10-Q 1 d35744e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
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 March 31, 2006
OR
o
  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.)
 
17655 Waterview Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75252
(Address of Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)
 
(972) 348-5100
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
 
 
 
 
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  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ     Accelerated filer  o     Non-accelerated filer o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
As of May 1, 2006, 81,212,893 shares of common stock were outstanding.
 


 

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
INDEX
 
                 
        Page
        Number
 
         
  Financial Statements (unaudited)    
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006   3
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006   4
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006   5
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   6
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   15
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   25
  Controls and Procedures   25
  Legal Proceedings   26
  Risk Factors   26
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   26
  Defaults Upon Senior Securities   26
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   26
  Other Information   26
  Exhibits   27
  28
 Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)
 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)


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PART I
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements
 
ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    December 31,
    March 31,
 
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands, except
 
    per share amounts)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 143,213     $ 256,828  
Due from card associations
    58,416       13,950  
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($2,079 and $1,849 at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively)
    203,883       195,814  
Seller’s interest and credit card receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($38,415 and $39,274 at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively)
    479,108       428,963  
Deferred tax asset, net
    70,221       70,221  
Other current assets
    87,612       102,738  
                 
Total current assets
    1,042,453       1,068,514  
Redemption settlement assets, restricted
    260,963       266,394  
Property and equipment, net
    162,972       169,927  
Due from securitizations
    271,256       223,662  
Intangible assets, net
    265,000       252,180  
Goodwill
    858,470       866,914  
Other non-current assets
    64,968       60,311  
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,926,082     $ 2,907,902  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 67,384     $ 72,336  
Accrued expenses
    198,707       156,325  
Merchant settlement obligations
    127,038       97,335  
Certificates of deposit
    342,600       253,100  
Credit facilities and other debt, current
    235,843       305,775  
Other current liabilities
    76,999       78,887  
                 
Total current liabilities
    1,048,571       963,758  
Deferred tax liability, net
    62,847       59,662  
Deferred revenue
    610,533       618,786  
Certificates of deposit
    36,500       25,100  
Long-term and other debt
    222,001       257,194  
Other liabilities
    24,523       11,992  
                 
Total liabilities
    2,004,975       1,936,492  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 200,000 shares; issued 84,765 shares and 85,449 shares at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively
    848       854  
Unearned compensation
    (14,504 )      
Additional paid-in capital
    743,545       753,138  
Treasury stock, at cost (4,360 shares and 5,030 shares at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively)
    (154,952 )     (184,587 )
Retained earnings
    338,081       394,502  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    8,089       7,503  
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    921,107       971,410  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,926,082     $ 2,907,902  
                 
 
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
 
    March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands, except
 
    per share amounts)  
 
Revenues
               
Transaction
  $ 142,964     $ 164,019  
Redemption
    62,667       78,948  
Securitization income and finance charges, net
    114,464       160,879  
Database marketing fees
    44,870       54,289  
Other revenue
    10,910       19,096  
                 
Total revenue
    375,875       477,231  
Operating expenses
               
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)
    264,157       330,319  
General and administrative
    24,299       19,966  
Depreciation and other amortization
    15,329       15,217  
Amortization of purchased intangibles
    9,841       12,321  
                 
Total operating expenses
    313,626       377,823  
Operating income
    62,249       99,408  
Interest expense, net
    2,761       8,537  
                 
Income before income taxes
    59,488       90,871  
Provision for income taxes
    22,306       34,450  
                 
Net income
  $ 37,182     $ 56,421  
                 
Net income per share — basic
  $ 0.45     $ 0.70  
                 
Net income per share — diluted
  $ 0.43     $ 0.69  
                 
Weighted average shares — basic
    82,329       80,065  
                 
Weighted average shares — diluted
    85,713       81,667  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                 
    Three months ended
 
    March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 37,182     $ 56,421  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    10,339       12,053  
Amortization
    14,831       15,485  
Deferred income taxes
    (2,037 )     (3,294 )
Provision for doubtful accounts
    648       3,557  
Non-cash stock compensation
    1,444       7,304  
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Change in trade accounts receivable
    11,890       20,057  
Change in merchant settlement activity
    (5,974 )     14,763  
Change in other assets
    6,324       (12,075 )
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (5,712 )     (32,334 )
Change in deferred revenue
    6,045       10,935  
Change in other liabilities
    3,574       (19,664 )
Tax benefit of stock option exercises
    6,961        
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
          (4,412 )
Other
    (4,856 )     1,980  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    80,659       70,776  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Change in redemption settlement assets
    (2,401 )     (6,156 )
Payments for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
    (2,322 )     (36,124 )
Net decrease in seller’s interest and credit card receivables
    53,584       56,269  
Change in due from securitizations
    46,064       52,170  
Capital expenditures
    (11,905 )     (20,397 )
Other
    319       404  
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    83,339       46,166  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Borrowings under debt agreements
    163,575       465,323  
Repayment of borrowings
    (201,575 )     (359,000 )
Certificate of deposit issuances
          20,000  
Repayments of certificates of deposits
    (59,200 )     (120,900 )
Payment of capital lease obligations
    (1,890 )     (2,093 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
          4,412  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    7,527       14,544  
Purchase of treasury shares
          (25,633 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (91,563 )     (3,347 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (144 )     20  
                 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
    72,291       113,615  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    84,409       143,213  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 156,700     $ 256,828  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:  
               
Interest paid
  $ 2,903     $ 8,081  
                 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
  $ 18,957     $ 32,548  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
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, 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/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
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 the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts, including marketing service revenue, have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications have no impact on previously reported net income.
 
2.   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
 
    March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
Numerator
               
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 37,182     $ 56,421  
                 
Denominator
               
Weighted average shares, basic
    82,329       80,065  
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
               
Net effect of unvested restricted stock
    370       224  
Net effect of dilutive stock options
    3,014       1,378  
                 
Denominator for diluted calculation
    85,713       81,667  
                 
Basic
               
Net income per share
  $ 0.45     $ 0.70  
                 
Diluted
               
Net income per share
  $ 0.43     $ 0.69  
                 


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
3.   ACQUISITIONS
 
In February 2006, the Company acquired Toronto-based iCom Information & Communications, Inc. (“ICOM”), a leading provider of targeted list, marketing data and communications solutions for the pharmaceutical industry in North America. Total consideration paid was approximately $35.6 million as of the closing date, including approximately $3.5 million which was placed in escrow for a period of up to 18 months to satisfy potential working capital adjustments and indemnification claims. As a result of this acquisition, the Company acquired approximately $10.8 million of customer contracts and $2.3 million of capitalized software. The results of operations for ICOM have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in our Marketing Services segment.
 
In April 2006, the Company acquired DoubleClick Email Solutions, one of the largest permission-based email marketing service providers, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Total consideration paid was approximately $90.0 million.
 
4.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

  Intangible Assets
 
Intangible assets consist of the following:
 
                             
    March 31, 2006      
    Gross
    Accumulated
           
    Assets     Amortization     Net     Amortization Life and Method
    (in thousands)      
 
Customer contracts and lists
  $ 254,511     $ (82,416 )   $ 172,095     2-20 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios
    65,643       (16,680 )     48,963     5-10 years—straight line
or accelerated
Collector database
    59,934       (42,835 )     17,099     15%—declining balance
Tradename
    12,350             12,350     Indefinite life
Noncompete agreements
    2,400       (1,590 )     810     3-5 years—straight line
Favorable lease
    1,000       (137 )     863     4 years—straight line
                             
Total intangible assets
  $ 395,838     $ (143,658 )   $ 252,180      
                             
 
                             
    December 31, 2005      
    Gross
    Accumulated
           
    Assets     Amortization     Net     Amortization Life and Method
    (in thousands)      
 
Customer contracts and lists
  $ 243,906     $ (73,766 )   $ 170,140     2-20 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios
    77,529       (14,700 )     62,829     5-10 years—straight line
Collector database
    60,186       (42,292 )     17,894     15%—declining balance
Tradename
    12,350             12,350     Indefinite life
Noncompete agreements
    2,400       (1,545 )     855     3-5 years—straight line
Favorable lease
    1,000       (68 )     932     4 years—straight line
                             
Total intangible assets
  $ 397,371     $ (132,371 )   $ 265,000      
                             


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

4.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL — (Continued)
 
 
  Goodwill
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2006 are as follows:
 
                                 
    Transaction
    Credit
    Marketing
       
    Services     Services     Services     Total  
          (in thousands)        
 
Beginning balance
  $ 335,419     $     $ 523,051     $ 858,470  
Goodwill acquired during the period
                9,850       9,850  
Effects of foreign currency translation
    (44 )           (1,025 )     (1,069 )
Other, primarily final purchase price adjustments
    (452 )           115       (337 )
                                 
Ending balance
  $ 334,923     $     $ 531,991     $ 866,914  
                                 
 
5.   DEBT

Debt consists of the following:
 
                 
    December 31,
    March 31,
 
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
Certificates of deposit
  $ 379,100     $ 278,200  
Credit facilities
    441,000       547,124  
Other
    16,844       15,845  
                 
      836,944       841,169  
Less: current portion
    (578,443 )     (558,875 )
                 
Long-term portion
  $ 258,501     $ 282,294  
                 
 
As of March 31, 2006, the certificates of deposit had effective annual fixed rates ranging from 4.2% to 5.0%, and the credit facilities had a weighted average interest rate of 6.0%.
 
During January 2006, the Company entered into an additional credit agreement to increase its borrowing capacity by an incremental $300.0 million. The principal amount of all outstanding loans under this credit agreement, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, are due and payable on June 30, 2006, unless otherwise paid earlier pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement. This credit agreement includes usual and customary negative covenants for credit agreements of this type. Payment of amounts due under this credit agreement are secured by guaranties, pledges of the ownership interests of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and pledges of certain intercompany promissory notes. On January 5, 2006, the Company borrowed $300.0 million under this credit agreement, which it is using for general corporate purposes, including other debt repayment, repurchases of its common stock in connection with its stock repurchase program, mergers and acquisitions, and working capital expenditures. The Company anticipates refinancing this facility prior to June 30, 2006.
 
On April 6, 2006, the Company amended its 364-day facility to extend the maturity date from April 6, 2006 to April 5, 2007.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
6.   DEFERRED REVENUE
 
A reconciliation of deferred revenue for the AIR MILES Reward Program® is as follows:
 
                         
    Deferred Revenue  
    Service     Redemption     Total  
    (in thousands)  
 
December 31, 2005
  $ 184,899     $ 425,634     $ 610,533  
Cash proceeds
    28,463       54,505       82,968  
Revenue recognized
    (24,544 )     (47,738 )     (72,282 )
Effects of foreign currency translation
    (820 )     (1,613 )     (2,433 )
                         
March 31, 2006
  $ 187,998     $ 430,788     $ 618,786  
                         
 
7.   INCOME TAXES
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company has utilized an effective tax rate of 37.9% to calculate its provision for income taxes. In accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, this effective tax rate is the Company’s expected annual effective tax rate for calendar year 2006 based on all known variables.
 
8.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The components of comprehensive income, net of tax effect, are as follows:
 
                 
    Three months ended
 
    March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
Net income
  $ 37,182     $ 56,421  
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale
    (232 )     (81 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1)
    (128 )     (505 )
                 
Total comprehensive income
  $ 36,822     $ 55,835  
                 
 
 
(1) Primarily related to the impact of changes in the Canadian currency exchange rate.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
9.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Consistent with prior periods, the Company classifies its businesses into three segments: Transaction Services, Credit Services and Marketing Services.
 
                                         
    Transaction
    Credit
    Marketing
    Other/
       
    Services     Services     Services     Elimination     Total  
    (in thousands)  
 
Three months ended March 31, 2005
                                       
Revenues
  $ 167,744     $ 151,417     $ 137,356     $ (80,642 )   $ 375,875  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    20,113       47,435       21,315             88,863  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,715       1,949       8,506             25,170  
Stock compensation expense
    481       481       482             1,444  
Operating income
    4,917       45,005       12,327             62,249  
Interest expense, net
                      2,761       2,761  
Income before income taxes
    4,917       45,005       12,327       (2,761 )     59,488  
Three months ended March 31, 2006
                                       
Revenues
  $ 191,692     $ 199,131     $ 176,542     $ (90,134 )   $ 477,231  
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
    28,626       78,769       26,855             134,250  
Depreciation and amortization
    13,546       2,531       11,461             27,538  
Stock compensation expense
    3,074       1,089       3,141             7,304  
Operating income
    12,006       75,149       12,253             99,408  
Interest expense, net
                      8,537       8,537  
Income before income taxes
    12,006       75,149       12,253       (8,537 )     90,871  
 
 
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is presented in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS No. 131”) as it is the primary performance metric by which senior management is evaluated.
 
10.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of, and accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) which supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”). Under the fair value recognition provisions, stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The Company elected the modified prospective method, under which prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes. The valuation provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to new grants and to grants that were outstanding as of the effective date and are subsequently modified. Estimated compensation for grants that were outstanding as of the effective date will be recognized over the remaining service period using the compensation expense estimated for the SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”) pro forma disclosures, as adjusted for forfeitures.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

10.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — (Continued)
 
 
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 respectively, is as follows:
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
Cost of operations
  $     $ 6,207  
General and administrative
    1,444       1,097  
                 
Total
  $ 1,444     $ 7,304  
                 
 
As the amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the amount recognized in the Company’s results of operations has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on the Company’s historical experience. Prior to adoption, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred in accordance with APB No. 25. As a result of the change in accounting principle, the Company recognized a reduction of stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million, net of tax.
 
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25. Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense for employee stock options was recognized in the Company’s results of operations as the exercise price equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s prior year financial statements have not been restated to reflect the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The following table sets forth the pro forma amounts of net income and net income per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2005, that would have resulted if the Company had accounted for the stock-based awards under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123:
 
         
    March 31, 2005  
    (in thousands, except
 
    per share amounts)  
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 37,182  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    902  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all stock option awards, net of related tax effects
    (3,926 )
         
Net income, pro forma
  $ 34,158  
         
Net income per share:
       
Basic-as reported
  $ 0.45  
Basic-pro forma
  $ 0.41  
Diluted-as reported
  $ 0.43  
Diluted-pro forma
  $ 0.40  
 
As of March 31, 2006, there was $71.7 million of unrecognized expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested, stock-based equity awards granted to employees, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

10.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — (Continued)
 
 
Stock Options
 
Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock. Options typically vest ratably over three years and expire ten years after the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006:
 
         
    March 31,
    2005   2006
 
Expected dividend yield
   
Risk-free interest rate
  2.94%—4.76%   4.53%—4.65%
Expected life of options (years)
  6.4   7.1
Assumed volatility
  28.8%—43.6%   31.9%—37.0%
Weighted average grant date fair value
  $16.73   $18.33
 
The following table sets forth the summary of option activity under the Company’s stock option program for the three months ended March 31, 2006:
 
                                 
    Outstanding     Exercisable  
          Weighted Average
          Weighted Average
 
    Options     Exercise Price     Options     Exercise Price  
    (options in thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
    6,680     $ 27.19       3,319     $ 18.01  
Granted
    601       43.12                  
Exercised
    (662 )     19.92                  
Cancelled
    (121 )     37.44                  
                                 
Balance at March 31, 2006
    6,498     $ 29.28       3,581     $ 22.62  
                                 
 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2006 was approximately $16.8 million.
 
The following table summarizes information concerning both outstanding and exercisable stock options at March 31, 2006:
 
                                         
    Outstanding     Exercisable  
          Remaining
    Weighted
          Weighted
 
          Contractual
    Average
          Average
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  Options     Life (Years)     Exercise Price     Options     Exercise Price  
    (options in thousands)  
 
$ 9.00 to $12.00
    886       4.0     $ 11.07       886     $ 11.07  
$12.01 to $15.00
    900       4.9     $ 14.95       900     $ 14.95  
$15.01 to $22.00
    72       6.6     $ 18.69       59     $ 18.30  
$22.01 to $29.00
    918       7.2     $ 24.18       508     $ 24.15  
$29.01 to $39.00
    1,232       8.0     $ 32.05       654     $ 31.55  
$39.01 to $47.00
    2,490       9.1     $ 41.76       574     $ 41.43  
                                         
      6,498                       3,581          
                                         


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

10.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — (Continued)
 
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable as of March 31, 2006 was approximately $113.6 million and $84.6 million, respectively.
 
Restricted Stock
 
During the first quarter of 2006, the Company has awarded both time-based and performance-based restricted stock units. Fair value of the restricted stock is estimated on the date of grant. In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), the Company will recognize the estimated stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures; over the applicable service period.
 
Time-based restricted stock awards typically vest ratably over a three year period. Performance-based restricted stock awards vest if specified performance measures tied to the Company’s financial performance are met. Additionally, the vesting provisions of 86,314 performance-based restricted stock unit awards issued in 2006 to eight employees were modified in March 2006. The vesting provisions, which were dependent on the Company’s cash earnings per share (“EPS”) growth as compared to the S&P 500 EPS growth rate, were modified such that under the new terms, the vesting provisions are dependent on the Company’s year-over-year cash EPS growth. The number of shares that vest may range from 0 to 200%. A minimum cash EPS growth rate of 10% is necessary for the minimum 50% vesting, 18% cash EPS growth for a 100% vesting, and 36% cash EPS growth (or more) for a maximum 200% vesting. The modification had no impact on the fair value of the award; however, it did result in a change in estimate of the most likely outcome of the number of shares to vest. The incremental stock-based compensation expense recorded as a result in the change in estimate was not material at March 31, 2006.
 
                         
    Performance-
    Time-
       
    Based     Based     Total  
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
          469,840       469,840  
Shares granted
    242,015       513,647       755,662  
Shares vested
    (8,100 )     (20,553 )     (28,653 )
Shares cancelled
    (6,847 )     (8,771 )     (15,618 )
                         
Balance at March 31, 2006
    227,068       954,163       1,181,231  
                         
 
The weighted average grant-date fair value per share was $43.65 for restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2006.
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
The Company has an Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which provides for three month offering periods, commencing on the first trading day of each calendar quarter and ending on the last trading day of each calendar quarter. The purchase price of the common stock is 85% of the fair market value of shares on the applicable purchase date as determined by averaging the high and low trading prices of the last trading day of each quarter. An employee may elect to pay the purchase price of such common stock through payroll deductions. The maximum number of shares that were reserved for issuance under the ESPP is 1,500,000 shares, subject to adjustment as provided in the ESPP. Effective July 1, 2005, employees are required to hold any stock purchased through the ESPP for 180 days prior to any sale or withdrawal of shares. In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), the Company has recorded compensation expense for the difference between the fair value of the stock and the purchase price of the stock.


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ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
11.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
In April 2006, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust issued $395.0 million of Class A Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.13% per year and that will mature in April 2013, $18.8 million of Class M Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.21% per year that will mature in April 2013, $23.8 million of Class B Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.35% per year that will mature in April 2013 and $62.5 million of Class C Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.60% per year that will mature in April 2013.
 
The notes are rated AAA through BBB, or its equivalent, by each of Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings. In connection with the transaction, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust also entered into interest rate swaps that effectively fix the interest rate on the notes starting at 5.53% over the seven-year term of the interest rate swaps.


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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 notes thereto included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
Quarter in Review Highlights
 
Our first quarter 2006 results included the following significant new and renewed agreements with significant clients and continued selective execution of our acquisition strategy:
 
  •  In January 2006, we signed a long-term agreement to provide customer care and comprehensive billing and marketing management services to Green Mountain Energy Company, one of the nation’s leading retail providers of cleaner electricity products.
 
  •  In January 2006, we signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Canada Safeway to continue our partnership in the Company’s Canadian AIR MILES Reward Program. As one of our top-ten clients, Canada Safeway has been a partner in our loyalty and marketing program since its inception in 1992.
 
  •  In February 2006, we signed a multi-year agreement to provide billing and customer care services to WPS Resources Corporation, an energy holding company whose subsidiaries provide electric and natural gas utility service primarily to Michigan and Minnesota consumers.
 
  •  In February 2006, we acquired iCom Information & Communications, Inc. (“ICOM”), a leading provider of targeted list, marketing data and communication solutions for the pharmaceutical industry in North America.
 
  •  In February 2006, we signed a long-term agreement to provide a co-brand credit card program and database marketing services to New York & Company, a leading specialty retailer of women’s fashions and accessories.
 
  •  In March 2006, we signed a multi-year agreement with Citibank, Inc. to provide a comprehensive loyalty solution to support Citi’s points-based customer rewards program, the Thank You Networksm.
 
  •  In March 2006, we signed a contract renewal to continue to provide a comprehensive private-label credit card solution to the United Retail Group, Inc., a leading high-growth specialty retailer of plus-size women’s fashion apparel.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
There have been no material changes 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and other amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles. Operating EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to adjusted EBITDA plus the change in deferred revenue less the change in redemption settlement assets. We have presented operating EBITDA because we use the financial measure as part of our monitoring of compliance with the financial covenants in our credit facilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, senior debt-to-operating EBITDA was 1.2x compared to a maximum ratio of 2.5x permitted in our credit facilities and operating EBITDA to interest expense was 17.9x compared to a minimum ratio of 3.5x permitted in our credit facilities. As discussed in more detail in the liquidity section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, our credit facilities together with cash flow from operations are the two main sources of funding for our acquisition


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strategy and for our future working capital needs and capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2006, we had borrowings of $547.1 million outstanding under these credit facilities and had approximately $267.9 million in unused borrowing capacity. During January 2006, we increased our borrowing capacity by an incremental $300.0 million through entering into an additional credit agreement. We were in compliance with our covenants at March 31, 2006, and we expect to be in compliance with these covenants under these credit facilities during the year ending December 31, 2006.
 
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 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. 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 and operating EBITDA are not intended to be performance measures 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 and operating EBITDA are 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 and operating EBITDA measures presented in this 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 March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
Net income
  $ 37,182     $ 56,421  
Stock compensation expense
    1,444       7,304  
Provision for income taxes
    22,306       34,450  
Interest expense, net
    2,761       8,537  
Depreciation and other amortization
    15,329       15,217  
Amortization of purchased intangibles
    9,841       12,321  
                 
Adjusted EBITDA
    88,863       134,250  
Change in deferred revenue
    2,712       8,253  
Less change in redemption settlement assets
    (312 )     (5,431 )
                 
Operating EBITDA
  $ 91,263     $ 137,072  
                 
 
 
Note:  Change in deferred revenue and redemption settlement assets are affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Change in redemption settlement assets is also affected by transfers of cash.


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Results of Operations
 
Three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006
 
                                 
    Three months ended March 31,     Change  
    2005     2006     $     %  
    (in thousands, except percentages)  
 
Revenue:
                               
Transaction Services
  $ 167,744     $ 191,692     $ 23,948       14.3 %
Credit Services
    151,417       199,131       47,714       31.5  
Marketing Services
    137,356       176,542       39,186       28.5  
Other/Eliminations
    (80,642 )     (90,134 )     (9,492 )     11.8  
                                 
Total
  $ 375,875     $ 477,231     $ 101,356       27.0 %
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA:
                               
Transaction Services
  $ 20,113     $ 28,626     $ 8,513       42.3 %
Credit Services
    47,435       78,769       31,334       66.1  
Marketing Services
    21,315       26,855       5,540       26.0  
                                 
Total
  $ 88,863     $ 134,250     $ 45,387       51.1 %
                                 
Stock compensation expense:
                               
Transaction Services
  $ 481     $ 3,074     $ 2,593       539.1 %
Credit Services
    481       1,089       608       126.4  
Marketing Services
    482       3,141       2,659       551.7  
                                 
Total
  $ 1,444     $ 7,304     $ 5,860       405.8 %
                                 
Depreciation and amortization:
                               
Transaction Services
  $ 14,715     $ 13,546     $ (1,169 )     (7.9 )%
Credit Services
    1,949       2,531       582       29.9  
Marketing Services
    8,506       11,461       2,955       34.7  
                                 
Total
  $ 25,170     $ 27,538     $ 2,368       9.4 %
                                 
Operating income:
                               
Transaction Services
  $ 4,917     $ 12,006     $ 7,089       144.2 %
Credit Services
    45,005       75,149       30,144       67.0  
Marketing Services
    12,327       12,253       (74 )     (0.6 )
                                 
Total
  $ 62,249     $ 99,408     $ 37,159       59.7 %
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA margin(1):
                               
Transaction Services
    12.0 %     14.9 %     2.9 %        
Credit Services
    31.3       39.6       8.3          
Marketing Services
    15.5       15.2       (0.3 )        
                                 
Total
    23.6 %     28.1 %     4.5 %        
                                 
Segment operating data:
                               
Statements generated
    47,077       51,860       4,783       10.2 %
Credit Sales
  $ 1,339,222     $ 1,494,090     $ 154,868       11.6 %
Average managed receivables
  $ 3,137,368     $ 3,581,879     $ 444,511       14.2 %
AIR MILES reward miles issued
    710,762       856,434       145,672       20.5 %
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed
    459,647       554,311       94,664       20.6 %
 
 
(1) 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.


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Revenue.  Total revenue increased $101.3 million, or 27%, to $477.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $375.9 million for the comparable period in 2005. The increase was due to a 14.3% increase in Transaction Services revenue, a 31.5% increase in Credit Services revenue, and a 28.5% increase in Marketing Services revenue as follows:
 
  •  Transaction Services.  Transaction Services revenue increased $23.9 million, or 14.3%, primarily due to a 10.2% increase in statements generated from the Company’s private label and utility businesses. The private label business increase was the result of a ramp up of clients signed during 2005. Revenue for utility services was positively impacted by the migration of various services for two of our significant clients.
 
  •  Credit Services.  Credit Services revenue increased $47.7 million, or 31.5%, primarily due to a 40.5% increase in securitization income. Securitization income and finance charges, net increased $46.3 million primarily as a result of the following:
 
  •  a 14.2% increase in our average managed receivables,
 
  •  an approximate 650 basis point improvement in the excess spread, and
 
  •  an approximate 40 basis point improvement in cost of funds.
 
Excess spread, which represents interest and late fees collected from cardholders, other trust related fees, fair value changes related to the interest-only strips and charge-offs, increased due to lower charge-offs and higher collected fees from cardholders. Recently enacted bankruptcy reform legislation caused a sharp increase in credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2005 and an offsetting benefit in the first quarter of this year.
 
  •  Marketing Services.  Marketing Services revenue increased $39.2 million, or 28.5%, due to growth in the AIR MILES Reward Program and the recent Epsilon Interactive and ICOM acquisitions. AIR MILES Reward Program growth was driven primarily by an increase in redemption revenue of $16.3 million related to a 20.6% increase in the redemption of AIR MILES reward miles. Issuance revenue increased $3.9 million primarily related to growth in issuances of AIR MILES reward miles in recent years from the roll out of major national programs. Correspondingly, our deferred revenue balance increased 1.4% to $618.8 million at March 31, 2006 from $610.5 million at March 31, 2005 due to a 20.5% increase in AIR MILES reward miles issued during the three months ended March 31, 2006 over the comparable period in 2005, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar accounted for approximately $6.9 million of the revenue increase. Database marketing fees increased by $9.7 million primarily related to Epsilon, and their recent acquisition of Epsilon Interactive.
 
Operating Expenses.  Total operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expense, increased $56.0 million, or 19.5%, to $343.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $287.0 million during the comparable period in 2005. Total adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 28.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from 23.6% for the comparable period in 2005 due to increased margins across Transaction Services and Credit Services, offset by a slight decrease in margin for Marketing Services.
 
  •  Transaction Services.  Transaction Services operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expense, increased $15.4 million, or 10.5%, to $163.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $147.6 million for the comparable period in 2005, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 14.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from 12.0% during the comparable period in 2005. The increase in adjusted EBITDA margin was primarily the result of increases in revenue driven by a 10.2% increase in the segment’s key driver, statements generated, and lower corporate overhead.
 
  •  Credit Services.  Credit Services operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expense, increased $16.4 million, or 15.8%, to $120.4 million for the three months ended


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  March 31, 2006 from $104.0 million for the comparable period in 2005, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 39.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from 31.3% for the same period in 2005. The increased margin is the result of favorable revenue trends from an increase in our average managed receivables, lower cost of funds and lower net charge-offs. Margin growth also came from leveraging existing infrastructure.
 
  •  Marketing Services.  Marketing Services operating expenses, excluding depreciation, amortization and stock compensation expense, increased $33.7 million, or 29.0%, to $149.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $116.0 million for the comparable period in 2005, and adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 15.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from 15.5% for the comparable period in 2005. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA margin is partially attributable to an increase in marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as a result of a change in timing of approximately $2.0 million of marketing activities compared to prior year.
 
  •  Stock compensation expense.  Stock compensation expense was $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $1.4 million for the comparable period in 2005 due to the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).
 
  •  Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization increased $2.4 million, or 9.4%, to $27.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $25.2 million for the comparable period in 2005 primarily due to a $2.5 million increase in the amortization of purchased intangibles slightly offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in depreciation and other amortization.
 
Operating Income.  Operating income increased $37.2 million, or 59.7%, to $99.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $62.2 million during the comparable period in 2005. Operating income increased due to the revenue and expense factors discussed above.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $5.7 million, or 209.2%, to $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $2.8 million for the comparable period in 2005. Interest on certificates of deposit increased $3.2 million due to an increase in on-balance sheet receivables of approximately $250 million. Core debt interest expense increased $3.4 million as a result of our stock repurchase program and the acquisition of ICOM.
 
Taxes.  Income tax expense increased $12.1 million to $34.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $22.3 million in 2005 due to an increase in taxable income. Our effective tax rate increased to 37.9% in 2006 compared to 37.5% in 2005.


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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 card portfolio affects the stability of delinquency and loss rates of the portfolio. We continue to focus our 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 March 31, 2006, 58.5% of securitized accounts with balances and 62.4% of securitized 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. It is our policy to continue to accrue interest and fee income on all credit card accounts, except in limited circumstances, until the account balance and all related interest and other fees are charged off or paid beyond 90 days delinquent. 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 managed credit card portfolio:
 
                                 
    December 31,
    % of
    March 31,
    % of
 
    2005     total     2006     total  
    (dollars in thousands)  
 
Receivables outstanding
  $ 3,714,548       100.0 %   $ 3,452,824       100.0 %
Receivables balances contractually delinquent:
                               
31 to 60 days
    59,018       1.6       49,551       1.4  
61 to 90 days
    35,342       1.0       33,433       1.0  
91 or more days
    69,343       1.9       68,854       2.0  
                                 
Total
  $ 163,703       4.4 %   $ 151,838       4.4 %
                                 
 
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. Net charge-offs exclude accrued finance charges and fees. The following table presents our net charge-offs for the periods indicated on a managed basis. Average managed receivables represents the average balance of the cardholder receivables at the beginning of each month in the period indicated.
 
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (dollars in thousands)  
 
Average managed receivables
  $ 3,137,368     $ 3,581,879  
Net charge-offs
    46,471       37,037  
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average managed receivables (annualized)
    5.9 %     4.1 %


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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 Credit Services segment related to holiday retail sales.
 
                 
    Three months ended March 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (in thousands)  
 
Cash provided by operating activities before change in merchant settlement activity
  $ 86,633     $ 56,013  
Net change in merchant settlement activity
    (5,974 )     14,763  
                 
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 80,659     $ 70,776  
                 
 
We generated cash flow from operating activities before changes in merchant settlement activity of $56.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to $86.6 million for the comparable period in 2005. The decrease in operating cash flows before changes in merchant settlement activity is related to unfavorable working capital movements offset in part by improved operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Merchant settlement activity fluctuates significantly depending on the day in which the quarter ends. We utilize our cash flow from operations for ongoing business operations, acquisitions and capital expenditures.
 
Investing Activities.  Cash provided by investing activities was $46.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $83.3 million of cash provided for the comparable period in 2005. Significant components of investing activities are as follows:
 
  •  Acquisitions.  Cash outlays, net of cash received, for acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $36.1 million compared to $2.3 million for the comparable period in 2005. The outlay for acquisitions in 2006 relates primarily to the purchase of ICOM, a leading provider of targeted list, marketing data and communications solutions for the pharmaceutical industries in North America.
 
  •  Securitizations and Receivables Funding.  We generally fund all private label credit card receivables through a securitization program that provides us with both liquidity and lower borrowing costs. As of March 31, 2006, we had over $3.1 billion of securitized credit card receivables. Securitizations require credit enhancements in the form of cash, spread accounts and additional receivables. The credit enhancement is partially funded through the use of certificates of deposit issued through our subsidiary, World Financial Network National Bank. Cash flow from securitization activity was $108.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and $99.6 million for the comparable period in 2005. We intend to utilize our securitization program for the foreseeable future.
 
  •  Capital Expenditures.  Our capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2006 were $20.4 million compared to $11.9 million for the comparable period in 2005. We anticipate capital expenditures to be approximately 5% of annual revenue for the foreseeable future.
 
Financing Activities.  Cash used by financing activities was $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to a use of cash of $91.6 million in the comparable period in 2005. Our financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2006 relate primarily to borrowings and repayments of debt and the repurchase of 670,200 shares of our common stock and the issuance and repayment of certificates of deposit.
 
Liquidity Sources.  In addition to cash generated from operating activities, we have four main sources of liquidity: securitization program, certificates of deposit issued by World Financial Network National Bank and World Financial Capital Bank, our credit facilities and issuances of equity securities. We believe that internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity are sufficient to meet current and anticipated financing requirements during the next 12 months.


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Securitization Program and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions.  Since January 1996, we have sold, sometimes through WFN Credit Company, LLC and WFN Funding Company II, LLC, substantially all of the credit card receivables owned by our credit card bank subsidiary, World Financial Network National Bank, to World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust II and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III, which we refer to as the WFN Trusts, as part of our securitization program. This securitization program is the primary vehicle through which we finance our private label credit card receivables.
 
In April 2006, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust issued $395.0 million of Class A Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.13% per year and that will mature in April 2013, $18.8 million of Class M Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.21% per year that will mature in April 2013, $23.8 million of Class B Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.35% per year that will mature in April 2013 and $62.5 million of Class C Series 2006-A asset backed notes that have an interest rate not to exceed one-month LIBOR plus 0.60% per year that will mature in April 2013.
 
The notes are rated AAA through BBB, or its equivalent, by each of Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings. In connection with the transaction, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust also entered into interest rate swaps that effectively fix the interest rate on the notes starting at 5.53% over the seven-year term of the interest rate swaps.
 
As of March 31, 2006, the WFN Trusts had over $3.1 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 by the performance of the private label credit cards in the securitization trust. During the period from November to January, the WFN Trusts are required to maintain a credit enhancement level of between 6% and 10% of securitized credit card receivables. Certain of the WFN Trusts are required to maintain a level of between 4% and 9% for the remainder of the year.
 
If World Financial Network National Bank were not able to regularly securitize the receivables it originates, our ability to grow or even maintain our credit services business would be materially impaired as we would be severely limited in our financing ability. World Financial Network National Bank’s ability to effect securitization transactions is impacted by the following factors, some of which are beyond our control:
 
  •  conditions in the securities markets in general and the asset-backed securitization market in particular; and
 
  •  conformity in the quality of credit card receivables to rating agency requirements and changes in those requirements; and
 
  •  our ability to fund required over collateralizations or credit enhancements, which we routinely utilize in order to achieve better credit ratings to lower our borrowing costs.
 
We believe that the conditions to securitize private label receivables are favorable for us. We plan to continue using our securitization program as our primary financing vehicle.
 
Once World Financial Network National Bank securitizes receivables, the agreement governing the transaction contains covenants that address the receivables’ performance and the continued solvency of the retailer where the underlying sales were generated. In the event one of those or other similar covenants is breached, an early amortization event could be declared, in which case the trustee for the securitization trust would retain World Financial Network National Bank’s interest in the related receivables, along with the excess interest income that would normally be paid to World Financial Network National Bank, until such time as the securitization investors are fully repaid. The occurrence of an early amortization event would significantly limit, or even negate, our ability to securitize additional receivables.
 
Certificates of Deposit.  We utilize certificates of deposit to finance the operating activities and fund securitization enhancement requirements of our credit card bank subsidiaries, World Financial Network


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National Bank and World Financial Capital Bank. World Financial Network National Bank and World Financial Capital Bank issue certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 in various maturities ranging between three months and two years and with effective annual fixed rates ranging from 4.2% to 5.0%. As of March 31, 2006, we had $278.2 million of certificates of deposit outstanding. Certificate of deposit borrowings are subject to regulatory capital requirements.
 
Credit Facilities.  During January 2006, the Company entered into an additional credit agreement to increase its borrowing capacity by an incremental $300.0 million. The principal amount of all outstanding loans under this credit agreement, together with any accrued but unpaid interest, are due and payable on June 30, 2006, unless otherwise paid earlier pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement. This credit agreement includes usual and customary negative covenants for credit agreements of this type. Payment of amounts due under this credit agreement are secured by guaranties, pledges of the ownership interests of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and pledges of certain intercompany promissory notes. On January 5, 2006, the Company borrowed $300.0 million under this credit agreement, which it is using for general corporate purposes, including other debt repayment, repurchases of its common stock in connection with its stock repurchase program, mergers and acquisitions, and working capital expenditures. The Company anticipates refinancing this facility prior to June 30, 2006. On April 6, 2006, the Company amended its 364-day facility to extend the maturity date from April 6, 2006 to April 5, 2007.
 
Advances under all four of our credit facilities are in the form of either base rate loans or Eurodollar loans. The interest rate on base rate loans fluctuates based upon the higher of (1) the interest rate announced by the administrative agent as its “prime rate” and (2) the Federal funds rate plus 0.5%, in each case with no additional margin. The interest rate on Eurodollar loans fluctuates based upon the rate at which Eurodollar deposits in the London interbank market are quoted plus a margin of 0.5% to 1.0% based upon the ratio of total debt under the credit facilities to consolidated Operating EBITDA, as each term is defined in the credit facilities. All of our credit facilities are secured by pledges of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and pledges of certain intercompany promissory notes.
 
At March 31, 2006, we had borrowings of $547.1 million outstanding under our other three credit facilities (with an average interest rate of 6.0%), no letters of credit outstanding, and we had available unused borrowing capacity of approximately $267.9 million. These credit facilities limit our aggregate outstanding letters of credit to $50.0 million.
 
The Company utilizes its credit facilities and excess cash flows from operations to support its acquisition strategy and to fund working capital and capital expenditures. The Company was in compliance with its covenants under our credit facilities at March 31, 2006.


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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155 (“SFAS No. 155”), “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” which amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS No. 133”), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140 (“SFAS No. 140”), “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.” SFAS No. 155 simplifies the accounting for certain derivatives embedded in other financial instruments by allowing them to be accounted for as a whole if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis. SFAS No. 155 also clarifies and amends certain other provisions of SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 140. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement event occurring in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted, provided we have not yet issued financial statements, including for interim periods, for that fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 155 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (“SFAS No. 156”). SFAS No. 156 amends SFAS No. 140 with respect to the accounting for separately-recognized servicing assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 156 addresses the recognition and measurement of separately-recognized servicing assets and liabilities and provides an approach to simplify efforts to obtain hedge-like (offset) accounting. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted, provided we have not yet issued financial statements, including for interim periods, for that fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 156 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Market Risk
 
There has been no material change from our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005 related to our exposure to market risk from off-balance sheet risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and redemption reward risk.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk.  We are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. and the Canadian dollar through our significant Canadian operations. We do not hedge our net investment exposure in our Canadian subsidiary.
 
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation
 
As of March 31, 2006, 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 March 31, 2006, 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.
 
Our evaluation of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 did not include the internal controls of Epsilon Interactive and ICOM because of the timing of these acquisitions, which were completed in September 2005 and February 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2005, these entities constituted $147.7 million of total assets and an immaterial amount of revenues and net income for the year then ended. In the fourth quarter of 2006, we will expand our evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting to include Epsilon Interactive. As part of our integration of Epsilon Interactive, we are in the process of converting their legacy general ledger platform to the platform used by our existing business units.
 
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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
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.


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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 affect on our business or financial condition, including claims and lawsuits alleging breaches of contractual obligations.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors.
 
There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
On June 8, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to an aggregate of $80.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 2006. On October 27, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to an additional $220.0 million of our outstanding common stock through October 2006. As of March 31, 2006, we have repurchased 4,612,300 shares of our common stock for approximately $178.4 million under these programs. Additionally, the administrator of our 401(k) and Retirement Savings Plan purchased shares of our common stock for the benefit of the employees who participated in that portion of the plan during the first quarter of 2006.
 
The following table presents information with respect to those purchases of our common stock made during the three months ended March 31, 2006:
 
                                 
                      Approximate Dollar Value of
 
    Total Number
          Total Number of Shares Purchased
    Shares that May Yet Be
 
    of Shares
    Average Price
    as Part of Publicly Announced
    Purchased
 
Period
  Purchased     Paid per Share     Plans or Programs(1)(2)     Under the Plans or Programs(1)(2)  
                      (in millions)  
 
During 2006:
                               
January
    38,248     $ 39.05       36,500     $ 149.8  
February
    233,814       43.45       231,100       139.7  
March
    406,180       45.13       402,600       121.6  
                                 
Total
    678,242     $ 44.21       670,200     $ 121.6  
                                 
 
 
(1) On June 8, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to an aggregate of $80.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 2006. On October 27, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to an additional $220.0 million of our outstanding common stock through October 2006.
 
(2) Debt covenants in our credit facilities restrict the amount of funds that we have available for repurchases of our common stock in any calendar year.
 
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
 
None
 
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
None
 
Item 5.   Other Information.
 
(a) On April 6, 2006, the Company amended its 364-day facility to extend the maturity date from April 6, 2006 to April 5, 2007. (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).
  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   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award for the CEO and EC members under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 4, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  *10 .2   Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement (364-Day), dated as of April 6, 2006, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, the Guarantors party thereto, the Banks party thereto, and Harris N.A, as Administrative Agent and Letter of Credit Issuer.
  10 .3   Credit Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., as Guarantor, the Banks party thereto, and Harris N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  10 .4   First Amendment to Pledge Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., and Harris N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  10 .5   First Amendment to Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., Harris N.A., and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  *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.
 
 
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
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date: May 5, 2006
 
  By: 
/s/  Michael D. Kubic
Michael D. Kubic
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Date: May 5, 2006


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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).
  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   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award for the CEO and EC members under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 4, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  *10 .2   Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement (364-Day), dated as of April 6, 2006, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, the Guarantors party thereto, the Banks party thereto, and Harris N.A, as Administrative Agent and Letter of Credit Issuer.
  10 .3   Credit Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., as Guarantor, the Banks party thereto, and Harris N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  10 .4   First Amendment to Pledge Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., and Harris N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  10 .5   First Amendment to Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among the Company, ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., Harris N.A., and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2006, File No. 001-15749).
  *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.
 
 
Filed herewith
 
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement


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