization trusts. We also generated positive operating cash flow of $33.5 million from increases in working capital, including the timing of payments for other assets. Also impacting cash flow from operations was amounts due from trusts. In 2009, the amounts due from the trusts were included in other assets and resulted in a use of cash as amounts increased during the period. In 2010, with the consolidation of the securitization trusts upon the adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810, amounts due from the securitization trusts were eliminated. We utilize our cash flow from operations for ongoing business operations, acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities was $184.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. Cash used by investing activities was $249.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Significant components of investing activities are as follows:

 

   

Credit Card Receivables Funding. Cash increased $276.4 million due to a decline in receivables from the seasonal pay down of our credit card receivables.

 

   

Cash Collateral, Restricted. Cash decreased $95.1 million due to increased funding in our credit card securitization trusts’ cash collateral accounts.

 

   

Capital Expenditures. Our capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were $31.5 million compared to $24.2 million for the comparable period in 2009. We anticipate capital expenditures to be approximately 3% of annual revenue for the foreseeable future.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $674.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to $8.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Our financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2010 relate primarily to borrowings and repayments of debt, including certificates of deposit and asset-backed securities debt, and repurchases of common stock.

Adoption of ASC 860 and ASC 810. The consolidation of the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust resulted in $81.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, 2010, which is shown separately from operating, financing and investing activities.

Liquidity Sources. In addition to cash generated from operating activities, our primary sources of liquidity include our securitization program, certificates of deposit issued by WFNNB, WFCB, our credit facility and issuances of equity securities.

In addition to our efforts to renew and expand our current facilities, we continue to seek new sources of liquidity. We have also expanded our brokered certificates of deposit to supplement liquidity for our credit card receivables.

We believe that internally generated funds and other sources of liquidity discussed above will be sufficient to meet working capital needs, capital expenditures, and other business requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Securitization Program. Since January 1996, we have sold a majority of the credit card receivables originated by WFNNB to WFN Credit Company, LLC and WFN Funding Company II, LLC, which in turn sold them to the WFN Trusts as part of our securitization program. In September 2008, we initiated a securitization program for the credit card receivables originated by WFCB, selling them to World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC which in turn sold them to the WFC Trust. These securitization programs are the primary vehicle through which we finance WFNNB’s and WFCB’s credit card receivables.

Historically, we have used both public and private asset-backed securities term transactions as well as private conduit facilities as sources of funding for our credit card receivables. Private conduit facilities have been used to accommodate seasonality needs and to bridge to completion of asset-backed securitization transactions.

 

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We have secured and continue to secure the necessary commitments to fund our portfolio of securitized credit card receivables originated by WFNNB and WFCB. However, certain of these commitments are short-term in nature and subject to renewal. There is not a guarantee that these funding sources, when they mature, will be renewed on similar terms or at all based on recent unsuitable volumes and pricing levels in the asset-backed securitization markets.

As of June 30, 2010, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust had approximately $4.3 billion of securitized credit card receivables. Securitizations require credit enhancements in the form of cash, spread deposits and additional receivables. The credit enhancement is principally based on the outstanding balances of the series issued by the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust and by the performance of the private label credit cards in these securitization trusts.

In March 2010, Master Trust II issued $100.8 million of term asset-backed securities to investors. The offering consisted of $65.0 million of Class A Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 4.2% per year, $9.8 million of Class M Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.3% per year, $6.6 million of Class B Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 6.3% per year, $11.6 million of Class C Series 2010-1 asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 7.0% per year and $7.8 million of Class D Series 2010-1 zero-coupon notes which were retained by us. The Class A notes will mature in November 2012, the Class M notes will mature in December 2012, the Class B notes will mature in January 2013, the Class C notes will mature in February 2013 and the Class D notes will mature in March 2013. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts, the Class D Series 2010-1 notes are eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

At June 30, 2010, we had $3.4 billion of asset-backed securities debt — owed to securitization investors, of which $253.6 million is due within the next 12 months.

In July 2010, Master Trust I issued $450.0 million of term asset-backed securities to investors in a public offering. The offering consisted of $355.5 million of Class A Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 3.96% per year, $16.9 million of Class M Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.2% per year, $21.4 million of Class B Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 6.75% per year and $56.2 million of Class C Series 2010-A asset-backed notes that have a fixed interest rate of 5.0% per year. The Class A, Class M, Class B and Class C notes will all mature in June 2015. The Class C Series 2010-A notes were retained by us. With the consolidation of the WFN Trusts, the Class C Series 2010-A notes are eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

During the first quarter of 2010, we renewed our $550.0 million 2009-VFC1 conduit facility under Master Trust III, extending the maturity to September 30, 2011.

During the second quarter of 2010, we renewed our $1.2 billion 2009-VFN conduit facility under Master Trust I, extending the maturity to June 23, 2011, and our $275.0 million 2009-VFN conduit facility under the WFC Trust, extending the maturity to June 3, 2011.

Debt

On June 18, 2010, we amended our $750.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility to clarify the application of ASC 860 and ASC 810 and the calculation of covenant compliance.

On June 18, 2010, we amended our term loan agreement to clarify the application of ASC 860 and ASC 810 and the calculation of covenant compliance. In addition, the amendment removed the prepayments that were required beginning June 30, 2010 and now provides that principal payments be paid at maturity, March 30, 2012.

 

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On August 6, 2010, we, as borrower, and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., ADS Foreign Holdings, Inc., Alliance Data Foreign Holdings, Inc., Epsilon Marketing Services, LLC and Epsilon Data Management, LLC, as guarantors, entered into a term loan agreement, or 2010 Term Loan, with the Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent, and various other agents and banks. The 2010 Term Loan is an unsecured loan in the amount of $200.0 million with the option, up to sixty days after the closing date, to increase the amount by $100.0 million up to a total loan amount of $300.0 million. We borrowed $221.0 million on August 6, 2010, and $79.0 million remains available on the option to increase. The proceeds were used to refinance existing indebtedness. Amounts borrowed under the 2010 Term Loan are scheduled to mature on March 30, 2012.

As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with our financial covenants. See Note 8, “Debt,” of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our debt.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Our primary market risks include interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and redemption reward risk.

There has been no material change from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 related to our exposure to market risk from interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and redemption reward risk.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2010, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of June 30, 2010 (the end of our second fiscal quarter), our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “project” and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on our management’s beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and Item 1A. of Part II of this Quarterly Report.

 

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If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

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PART II

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time we are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business that we believe will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, including claims and lawsuits alleging breaches of our contractual obligations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 or our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, may adversely impact our business.

The recently enacted Dodd-Frank Act institutes a wide range of reforms that will have an impact on all financial institutions, including WFNNB and WFCB. It covers changes to the deposit insurance and financial regulatory systems, enhanced bank capital requirements, new regulations to protect consumers in financial transactions, and the creation of a new federal agency to administer and enforce consumer and fair lending laws. The Dodd-Frank Act also includes enhanced corporate governance and executive compensation standards and disclosures for public companies. The federal preemption of state consumer financial laws currently accorded federally chartered depository institutions will be reduced as well.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires a study by the Comptroller General of the United States to determine whether to eliminate the exceptions to the definition of “bank” under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 for credit card banks, industrial loan companies, trust companies and savings and loan associations; the results of the study must be submitted to Congress within 18 months after the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. Any subsequent legislation eliminating the exception for credit card banks and industrial loan companies could adversely impact us.

The Dodd-Frank Act will also increase the regulation of the securitization markets by, among other things, requiring securitizers and originators to retain an economic interest in a portion of the credit risk for any asset that they securitize or originate and giving broader powers to the SEC to regulate credit rating agencies and adopt regulations governing these organizations and their activities. The effect of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations is uncertain at this time, but it may impact our ability and desire to issue asset-backed securities in the future.

Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act require the adoption of regulations to implement. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act mandates multiple studies, which could result in additional legislative or regulatory action. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business and operations will not be discernible until regulations implementing the statute are written and adopted. New requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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

On January 27, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to $275.1 million of our outstanding common stock, from February 5, 2010 through December 31, 2010, subject to any restrictions under the terms of our credit agreement or otherwise.

 

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The following table presents information with respect to those purchases of our common stock made during the three months ended June 30, 2010:

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(2)
                    (In millions)

During 2010:

           

April 1-30

   1,358    $ 70.74    —      $ 260.6

May 1-31

   1,787      71.70    —        260.6

June 1-30

   189,499      60.33    188,000      249.3
                       

Total

   192,644    $ 60.51    188,000    $ 249.3
                       

 

(1)

During the period represented by the table, 4,644 shares of our common stock were purchased by the administrator of our 401(k) and Retirement Saving Plan for the benefit of the employees who participated in that portion of the plan.

(2)

On January 27, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to $275.1 million of our outstanding common stock, from February 5, 2010 through December 31, 2010, subject to any restrictions under the terms of our credit agreement or otherwise.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved).

 

Item 5. Other Information.

(a) None

(b) None

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits:

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

       3.1    Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2000, File No. 333-94623).
       3.2    Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2000, File No. 333-94623).
       3.3    First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 4, 2001, File No. 333-94623).
       3.4    Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2002, File No. 001-15749).
       3.5    Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2009, File No. 001-15749).
       3.6    Fourth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 11, 2009, File No. 001-15749).
       4    Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2003, File No. 001-15749).
     10.1    Sixth Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2010, by and between WFN Credit Company, LLC and World Financial Network National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 9, 2010, File No. 001-15749).
     10.2    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2010, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation and certain subsidiaries parties thereto as Guarantors, Bank of Montreal, as Administrative Agent and various other agents and banks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 21, 2010, File No. 001-15749).
     10.3    First Amendment to Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2010, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation and certain subsidiaries parties thereto as Guarantors, Bank of Montreal, as Administrative Agent and various other agents and banks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 21, 2010, File No. 001-15749).
     10.4    Supplemental Indenture No. 4 to Master Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2010, between World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and WFN Credit Company, LLC on June 30, 2010, File Nos. 333-113669 and 333-60418).

 

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Exhibit No.

 

Description

     10.5   Form of Series 2010-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of July 8, 2010, between World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and WFN Credit Company, LLC on July 7, 2010, File Nos. 333-113669 and 333-60418).
     10.6   Seventh Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2010, among World Financial Network National Bank, WFN Credit Company, LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by World Financial network Credit Card Master Note Trust and WFN Credit Company, LLC on June 30, 2010, File Nos. 333-113669 and 333-60418).
     10.7   First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2010, between World Financial Network National Bank and WFN Credit Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by World Financial network Credit Card Master Note Trust and WFN Credit Company, LLC on June 30, 2010, File Nos. 333-113669 and 333-60418).
     10.8   Seventh Amendment to Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2010, among World Financial Network National Bank, WFN Credit Company, LLC, and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by World Financial network Credit Card Master Note Trust and WFN Credit Company, LLC on June 30, 2010, File Nos. 333-113669 and 333-60418).
   *10.9   Amended and Restated Series 2009-VFN Indenture Supplement, dated as of June 24, 2010, between World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
   *10.10   Amended and Restated Series 2009-VFN Indenture Supplement, dated as of June 4, 2010, between World Financial Capital Master Note Trust and U.S. Bank National Association.
   *10.11   Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2010, between World Financial Capital Bank and World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC.
   *10.12   Amendment No. 1 to Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2010, among World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC, World Financial Capital Bank and World Financial Capital Master Note Trust.
   *10.13   Lease Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2010, between Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc.
   *31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   *31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   *32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
   *32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

*101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
*101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith
+ Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/    EDWARD J. HEFFERNAN        

  Edward J. Heffernan
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 9, 2010

 

By:  

/s/    CHARLES L. HORN        

  Charles L. Horn
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 9, 2010

 

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