Edgar Filing: ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORP

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 10-Q

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

		For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

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)

________________

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 R 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 R 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 R	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 R

As of October 31, 2014, 59,411,741 shares of common stock were outstanding.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	33
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	49
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	49

Part II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	51
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	51
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	52
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	52
Item 5.	Other Information	52
Item 6.	Exhibits	53
SIGNATURES		55

Index

PART I

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	634,824		$	969,822
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($3,096 and $2,262 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)		455,064			394,822
Credit card and loan receivables:
Credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors		7,214,380			7,080,014
Other credit card and loan receivables		2,080,465			1,492,868
Total credit card and loan receivables		9,294,845			8,572,882
Allowance for loan loss		(511,354	)		(503,169	)
Credit card and loan receivables, net		8,783,491			8,069,713
Loan receivables held for sale		70,588			62,082
Deferred tax asset, net		200,094			216,195
Other current assets		728,327			177,859
Redemption settlement assets, restricted		529,037			510,349
Total current assets		11,401,425			10,400,842
Property and equipment, net		337,717			299,188
Deferred tax asset, net		2,609			2,454
Cash collateral, restricted		36,576			34,124
Intangible assets, net		752,614			460,404
Goodwill		2,245,782			1,735,703
Other non-current assets		416,552			311,542
Total assets	$	15,193,275		$	13,244,257
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	318,798		$	210,019
Accrued expenses		553,873			262,307
Deposits		2,066,815			1,544,059
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		1,268,750			1,025,000
Current debt		78,537			364,489
Other current liabilities		210,053			140,186
Deferred revenue		873,332			966,438
Deferred tax liability, net		19			—
Total current liabilities		5,370,177			4,512,498
Deferred revenue		164,835			170,748
Deferred tax liability, net		362,236			275,757
Deposits		1,660,990			1,272,302
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		3,183,166			3,566,916
Long-term and other debt		2,878,498			2,435,792
Other liabilities		175,279			154,483
Total liabilities		13,795,181			12,388,496
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Redeemable non-controlling interest		317,423			—
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 200,000 shares; issued, 107,032 shares and 98,302 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		1,070			983
Additional paid-in capital		1,551,999			1,512,752
Treasury stock, at cost, 47,626 shares and 46,752 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		(2,906,663	)		(2,689,177	)
Retained earnings		2,488,511			2,049,430
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(54,246	)		(18,227	)
Total stockholders' equity		1,080,671			855,761
Total liabilities and equity	$	15,193,275		$	13,244,257

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Transaction		$	87,162	$	84,264	$	251,390	$	246,185
Redemption			232,464		131,985		744,658		430,339
Finance charges, net			597,892		507,828		1,672,339		1,447,971
Database marketing fees and direct marketing services			353,525		334,720		1,021,813		939,821
Other revenue			48,090		37,650		126,991		113,660
Total revenue			1,319,133		1,096,447		3,817,191		3,177,976
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)			767,415		628,386		2,323,210		1,868,093
Provision for loan loss			114,577		90,976		281,811		215,420
General and administrative			39,169		33,845		101,498		84,392
Depreciation and other amortization			28,070		21,395		79,555		61,401
Amortization of purchased intangibles			48,261		33,077		145,144		99,497
Total operating expenses			997,492		807,679		2,931,218		2,328,803
Operating income			321,641		288,768		885,973		849,173
Interest expense
Securitization funding costs			22,763		22,914		67,974		72,093
Interest expense on deposits			9,064		7,287		25,526		21,296
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net			29,637		43,814		98,643		146,636
Total interest expense, net			61,464		74,015		192,143		240,025
Income before income tax			260,177		214,753		693,830		609,148
Provision for income taxes			95,229		81,875		253,946		230,851
Net income		$	164,948	$	132,878	$	439,884	$	378,297
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest			706		—		803		—
Net income attributable to Alliance Data Systems Corporation stockholders		$	164,242	$	132,878	$	439,081	$	378,297

Net income attributable to Alliance Data Systems Corporation stockholders per share:
Basic		$	2.84	$	2.73	$	7.98	$	7.69
Diluted		$	2.74	$	2.01	$	6.98	$	5.63

Weighted average shares
Basic			57,742		48,710		54,998		49,199
Diluted			59,908		66,019		62,887		67,168

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)

Net income	$	164,948		$	132,878		$	439,884		$	378,297
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(228), $167, $688 and $(913) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively		(1,991	)		50			(1,435	)		(5,404	)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $34 for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014		(104	)		—			(104	)		—
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(37,956	)		(247	)		(34,480	)		8,018
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(40,051	)		(197	)		(36,019	)		2,614
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	$	124,897		$	132,681		$	403,865		$	380,911
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		1,251			—			1,514			—
Comprehensive income attributable to Alliance Data Systems Corporation stockholders	$	123,646		$	132,681		$	402,351		$	380,911

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	439,884		$	378,297
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		224,699			160,898
Deferred income taxes		5,320			4,668
Provision for loan loss		281,811			215,420
Non-cash stock compensation		49,754			43,428
Fair value gain on interest-rate derivatives		(244	)		(8,511	)
Amortization of discount on debt		12,499			57,900
Amortization of deferred financing costs		17,092			21,186
Change in deferred revenue		(41,537	)		(21,951	)
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions		21,786			(1,493	)
Originations of loan receivables held for sale		(3,645,315	)		(361,151	)
Sales of loan receivables held for sale		3,636,809			310,201
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		(31,888	)		(12,492	)
Other		(2,691	)		12,438
Net cash provided by operating activities		967,979			798,838

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in redemption settlement assets		(48,906	)		(73,803	)
Change in cash collateral, restricted		(1,582	)		32,405
Change in restricted cash		(316,071	)		39,827
Change in credit card and loan receivables		(633,336	)		(220,571	)
Purchase of credit card portfolios		(379,616	)		(37,056	)
Payment for acquired business, net of cash		(259,514	)		—
Capital expenditures		(114,595	)		(91,759	)
Purchases of other investments		(109,780	)		(23,632	)
Maturities/sales of other investments		4,565			1,639
Other		(4,000	)		(1,383	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,862,835	)		(374,333	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under debt agreements		1,920,190			1,747,000
Repayments of borrowings		(1,580,796	)		(1,171,428	)
Proceeds from convertible note hedge counterparties		1,519,833			1,056,268
Settlement of convertible note borrowings		(1,864,803	)		(1,861,239	)
Issuances of deposits		2,342,836			1,278,687
Repayments of deposits		(1,431,392	)		(1,196,591	)
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		1,495,000			1,633,285
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		(1,635,000	)		(1,782,339	)
Payment of deferred financing costs		(24,470	)		(22,371	)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		31,888			12,492
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		10,439			8,539
Purchase of treasury shares		(217,486	)		(231,085	)
Other		(1,476	)		(13	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		564,763			(528,795	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(4,905	)		(5,020	)
Change in cash and cash equivalents		(334,998	)		(109,310	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		969,822			893,352
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	634,824		$	784,042

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid	$	153,839		$	167,729
Income taxes paid, net	$	147,927		$	158,294

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADSC" or, including its consolidated subsidiaries and 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, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.

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 in accordance with GAAP.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014‑09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the governing tax law. ASU 2013-11 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and required prospective application. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
				(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Alliance Data Systems Corporation stockholders		$	164,242	$	132,878	$	439,081	$	378,297
Denominator:
Weighted average shares, basic			57,742		48,710		54,998		49,199
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Shares from assumed conversion of convertible senior notes			—		7,512		2,816		9,419
Shares from assumed conversion of convertible note warrants			1,664		9,141		4,561		7,937
Net effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock			502		656		512		613
Denominator for diluted calculations			59,908		66,019		62,887		67,168

Net income attributable to Alliance Data Systems Corporation stockholders per share:
Basic		$	2.84	$	2.73	$	7.98	$	7.69
Diluted		$	2.74	$	2.01	$	6.98	$	5.63

The Company calculated the effect of its convertible senior notes on diluted net income per share as if they would be settled in cash as the Company had the intent to settle the convertible senior notes for cash. The convertible senior notes were settled with cash upon maturity in August 2013 and May 2014, respectively.

The Company is also party to prepaid forward contracts in which it purchased 1,857,400 shares of its common stock to be delivered over a settlement period in 2014. These shares have reduced weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. As of September 30, 2014, 510,781 shares have been delivered to the Company, with the remaining 1,346,619 to be delivered throughout the remainder of 2014.

3. ACQUISITION

On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty Group B.V. ("Brand Loyalty"), a Netherlands-based, data-driven loyalty marketer. BrandLoyalty designs, organizes, implements and evaluates innovative and tailor-made loyalty programs for food retailers worldwide. The acquisition expands the Company's presence across Europe, Asia and Latin America. The results of BrandLoyalty have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in the Company's LoyaltyOne segment. The initial cash consideration was approximately $259.5 million in addition to the assumption of debt. The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company also recorded a contingent liability for the earn-out provisions included in the share purchase agreement of approximately $248.7 million as of January 2, 2014, which is included in accrued expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The contingent liability was measured at fair value on the date of purchase and any subsequent changes in the fair value of the liability are recorded through earnings.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the allocation of consideration and the respective fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the BrandLoyalty acquisition as of the date of purchase:

	As of January 2, 2014
	(In thousands)
Current assets, net of cash acquired	$	246,769
Deferred tax asset		3,509
Property and equipment		19,719
Other non-current assets		3,994
Intangible assets		423,832
Goodwill		565,015
Total assets acquired		1,262,838

Current liabilities		146,559
Current portion of long-term debt		34,180
Deferred tax liability		105,512
Long-term debt (net of current portion)		126,323
Other liabilities		142
Total liabilities assumed		412,716

Redeemable non-controlling interest		341,907

Net assets acquired	$	508,215

Pursuant to the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement, the Company may acquire the remaining 40% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty over a four-year period, 10% per year at predetermined valuation multiples. If specified annual earnings targets are met by BrandLoyalty, the Company must acquire the additional 10% interest for the year achieved; otherwise, the sellers have a put option to sell the Company their 10% interest for the respective year. See Note 13, "Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest," for more information.

4. CREDIT CARD AND LOAN RECEIVABLES

The Company's credit card and loan receivables are the only portfolio segment or class of financing receivables. Quantitative information about the components of total credit card and loan receivables is presented in the table below:

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Principal receivables	$	8,849,589	$	8,166,961
Billed and accrued finance charges		381,761		343,521
Other credit card and loan receivables		63,495		62,400
Total credit card and loan receivables		9,294,845		8,572,882
Less credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors		7,214,380		7,080,014
Other credit card and loan receivables	$	2,080,465	$	1,492,868

Allowance for Loan Loss

The Company maintains an allowance for loan loss at a level that is appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in credit card and loan receivables. The allowance for loan loss covers forecasted uncollectible principal as well as unpaid interest and fees. The allowance for loan loss is evaluated monthly for appropriateness.

In estimating the allowance for principal loan losses, management utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card and loan receivables. Migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card or loan receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency to charge-off. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. Charge-offs of principal amounts, net of recoveries are deducted from the allowance. In estimating the allowance for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees, the Company utilizes historical charge-off trends, analyzing actual charge-offs for the prior three months. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to finance charges, net. In evaluating the allowance for loan loss for both principal and unpaid interest and fees, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning, loan volume and amounts, seasonality, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses from credit cardholders unwilling or unable to pay their account balances, as well as bankrupt and deceased credit cardholders, less recoveries and exclude charged-off interest, fees and fraud losses. Charged‑off interest and fees reduce finance charges, net while fraud losses are recorded as an expense. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, are charged-off at the end of the month during which an account becomes 180 days contractually past due, except in the case of customer bankruptcies or death. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, associated with customer bankruptcies or death are charged-off at the end of each month subsequent to 60 days after the receipt of notification of the bankruptcy or death, but in any case, not later than the 180-day contractual time frame. The Company records the actual charge-offs for unpaid interest and fees as a reduction to finance charges, net. Actual charge-offs for unpaid interest and fees were $70.9 million and $54.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $212.9 million and $167.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The following table presents the Company's allowance for loan loss for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	483,580		$	448,396		$	503,169		$	481,958
Provision for loan loss		114,577			90,976			281,811			215,420
Change in estimate for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees		1,000			—			1,500			—
Recoveries		39,074			26,204			115,548			84,152
Principal charge-offs		(126,877	)		(103,535	)		(390,674	)		(319,489	)
Balance at end of period	$	511,354		$	462,041		$	511,354		$	462,041

Delinquencies

A credit card account is contractually delinquent if the Company does not receive the minimum payment by the specified due date on the cardholder's statement. It is the Company's policy to continue to accrue interest and fee income on all credit card accounts beyond 90 days, except in limited circumstances, until the credit card account balance and all related interest and other fees are paid or charged off, typically at 180 days delinquent. When an account becomes delinquent, a message is printed on the credit 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 becoming further delinquent. 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 the Company is unable to make a collection after exhausting all in-house collection efforts, the Company may engage collection agencies and outside attorneys to continue those efforts.

The following table presents the delinquency trends of the Company's credit card and loan receivables portfolio:

	September 30, 2014		% of Total			December 31, 2013		% of Total
			(In thousands, except percentages)
Receivables outstanding – principal	$	8,849,589		100.0	%	$	8,166,961		100.0	%
Principal receivables balances contractually delinquent:
31 to 60 days		138,036		1.6			114,430		1.4
61 to 90 days		85,226		0.9			74,700		0.9
91 or more days		168,368		1.9			150,425		1.9
Total	$	391,630		4.4	%	$	339,555		4.2	%

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Modified Credit Card and Loan Receivables

The Company holds certain credit card and loan receivables for which the terms have been modified. The Company's modified credit card and loan receivables include credit card and loan receivables for which temporary hardship concessions have been granted and credit card and loan receivables in permanent workout programs. These modified credit card and loan receivables include concessions consisting primarily of a reduced minimum payment and an interest rate reduction. The temporary programs' concessions remain in place for a period no longer than twelve months, while the permanent programs remain in place through the payoff of the credit card and loan receivables if the credit cardholder complies with the terms of the program. These concessions do not include the forgiveness of unpaid principal, but may involve the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. In the case of the temporary programs, at the end of the concession period, credit card and loan receivable terms revert to standard rates. These arrangements are automatically terminated if the customer fails to make payments in accordance with the terms of the program, at which time their account reverts back to its original terms.

Credit card and loan receivables for which temporary hardship and permanent concessions were granted are both considered troubled debt restructurings and are collectively evaluated for impairment. Modified credit card and loan receivables are evaluated at their present value with impairment measured as the difference between the credit card and loan receivable balance and the discounted present value of cash flows expected to be collected. Consistent with the Company's measurement of impairment of modified credit card and loan receivables on a pooled basis, the discount rate used for credit card and loan receivables is the average current annual percentage rate the Company applies to non-impaired credit card and loan receivables, which approximates what would have been applied to the pool of modified credit card and loan receivables prior to impairment. In assessing the appropriate allowance for loan loss, these modified credit card and loan receivables are included in the general pool of credit card and loan receivables with the allowance determined under the contingent loss model of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 450-20, "Loss Contingencies." If the Company applied accounting under ASC 310-40, "Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors," to the modified credit card and loan receivables in these programs, there would not be a material difference in the allowance for loan loss.

The Company had $119.0 million and $118.1 million, respectively, as a recorded investment in impaired credit card and loan receivables with an associated allowance for loan loss of $31.8 million and $33.9 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These modified credit card and loan receivables represented less than 2% of the Company's total credit card and loan receivables as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The average recorded investment in the impaired credit card receivables was $114.0 million and $116.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $114.2 million and $117.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Interest income on these modified credit card and loan receivables is accounted for in the same manner as other accruing credit card and loan receivables. Cash collections on these modified credit card and loan receivables are allocated according to the same payment hierarchy methodology applied to credit card and loan receivables that are not in such programs. The Company recognized $3.3 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $9.6 million and $9.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in interest income associated with modified credit card and loan receivables during the period that such credit card and loan receivables were impaired.

The following tables provide information on credit card and loan receivables that are considered troubled debt restructurings as described above, which entered into a modification program during the specified periods:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Number of Restructurings		Pre- modification Outstanding Balance			Post- modification Outstanding Balance			Number of Restructurings		Pre- modification Outstanding Balance			Post- modification Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings – credit card receivables		36,846		$	37,130		$	37,100		102,000		$	101,837		$	101,750

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Number of Restructurings		Pre- modification Outstanding Balance			Post- modification Outstanding Balance			Number of Restructurings		Pre- modification Outstanding Balance			Post- modification Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings – credit card receivables		37,032		$	34,169		$	34,147		109,927		$	100,270		$	100,209

The tables below summarize troubled debt restructurings that have defaulted in the specified periods where the default occurred within 12 months of their modification date:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014					Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance			Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted – credit card receivables		14,047		$	14,037		44,545		$	44,009


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013					Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance			Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted – credit card receivables		15,536		$	14,874		46,729		$	44,295

Age of Credit Card and Loan Receivable Accounts

The following tables set forth, as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the number of active credit card and loan accounts with balances and the related principal balances outstanding, based upon the age of the active credit card and loan accounts from origination:

	September 30, 2014
Age of Accounts Since Origination	Number of Active Accounts with Balances		Percentage of Active Accounts with Balances			Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
	(In thousands, except percentages)
0-12 Months		4,869		28.2	%	$	2,220,148		25.1	%
13-24 Months		2,554		14.8			1,282,695		14.5
25-36 Months		1,781		10.3			937,043		10.6
37-48 Months		1,283		7.4			701,808		7.9
49-60 Months		969		5.6			557,911		6.3
Over 60 Months		5,828		33.7			3,149,984		35.6
Total		17,284		100.0	%	$	8,849,589		100.0	%

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

	September 30, 2013
Age of Accounts Since Origination	Number of Active Accounts with Balances		Percentage of Active Accounts with Balances			Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
	(In thousands, except percentages)
0-12 Months		4,233		27.0	%	$	1,660,718		23.5	%
13-24 Months		2,187		13.9			930,082		13.2
25-36 Months		1,514		9.7			684,463		9.7
37-48 Months		1,136		7.2			553,471		7.8
49-60 Months		931		5.9			500,259		7.1
Over 60 Months		5,694		36.3			2,728,040		38.7
Total		15,695		100.0	%	$	7,057,033		100.0	%

Credit Quality

The Company uses proprietary scoring models developed specifically for the purpose of monitoring the Company's obligor credit quality. The proprietary scoring models are used as a tool in the underwriting process and for making credit decisions. The proprietary scoring models are based on historical data and require various assumptions about future performance. Information regarding customer performance is factored into these proprietary scoring models to determine the probability of an account becoming 90 or more days past due at any time within the next 12 months. Obligor credit quality is monitored at least monthly during the life of an account. The following table reflects composition of the Company's credit card and loan receivables by obligor credit quality as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:

	September 30, 2014					September 30, 2013
Probability of an Account Becoming 90 or More Days Past Due or Becoming Charged-off (within the next 12 months)	Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding			Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
			(In thousands, except percentages)
No Score	$	180,003		2.0	%	$	144,336		2.0	%
27.1% and higher		430,333		4.9			330,802		4.7
17.1% - 27.0%		829,208		9.4			669,535		9.5
12.6% - 17.0%		955,459		10.8			746,424		10.6
3.7% - 12.5%		3,613,024		40.8			2,819,112		39.9
1.9% - 3.6%		1,837,713		20.8			1,487,871		21.1
Lower than 1.9%		1,003,849		11.3			858,953		12.2
Total	$	8,849,589		100.0	%	$	7,057,033		100.0	%

Transfer of Financial Assets

The Company originates loans under an agreement with one of its clients and after origination, these loan receivables are sold to the client at par value plus accrued interest. These transfers qualify for sale treatment as they meet the conditions established in ASC 860-10, "Transfers and Servicing." Following the sale, the client owns the loan receivables, bears the risk of loss in the event of loan defaults and is responsible for all servicing functions related to the receivables. The loan receivables originated by the Company that have not yet been sold to the client were $70.6 million and $62.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and are included in loan receivables held for sale in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The carrying value of these loan receivables approximates fair value due to the short duration between the date of origination and sale. Originations and sales of these loan receivables held for sale are reflected as operating activities in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Upon the client's purchase of the originated loan receivables, the Company is obligated to purchase a participating interest in a pool of loan receivables that includes the loan receivables originated by the Company. Such interest participates on a pro rata basis in the cash flows of the underlying pool of loan receivables, including principal repayments, finance charges, losses and recoveries. The Company bears the risk of loss related to its participation interest in this pool.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased $181.8 million of loan receivables under these agreements. The outstanding balance of these loan receivables was $129.6 million and $61.6 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and was included in other credit card and loan receivables in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Portfolio Acquisitions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company acquired two co-brand credit card portfolios for purchase prices totaling approximately $402.7 million, which remain subject to customary purchase price adjustments, and consist of $366.9 million of credit card receivables, $37.7 million of intangible assets and a liability of approximately $1.9 million.

Securitized Credit Card Receivables

The Company regularly securitizes its credit card receivables through its credit card securitization trusts, consisting of World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust ("Master Trust I") 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"). 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 card receivables, collect payments and charge-off uncollectible receivables. These fees are eliminated and therefore are not reflected in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

The WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust are variable interest entities ("VIEs") and the assets of these consolidated VIEs include certain credit card receivables that 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 non-recourse secured borrowings and other liabilities for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

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

	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Total credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors		$	7,214,380	$	7,080,014
Principal amount of credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors, 90 days or more past due		$	138,525	$	131,659

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Net charge-offs of securitized principal		$	75,092		$	70,752		$	240,754		$	219,441

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories of $218.1 million and $14.6 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consist of finished goods primarily to be utilized as rewards in the Company's loyalty programs and are included in other current assets in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company acquired $198.9 million of finished goods inventory in the BrandLoyalty acquisition on January 2, 2014.

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market and valued primarily on a first-in-first-out basis. The Company records valuation adjustments to its inventories if the cost of inventory exceeds the amount it expects to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management's judgment regarding future market conditions and analysis of historical experience.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

6. OTHER INVESTMENTS

Other investments consist of restricted cash, marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds and are included in other current assets and other assets in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The principal components of other investments, which are carried at fair value, are as follows:

	September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost			Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Restricted cash		$	28,694	$	—	$	—		$	28,694	$	25,988	$	—	$	—		$	25,988
Marketable securities			82,481		223		(2,276	)		80,428		77,351		62		(4,180	)		73,233
U.S. Treasury bonds			100,079		2		(261	)		99,820		—		—		—			—
Total		$	211,254	$	225	$	(2,537	)	$	208,942	$	103,339	$	62	$	(4,180	)	$	99,221

The following tables show the unrealized losses and fair value for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months							12 Months or Greater							Total
	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Marketable securities		$	21,276		$	(261	)		$	49,146		$	(2,015	)		$	70,422		$	(2,276	)
U.S. Treasury bonds			74,798			(261	)			—			—				74,798			(261	)
Total		$	96,074		$	(522	)		$	49,146		$	(2,015	)		$	145,220		$	(2,537	)

	December 31, 2013
	Less than 12 months							12 Months or Greater							Total
	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Marketable securities		$	39,954		$	(2,206	)		$	25,785		$	(1,974	)		$	65,739		$	(4,180	)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds at September 30, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	6,684	$	6,620
Due after one year through five years		100,079		99,820
Due after five years through ten years		4,325		4,486
Due after ten years		71,472		69,322
Total	$	182,560	$	180,248

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 September 30, 2014, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

7. 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. The principal components of redemption settlement assets, which are carried at fair value, are as follows:

	September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost			Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	144,500	$	—	$	—		$	144,500	$	73,984	$	—	$	—		$	73,984
Government bonds			4,574		—		(2	)		4,572		—		—		—			—
Corporate bonds			375,745		4,224		(4	)		379,965		429,592		7,083		(310	)		436,365
Total		$	524,819	$	4,224	$	(6	)	$	529,037	$	503,576	$	7,083	$	(310	)	$	510,349

	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months							12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Government bonds		$	4,572		$	(2	)		$	—		$	—		$	4,572		$	(2	)
Corporate bonds			12,253			(4	)			—			—			12,253			(4	)
Total		$	16,825		$	(6	)		$	—		$	—		$	16,825		$	(6	)

	December 31, 2013
	Less than 12 months							12 Months or Greater						Total
	Fair Value			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Corporate bonds		$	80,493		$	(310	)		$	—		$	—		$	80,493		$	(310	)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities at September 30, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows:

	Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Due in one year or less		$	178,889	$	180,174
Due after one year through five years			201,430		204,363
Total		$	380,319	$	384,537

There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2014
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Amortization Life and Method
	(In thousands)
Finite Lived Assets
Customer contracts and lists	$	806,524	$	(273,070	)	$	533,454	3-12 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios		212,848		(102,583	)		110,265	3-10 years—straight line, accelerated
Customer database		161,700		(135,936	)		25,764	4-10 years—straight line
Collector database		62,506		(58,182	)		4,324	30 years—15% declining balance
Tradenames		83,820		(26,079	)		57,741	3-15 years—straight line
Purchased data lists		11,919		(6,401	)		5,518	1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
Favorable lease		3,291		(635	)		2,656	10 years—straight line
Noncompete agreements		1,300		(758	)		542	3 years—straight line
	$	1,343,908	$	(603,644	)	$	740,264
Indefinite Lived Assets
Tradenames		12,350		—			12,350	Indefinite life
Total intangible assets	$	1,356,258	$	(603,644	)	$	752,614

	December 31, 2013
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Amortization Life and Method
	(In thousands)
Finite Lived Assets
Customer contracts and lists	$	440,200	$	(187,350	)	$	252,850	3-12 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios		216,041		(118,006	)		98,035	5-10 years—straight line, accelerated
Customer database		161,700		(122,230	)		39,470	4-10 years—straight line
Collector database		65,895		(60,711	)		5,184	30 years—15% declining balance
Tradenames		58,567		(15,443	)		43,124	4-15 years—straight line
Purchased data lists		17,567		(11,959	)		5,608	1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
Favorable lease		3,291		(375	)		2,916	10 years—straight line
Noncompete agreements		1,300		(433	)		867	3 years—straight line
	$	964,561	$	(516,507	)	$	448,054
Indefinite Lived Assets
Tradenames		12,350		—			12,350	Indefinite life
Total intangible assets	$	976,911	$	(516,507	)	$	460,404

With the BrandLoyalty acquisition on January 2, 2014, the Company acquired $423.8 million of intangible assets, consisting of $396.5 million of customer contracts and a $27.3 million tradename, which are being amortized over weighted average lives of 7.0 years and 3.0 years, respectively.

With the credit card portfolio acquisitions made during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company acquired $37.7 million of intangible assets, consisting of $34.4 million of customer relationships being amortized over a weighted average life of 3.2 years and $3.3 million of marketing relationships being amortized over a weighted average life of 7.0 years.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

	For Years Ending December 31,
	(In thousands)
2014 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2014)	$	45,240
2015		168,123
2016		150,454
2017		112,283
2018		95,987
2019 & thereafter		168,177

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:

	LoyaltyOne^®			Epsilon^®			Private Label Services and Credit		Corporate/ Other		Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2013	$	232,449		$	1,241,522		$	261,732	$	—	$	1,735,703
Goodwill acquired during the year		565,015			—			—		—		565,015
Effects of foreign currency translation		(54,358	)		(578	)		—		—		(54,936	)
September 30, 2014	$	743,106		$	1,240,944		$	261,732	$	—	$	2,245,782

See Note 3, "Acquisition," for more information regarding the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

9. DEBT

Debt consists of the following:

Description	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			Maturity	Interest Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)

Long-term and other debt:
2013 credit facility	$	120,000		$	336,000		July 2018	⁽¹⁾
2013 term loan		1,210,938			1,234,688		July 2018	⁽¹⁾
BrandLoyalty credit facility		128,975			—		December 2015	⁽²⁾
Convertible senior notes due 2014		—			333,082		—	—
Senior notes due 2017		397,122			396,511		December 2017	5.250%
Senior notes due 2020		500,000			500,000		April 2020	6.375%
Senior notes due 2022		600,000			—		August 2022	5.375%
Total long-term and other debt		2,957,035			2,800,281
Less: current portion		(78,537	)		(364,489	)
Long-term portion	$	2,878,498		$	2,435,792

Deposits:
Certificates of deposit	$	3,065,401		$	2,486,533		Various – October 2014 – January 2021	0.15% to 3.30%
Money market deposits		662,404			329,828		On demand	0.01% to 0.15%
Total deposits		3,727,805			2,816,361
Less: current portion		(2,066,815	)		(1,544,059	)
Long-term portion	$	1,660,990		$	1,272,302

Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities:
Fixed rate asset-backed term note securities	$	3,301,916		$	3,001,916		Various – October 2014 - June 2019	0.61% to 6.75%
Floating rate asset-backed term note securities		450,000			—		February 2016	⁽³⁾
Conduit asset-backed securities		700,000			1,590,000		Various – September 2015 – May 2016	⁽⁴⁾
Total non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,451,916			4,591,916
Less: current portion		(1,268,750	)		(1,025,000	)
Long-term portion	$	3,183,166		$	3,566,916

(1)		The interest rate is based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus an applicable margin. At September 30, 2014, the weighted average interest rate was 1.91% for both the 2013 Credit Facility and 2013 Term Loan.

⁽²⁾		The interest rate is based upon the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") plus an applicable margin. At September 30, 2014, the weighted average interest rate was 3.21%.

⁽³⁾		The interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus an applicable margin. At September 30, 2014, the interest rate was 0.53%.

⁽⁴⁾		The interest rate is based upon LIBOR or the asset-backed commercial paper costs of each individual conduit provider plus an applicable margin. At September 30, 2014, the interest rates ranged from 1.00% to 1.69%.

At September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with its covenants.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Credit Agreement

The Company, as borrower, and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., ADS Foreign Holdings, Inc., Alliance Data Foreign Holdings, Inc., Epsilon Data Management, LLC, Comenity LLC, Comenity Servicing LLC and Aspen Marketing Services, LLC, as guarantors, are party to a credit agreement that provided for a $1.25 billion term loan (the "2013 Term Loan") with certain principal repayments and a $1.25 billion revolving line of credit (the "2013 Credit Facility").

In July 2014, the Company exercised in part the accordion feature of the 2013 Credit Agreement and increased the capacity under the 2013 Credit Facility by $50.0 million to $1.3 billion. Also in July 2014, HMI Holding LLC became an additional guarantor under the 2013 Credit Agreement, the Indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2017 and the Indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2020.

Total availability under the 2013 Credit Facility at September 30, 2014 was $1,180.0 million.

BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement

As part of the BrandLoyalty acquisition, the Company assumed the debt outstanding under BrandLoyalty's Amended and Restated Senior Facilities Agreement, as amended (the "BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement"). The BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement is secured by the accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, bank accounts and shares of BrandLoyalty Group B.V. and certain of its subsidiaries. The BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement consists of term loans of €63.0 million and a revolving line of credit of €87.0 million, both of which are scheduled to mature on December 31, 2015. The term loans provide for quarterly principal payments of €6.25 million through September 2015, with the remaining amount payable upon maturity. As of September 30, 2014, amounts outstanding under the term loans and revolving line of credit were €44.3 million and €57.9 million ($55.9 million and $73.1 million), respectively.

All advances under the BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement are denominated in Euros. The interest rate fluctuates and is equal to EURIBOR, as defined in the BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement, plus an applicable margin based on BrandLoyalty's senior net leverage ratio. The BrandLoyalty Credit Agreement contains financial covenants, including a senior net leverage ratio and a minimum annual EBITDA, as well as usual and customary negative covenants and customary events of default.

Convertible Senior Notes

In June 2009, the Company issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes that matured and were repaid on May 15, 2014 (the "Convertible Senior Notes due 2014"). On or prior to May 15, 2014, the Company settled in cash the Convertible Senior Notes due 2014, which were surrendered for conversion for $1,864.8 million. The Company applied $1,519.8 million of cash from the counterparties in settlement of the related convertible note hedge transactions, including Bank of America, N.A., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as agent for JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch, and Barclays Bank PLC.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Interest expense on the convertible senior notes recognized in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014				2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Interest expense calculated on contractual interest rate		$	—		$	5,074		$	5,630		$	20,073
Amortization of discount on liability component			—			12,602			11,888			57,321
Total interest expense on convertible senior notes		$	—		$	17,676		$	17,518		$	77,394

Effective interest rate (annualized)			—	%		13.2	%		14.2	%		11.8	%

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the settlement of the final 5.1 million of warrants associated with the convertible senior notes that matured on August 1, 2013 by issuing 2.9 million shares of its common stock.

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company completed the settlement of 7.3 million warrants associated with the convertible senior notes that matured on May 15, 2014 by issuing 5.4 million shares of its common stock.

Senior Notes Due 2017

In November 2012, the Company issued and sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior notes due December 1, 2017 (the "Senior Notes due 2017") at an issue price of 98.912% of the aggregate principal amount. The unamortized discount was $2.9 million and $3.5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The discount is being amortized using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the Senior Notes due 2017 which, at September 30, 2014, is a period of 3.2 years at an effective annual interest rate of 5.5%.

Senior Notes Due 2022

In July 2014, the Company issued and sold $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due August 1, 2022 (the "Senior Notes due 2022"). The Senior Notes due 2022 accrue interest on the principal amount at the rate of 5.375% per annum from July 29, 2014, payable semi-annually in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2015. The Senior Notes due 2022 are unsecured and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries that becomes liable for any debt under the domestic credit facilities, including the 2013 Credit Agreement.

Non-Recourse Borrowings of Consolidated Securitization Entities

Asset-Backed Term Notes

In February 2014, Master Trust I issued $625.0 million of asset-backed term securities, $175.0 million of which was retained by the Company and eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities mature in February 2016 and have a variable interest rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.38%.

In July 2014, Master Trust I issued $394.7 million of asset-backed term securities, $94.7 million of which was retained by the Company and eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities mature in September 2015 and have a fixed interest rate of 0.61%.

In October 2014, $316.5 million of Series 2011-A asset backed term notes, of which $66.5 million of subordinated classes were retained by the Company and eliminated from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, matured and was repaid. Pursuant to the indenture supplement applicable to these securities, as of September 30, 2014, the Company collected $316.5 million of principal payments made by its credit cardholders during the accumulation period. The cash is restricted to the securitization investors and is reflected in other current assets in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014.

In November 2014, WFN Credit Company, LLC and Comenity Bank entered into an underwriting agreement pursuant to which Master Trust I will issue $427.6 million of asset-backed term notes, of which $102.6 million of subordinated classes will be retained by the Company and eliminated from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities will mature in October 2017 and have a fixed interest rate of 1.54%.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Conduit Facilities

The Company has access to committed undrawn capacity through three conduit facilities to support the funding of its credit card receivables through Master Trust I, Master Trust III and the WFC Trust.

In February 2014, Master Trust I renewed its 2009-VFN conduit facility, extending the maturity to February 29, 2016, with a total capacity of $700.0 million.

In May 2014, the WFC Trust renewed its 2009-VFN conduit facility, extending the maturity to May 31, 2016, with a total capacity of $450.0 million.

As of September 30, 2014, total capacity under the conduit facilities was $1.6 billion, of which $700.0 million had been drawn and was included in non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments – Cash Flow Hedges

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company entered into certain foreign currency derivatives to reduce the volatility of the Company's cash flows resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with certain inventory transactions. The total U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount of these derivative instruments was $58.3 million, with various maturities ranging from October 2014 to August 2015. These derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges and the changes in the fair value, excluding any ineffective portion, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the hedged transactions affect net income. The ineffective portion of these cash flow hedges is classified as cost of operations in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company formally assesses, both at a hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) it determines that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (2) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (4) it determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

As part of its interest rate risk management program, the Company may enter into derivative contracts with institutions that are established dealers to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates for certain obligations. The Company was not a party to any derivative instruments as of December 31, 2013. With the BrandLoyalty acquisition on January 2, 2014, the Company assumed certain derivative instruments. At September 30, 2014, the notional amount of the Company's outstanding interest rate derivatives was €55.3 million ($69.8 million), with a weighted average maturity of 15 months.

These interest rate derivative instruments involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from counterparties in exchange for the Company making fixed rate payments over the life of the agreement without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. These interest rate derivative instruments are not designated as hedges. Such instruments 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."

In September 2014, the Company entered into a foreign exchange forward contract with a notional amount of $236.6 million to limit its foreign currency exchange exposure to its contingent liability associated with the earn-out provisions in the BrandLoyalty acquisition. This forward contract is not designated as a hedging instrument under ASC 815.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments included within the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014:

	September 30, 2014
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange hedges	Accrued expenses	$	138

Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contract	Other current liabilities	$	7,310
Interest rate derivatives	Other liabilities	$	334

The Company was not a party to any derivative instruments as of December 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes activity related to and identifies the location of the Company's outstanding derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 recognized in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:

	2014				2013
For the three months ended September 30,	Income Statement Location	Gain (loss) on Derivative Instruments			Income Statement Location	Gain on Derivative Instruments
	(In thousands)
Interest rate derivatives	Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net	$	131		Securitization funding costs	$	—
Foreign currency exchange forward contract	General and administrative	$	(7,310	)	Securitization funding costs	$	—

For the nine months ended September 30,
Interest rate derivatives	Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net	$	244		Securitization funding costs	$	8,511
Foreign currency exchange forward contract	General and administrative	$	(7,310	)	Securitization funding costs	$	-

Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are included in other operating activities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented.

A de minimis amount of gains was recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to foreign exchange hedges designated as effective. There were no amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and no ineffectiveness was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, a de minimis amount is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income in the coming 12 months.

The Company limits its exposure on derivatives by entering into contracts with institutions that are established dealers who maintain certain minimum credit criteria established by the Company. At September 30, 2014, the Company does not maintain any derivative instruments subject to master agreements that would require the Company to post collateral or that contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

11. DEFERRED REVENUE

The AIR MILES Reward Program collects fees from its sponsors based on the number of AIR MILES reward miles issued and, in limited circumstances, the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed. Because management has determined that the earnings process is not complete at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is issued, the recognition of redemption and service revenue is deferred.

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

	Deferred Revenue
	Service			Redemption			Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2013	$	346,631		$	790,555		$	1,137,186
Cash proceeds		156,335			321,159			477,494
Revenue recognized		(150,676	)		(367,979	)		(518,655	)
Other		—			(356	)		(356	)
Effects of foreign currency translation		(17,961	)		(39,541	)		(57,502	)
September 30, 2014	$	334,329		$	703,838		$	1,038,167
Amounts recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	169,494		$	703,838		$	873,332
Non-current liabilities	$	164,835		$	—		$	164,835

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

On September 11, 2014, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Conversant, Inc. ("Conversant"), providing for the merger in which the Company will acquire Conversant. Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the Company will pay Conversant stockholders consideration valued at $35.00 per share, which is estimated at approximately $2.3 billion in the aggregate based on the closing price as of September 30, 2014. Each outstanding share of Conversant common stock will be exchanged for consideration consisting of (i) 0.07037 shares of the Company's common stock (the "fixed exchange ratio"), and (ii) an amount in cash equal to $35.00 minus the product of (a) the volume weighted average price per share of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for the consecutive period of fifteen trading days ending on the close of trading on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing of the merger and (b) the fixed exchange ratio. However, the amount of cash the Company will pay per share of Conversant common stock is fixed within a collar. The maximum amount of cash the Company will pay per share of Conversant common stock will equal $18.62 and the minimum amount of cash the Company will pay per share of Conversant common stock will equal $14.98. In the event that the maximum or minimum cash amount is reached, the amount of cash per share (i.e., either $18.62 or $14.98) and the fixed exchange ratio of 0.07037 would remain constant and the value received by Conversant stockholders would fluctuate below or above $35.00, respectively, outside of the collar.

As an alternative to the base merger consideration described above, Conversant stockholders may instead elect to receive, for each share of Conversant common stock, all stock or all cash consideration, subject to pro ration amongst electing stockholders such that the aggregate amount of cash paid and the aggregate number of shares of the Company's common stock issued in the merger is the same that would have been paid and issued if each share of Conversant common stock had been converted into the base merger consideration.

Completion of the merger is subject to customary conditions, including approval by Conversant stockholders, listing of the shares of the Company's common stock to be issued in the merger on the NYSE, effectiveness of the Company's registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC, and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

13. REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty. The remaining 40% interest held by minority interest shareholders is considered a redeemable non-controlling interest. Pursuant to the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement, the Company may acquire the remaining 40% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty over a four-year period, 10% per year, at predetermined valuation multiples. If specified annual earnings targets are met by BrandLoyalty, the Company must acquire the additional 10% interest for the year achieved; otherwise, the sellers have a put option to sell the Company their 10% interest for the respective year. The Company recognized a redeemable non-controlling interest in the amount of $341.9 million, which was measured at fair value at the acquisition date. A reconciliation of the changes in the redeemable non-controlling interest is as follows:

	Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
	(In thousands)
Balance at January 2, 2014	$	341,907
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		803
Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		711
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(25,998	)
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	317,423

14. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Repurchase Program

On December 5, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $400.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, subject to any restrictions pursuant to the terms of the Company's credit agreements, indentures, applicable securities laws or otherwise.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company acquired a total of 873,397 shares of its common stock for $217.5 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $182.5 million available under the stock repurchase program.

Stock Compensation Expense

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Cost of operations		$	11,589	$	9,812	$	33,801	$	29,354
General and administrative			6,668		5,601		15,953		14,074
Total		$	18,257	$	15,413	$	49,754	$	43,428

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company awarded 174,590 performance-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $283.93 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 earnings before taxes for the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 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 18, 2015, an additional 33% of the award on February 18, 2016 and the final 34% of the award on February 21, 2017, provided that the participant is employed by the Company on each such vesting date.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company awarded 60,121 service-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $280.29 as determined on the date of grant. Service-based restricted stock units typically vest ratably over three years provided that the participant is employed by the Company on each such vesting date.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, are as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities				Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance as of June 30, 2014		$	4,745		$	—		$	(18,940	)	$	(14,195	)
Changes in other comprehensive loss			(1,991	)		(104	)		(37,956	)		(40,051	)
Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	2,754		$	(104	)	$	(56,896	)	$	(54,246	)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities			Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance as of June 30, 2013		$	4,867	$	—	$	(23,917	)	$	(19,050	)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss)			50		—		(247	)		(197	)
Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	4,917	$	—	$	(24,164	)	$	(19,247	)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities				Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	4,189		$	—		$	(22,416	)	$	(18,227	)
Changes in other comprehensive loss			(1,435	)		(104	)		(34,480	)		(36,019	)
Balance as of September 30, 2014		$	2,754		$	(104	)	$	(56,896	)	$	(54,246	)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities				Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	10,321		$	—	$	(32,182	)	$	(21,861	)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss)			(5,404	)		—		8,018			2,614
Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	4,917		$	—	$	(24,164	)	$	(19,247	)

⁽¹⁾

Primarily related to the impact of changes in the Canadian dollar and Euro exchange rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and to the impact of changes in the Canadian dollar exchange rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014. A de minimis amount was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

16. 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.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:

	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	634,824	$	634,824	$	969,822	$	969,822
Trade receivables, net		455,064		455,064		394,822		394,822
Credit card and loan receivables, net		8,783,491		8,783,491		8,069,713		8,069,713
Loan receivables held for sale		70,588		70,588		62,082		62,082
Redemption settlement assets, restricted		529,037		529,037		510,349		510,349
Cash collateral, restricted		36,576		36,576		34,124		34,124
Other investments		208,942		208,942		99,221		99,221
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable		318,798		318,798		210,019		210,019
Derivative instruments		7,782		7,782		—		—
Deposits		3,727,805		3,749,972		2,816,361		2,836,352
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,451,916		4,484,093		4,591,916		4,618,205
Long-term and other debt		2,957,035		2,961,663		2,800,281		4,404,500
Contingent liability		229,781		229,781		—		—

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Held at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

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 and the relatively liquid nature of these assets and liabilities.

Credit card and loan receivables, net — Credit card and loan receivables, net includes both receivables issued or purchased by the Company in the normal course of business. The carrying amount of credit card and loan receivables, net approximates fair value due to the short maturity and average interest rates that approximate current market origination rates.

Loan receivables held for sale — Loan receivables held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and their carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short duration between origination and sale.

Redemption settlement assets, restricted — Redemption settlement assets, restricted consists of cash and cash equivalents and government and corporate bonds. The 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 Company uses a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated cash flows for each asset. The fair value is based on the term of the underlying securities and a discount rate. 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.

Other investments — Other investments consist of restricted cash, U.S. Treasury bonds and marketable securities. The fair value is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities.

Deposits — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar deposits with similar remaining maturities.

Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities or quoted market prices for the same transaction.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Long-term and other debt — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities or quoted market prices for the same transaction.

Derivative instruments — Represents interest rate and foreign currency derivative instruments. The fair value of the interest rate derivative instruments was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflected the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and used observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and option volatility. The fair value of the foreign currency derivative instruments is estimated based on published quotations of spot foreign currency rates and forward points which are converted into implied foreign currency rates.

Contingent liability — The fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation technique, which is based on certain key assumptions, including the estimated 2014 earnings and net debt of BrandLoyalty, each as defined in the share purchase agreement, earnings volatility, and discount rate.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Fair Value Hierarchy

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 where 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 information for the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014 Using
	Balance at September 30, 2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Government bonds ⁽¹⁾	$	4,572	$	—	$	4,572	$	—
Corporate bonds ⁽¹⁾		379,965		—		379,965		—
Cash collateral, restricted		36,576		1,582		—		34,994
Other investments ⁽²⁾		208,942		133,647		75,295		—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	630,055	$	135,229	$	459,832	$	34,994

Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾		7,782		—		7,782		—
Contingent liability ⁽⁴⁾		229,781		—		—		229,781
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	237,563	$	—	$	7,782	$	229,781

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using
	Balance at December 31, 2013			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Corporate bonds ⁽¹⁾		$	436,365	$	—	$	436,365	$	—
Cash collateral, restricted			34,124		—		—		34,124
Other investments ⁽²⁾			99,221		30,888		68,333		—
Total assets measured at fair value		$	569,710	$	30,888	$	504,698	$	34,124

⁽¹⁾		Amounts are included in redemption settlement assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽²⁾		Amounts are included in other current assets and other assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽³⁾		Interest rate derivatives are included in other liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency derivatives are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽⁴⁾		Amount is included in accrued expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following tables summarize the changes in fair value of the Company's asset and liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 825 as of September 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Cash Collateral, Restricted
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013			2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	34,710	$	45,951		$	34,124	$	62,660
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Included in earnings		284		296			870		1,087
Purchases		—		—			—		—
Sales		—		—			—		—
Issuances		—		—			—		—
Settlements		—		(12,405	)		—		(29,905	)
Transfers in or out of Level 3		—		—			—		—
Balance at end of period	$	34,994	$	33,842		$	34,994	$	33,842

Gains for the period included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period	$	284	$	296		$	870	$	1,087

The spread deposits included in cash collateral, restricted are recorded at their fair value based on discounted cash flow models, utilizing the respective term of each instrument which ranged from 1 to 25 months, with a weighted average term of 7.9 months. The unobservable input used to calculate the fair value was the discount rate of 3.0%, which was based on an interest rate curve that is observable in the market as adjusted for a credit spread. Significant increases in the term or the discount rate would result in a lower fair value. Conversely, significant decreases in the term or the discount rate would result in a higher fair value.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, gains included in earnings attributable to cash collateral, restricted are included in securitization funding costs in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

	Contingent Liability
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	249,067		$	—	$	—		$	—
Total gains or losses (realized or unrealized):
Included in earnings		—			—		—			—
Purchases		—			—		248,702			—
Sales		—			—		—			—
Issuances		—			—		—			—
Settlements		—			—		—			—
Foreign currency transaction adjustments		(19,286	)		—		(18,921	)		—
Transfers in or out of Level 3		—			—		—			—
Balance at end of period	$	229,781		$	—	$	229,781		$	—

Gains for the period included in earnings related to liability still held at end of period	$	19,286		$	—	$	18,921		$	—

The contingent liability represents the additional consideration that the Company may be required to pay in the first quarter of 2015 as part of the earn-out provisions included in the share purchase agreement for the BrandLoyalty acquisition. The contingent liability is included in accrued expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and is recorded at fair value. The fair value was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation technique, which is based on certain key assumptions, including estimated 2014 earnings and net debt for BrandLoyalty, each as defined in the share purchase agreement, earnings volatility and a discount rate. Earnings volatility was determined based on observed market volatility for a guideline set of similar companies. The discount rate was based on observed borrowing rates on debt instruments with similar terms, adjusted for an unobservable risk premium. Significant increases in the estimated 2014 earnings for BrandLoyalty or significant decreases in the earnings volatility, discount rate or net debt for BrandLoyalty would result in an increase in the fair value of the contingent liability. Conversely, significant decreases in the estimated 2014 earnings for BrandLoyalty or significant increases in the earnings volatility, discount rate or net debt for BrandLoyalty would result in a decrease in the fair value of the contingent liability.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, foreign currency transaction gains or losses included in earnings attributable to the contingent liability are included in general and administrative expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 within the fair value hierarchy for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Financial Instruments Disclosed but Not Carried at Fair Value

The following table provides assets and liabilities disclosed but not carried at fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	634,824	$	634,824	$	—	$	—
Credit card and loan receivables, net		8,783,491		—		—		8,783,491
Loan receivables held for sale		70,588		—		—		70,588
Total	$	9,488,903	$	634,824	$	—	$	8,854,079

Financial liabilities
Deposits	$	3,749,972	$	—	$	3,749,972	$	—
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,484,093		—		4,484,093		—
Long-term and other debt		2,961,663		—		2,961,663		—
Total	$	11,195,728	$	—	$	11,195,728	$	—

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	969,822	$	969,822	$	—	$	—
Credit card and loan receivables, net		8,069,713		—		—		8,069,713
Loan receivables held for sale		62,082		—		—		62,082
Total	$	9,101,617	$	969,822	$	—	$	8,131,795

Financial liabilities
Deposits	$	2,836,352	$	—	$	2,836,352	$	—
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,618,205		—		4,618,205		—
Long-term and other debt		4,404,500		—		4,404,500		—
Total	$	11,859,057	$	—	$	11,859,057	$	—

17. INCOME TAXES

For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company utilized an effective tax rate of 36.6% to calculate its provision for income taxes. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company utilized an effective tax rate of 38.1% and 37.9%, respectively, to calculate its provision for income taxes. In accordance with ASC 740‑270, "Income Taxes — Interim Reporting," the Company's expected annual effective tax rate for calendar year 2014 based on all known variables is 36.5%.

18. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined by ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is the President and Chief Executive Officer. The operating segments are reviewed separately because each operating segment represents a strategic business unit that generally offers different products and serves different markets.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

The Company operates in the following reportable segments: LoyaltyOne, Epsilon, and Private Label Services and Credit. Segment operations consist of the following:

•

LoyaltyOne includes the Company's Canadian AIR MILES Reward Program and BrandLoyalty;

•

Epsilon provides end-to-end, integrated direct marketing solutions that leverage transactional data to help clients more effectively acquire and build stronger relationships with their customers; and

•

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

Corporate and other immaterial businesses are reported collectively as an "all other" category labeled "Corporate/Other." 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.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	LoyaltyOne		Epsilon			Private Label Services and Credit		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	324,484	$	377,554		$	622,330	$	144		$	(5,379	)	$	1,319,133

Income (loss) before income taxes		51,078		42,597			237,053		(70,551	)		—			260,177
Interest expense, net		1,303		(3	)		30,675		29,489			—			61,464
Operating income (loss)		52,381		42,594			267,728		(41,062	)		—			321,641
Depreciation and amortization		22,529		36,564			15,202		2,036			—			76,331
Stock compensation expense		2,954		5,137			3,498		6,668			—			18,257
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		77,864		84,295			286,428		(32,358	)		—			416,229
Less: Securitization funding costs		—		—			22,763		—			—			22,763
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—		—			9,064		—			—			9,064
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		8,378		—			—		—			—			8,378
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	69,486	$	84,295		$	254,601	$	(32,358	)	$	—		$	376,024

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	LoyaltyOne			Epsilon			Private Label Services and Credit		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	213,338		$	356,035		$	531,098	$	40		$	(4,064	)	$	1,096,447

Income (loss) before income taxes		55,139			38,863			201,009		(80,258	)		—			214,753
Interest expense, net		(381	)		(7	)		29,575		44,828			—			74,015
Operating income (loss)		54,758			38,856			230,584		(35,430	)		—			288,768
Depreciation and amortization		4,806			34,886			13,161		1,619			—			54,472
Stock compensation expense		2,664			4,689			2,458		5,602			—			15,413
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		62,228			78,431			246,203		(28,209	)		—			358,653
Less: Securitization funding costs		—			—			22,914		—			—			22,914
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—			—			7,287		—			—			7,287
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		—			—			—		—			—			—
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	62,228		$	78,431		$	216,002	$	(28,209	)	$	—		$	328,452

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	LoyaltyOne		Epsilon			Private Label Services and Credit		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	1,009,037	$	1,082,111		$	1,741,384	$	372		$	(15,713	)	$	3,817,191

Income (loss) before income taxes		155,510		81,342			660,299		(203,321	)		—			693,830
Interest expense, net		4,947		(22	)		90,866		96,352			—			192,143
Operating income (loss)		160,457		81,320			751,165		(106,969	)		—			885,973
Depreciation and amortization		67,501		110,479			40,876		5,843			—			224,699
Stock compensation expense		8,443		15,390			9,968		15,953			—			49,754
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		236,401		207,189			802,009		(85,173	)		—			1,160,426
Less: Securitization funding costs		—		—			67,974		—			—			67,974
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—		—			25,526		—			—			25,526
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		24,381		—			—		—			—			24,381
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	212,020	$	207,189		$	708,509	$	(85,173	)	$	—		$	1,042,545

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	LoyaltyOne			Epsilon			Private Label Services and Credit		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Revenues	$	674,382		$	1,005,789		$	1,508,321	$	40		$	(10,556	)	$	3,177,976

Income (loss) before income taxes		170,458			79,255			596,826		(237,391	)		—			609,148
Interest expense, net		(800	)		(46	)		91,802		149,069			—			240,025
Operating income (loss)		169,658			79,209			688,628		(88,322	)		—			849,173
Depreciation and amortization		13,465			103,814			39,657		3,962			—			160,898
Stock compensation expense		7,883			13,418			8,053		14,074			—			43,428
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		191,006			196,441			736,338		(70,286	)		—			1,053,499
Less: Securitization funding costs		—			—			72,093		—			—			72,093
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—			—			21,296		—			—			21,296
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		—			—			—		—			—			—
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	191,006		$	196,441		$	642,949	$	(70,286	)	$	—		$	960,110

⁽¹⁾

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure based on GAAP plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and other amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA, net is also a non-GAAP financial measure equal to adjusted EBITDA less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net are presented in accordance with ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," as they are the primary performance metrics utilized to assess performance of the segments.

19. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On November 3, 2014, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent under the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility provided under the 2013 Credit Agreement, and certain other lenders party thereto (together, the "Lead Banks") and the Company entered into a commitment letter to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the commitment letter, the Company and the Lead Banks will enter into an amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement that will provide for, among other things, (i) a new five-year incremental term loan of $1.1 billion and (ii) the extension by the Lead Banks of the maturity date of their portions of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility to the date five years from the closing of the new incremental term loan. Other lenders under the 2013 Credit Agreement will be offered the opportunity to extend the maturity date of their portions of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility to the same date. The commitment of each Lead Bank under the commitment letter will terminate if, among other things, the parties have not executed the amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement on or before March 31, 2015, the Company fails to pay the requisite fee to the arranging banks required under the terms of the commitment letter, or any material adverse change occurs with respect to the Company's business, financial position or operations. Both the new incremental term loan and the proposed extension of maturity of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the commitment letter. As a result, the Company cannot assure you that it will be able to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement or obtain the new incremental term loan on the terms described above or at all.

Index

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 on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 28, 2014.

Year in Review Highlights

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenue increased 20.1% to $3.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 8.6% to $1.0 billion as compared to the prior year period.

LoyaltyOne^®

LoyaltyOne generates revenue primarily from our coalition loyalty program in Canada, the AIR MILES® Reward Program, and our recent acquisition of a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty Group B.V., or BrandLoyalty. Revenue increased $334.7 million, or 49.6%, to $1.0 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased $21.0 million, or 11.0%, to $212.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, due to the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $358.8 million and $36.6 million to revenue and adjusted EBITDA, net, respectively. A weaker Canadian dollar negatively impacted results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as the average foreign currency exchange rate was $0.91 as compared to $0.98 in the prior year period, which lowered revenue and adjusted EBITDA, net by $44.3 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

On January 2, 2014, we acquired a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty, a Netherlands-based, data-driven loyalty marketer that designs, organizes, implements and evaluates innovative and tailor-made loyalty programs for food retailers worldwide. The acquisition expands our presence across Europe, Asia and Latin America. See Note 3, "Acquisition," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

For the AIR MILES Reward Program, AIR MILES reward miles issued and AIR MILES reward miles redeemed are two key drivers and indicators of success. The number of AIR MILES reward miles issued impacts the number of future AIR MILES reward miles available to be redeemed. This can also impact our future revenue recognized with respect to the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed and the amount of breakage for those AIR MILES reward miles expected to remain unredeemed.

For those sponsor contracts not yet subject to Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2009-13, "Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements," the allocation of the fees received from AIR MILES reward miles issued is allocated to the redemption element based on the fair value of the redemption element, and the service element is determined based on the residual method. For sponsor contracts subject to ASU 2009-13, we determine the selling price for all of the deliverables in the arrangement, and use the relative selling price method to allocate the arrangement consideration among the deliverables. Proceeds from the issuance of AIR MILES reward miles under these contracts are allocated to three elements: the redemption element, the service element and the brand element, based on the relative selling price method. Revenue for the redemption element is recognized at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is redeemed. For the service element, revenue is recognized over the estimated life of an AIR MILES reward mile. Revenue attributable to the brand element is recognized at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is issued.

AIR MILES reward miles issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased 2.8% compared to the same period in the prior year, as the merger of two of our top grocery sponsors and newly enacted regulations related to prescription drug purchases negatively impacted our AIR MILES reward miles issued. For the year, we still expect AIR MILES reward miles issuance growth in the low single-digit range, driven by increased promotional activity by our sponsors and new initiatives within AIR MILES Cash. AIR MILES reward miles redeemed during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased 5.5% compared to the same period in the prior year due to increased redemptions through the AIR MILES Cash program option and increased redemptions for travel rewards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, AIR MILES Cash represented approximately 14.4% of the AIR MILES reward miles issued, compared to 11.4% in the prior year period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, LoyaltyOne signed a cross-Canada, long-term agreement with Sobeys, a national grocery retailer in Canada who acquired Canada Safeway in late 2013, to continue its participation and expand its Sobeys-owned banners as sponsors in the AIR MILES Reward Program. We also signed new multi-year agreements with Kent Building Supplies, a Canadian home improvement products retailer, and Moneris Solutions Corporation, a Canadian credit and debit card processor, to participate as sponsors in the AIR MILES Reward Program. Finally, we signed a new multi-year consulting agreement with Loblaw Companies Limited to develop and execute merchandising and marketing strategies.

Index

We have an approximate 37% ownership in CBSM-Companhia Brasileira De Servicos De Marketing, operator of Brazil's dotz coalition loyalty program, which operates in 10 markets and has approximately 13 million collectors enrolled as of September 30, 2014. We expect dotz to expand to 13 markets by the end of 2014. Dotz did not have a significant impact to our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is not expected to have an impact to our results of operations for the remainder of 2014.

Epsilon^®

Revenue increased $76.3 million, or 7.6%, to $1.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased $10.7 million, or 5.5%, to $207.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. Revenue growth was positive in all major product offerings, with marketing technology increasing 11.7%, agency increasing 6.2% and our data products increasing 3.3% percent.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Epsilon announced new multi-year agreements with ANN INC., operator of leading women's specialty retail fashion brands, to provide a customer relationship management database solution, and FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchised dealers, to build and host a customer relationship management database and provide database marketing services. We signed a multi-year agreement with Sephora, a leading specialty cosmetics retailer, to provide targeted email marketing services. Additionally, we announced new multi-year agreements with Ebates Inc. to provide email marketing services and UncommonGoods to provide database marketing services.

On September 11, 2014, we entered into a merger agreement with Conversant, Inc., or Conversant, providing for the merger in which we will acquire Conversant. Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, we will pay Conversant stockholders consideration valued at $35.00 per share, which is estimated at approximately $2.3 billion in the aggregate based on the closing price as of September 30, 2014. Each outstanding share of Conversant common stock will be exchanged for consideration consisting of (i) 0.07037 shares of our common stock, or the fixed exchange ratio, and (ii) an amount in cash equal to $35.00 minus the product of (a) the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, for the consecutive period of fifteen trading days ending on the close of trading on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing of the merger and (b) the fixed exchange ratio. However, the amount of cash we will pay per share of Conversant common stock is fixed within a collar. The maximum amount of cash we will pay per share of Conversant common stock will equal $18.62 and the minimum amount of cash we will pay per share of Conversant common stock will equal $14.98. In the event that the maximum or minimum cash amount is reached, the amount of cash per share (i.e., either $18.62 or $14.98) and the fixed exchange ratio of 0.07037 would remain constant and the value received by Conversant stockholders would fluctuate below or above $35.00, respectively, outside of the collar.

As an alternative to the base merger consideration described above, Conversant stockholders may instead elect to receive, for each share of Conversant common stock, all stock or all cash consideration, subject to pro ration amongst electing stockholders such that the aggregate amount of cash paid and the aggregate number of shares of our common stock issued in the merger is the same that would have been paid and issued if each share of Conversant common stock had been converted into the base merger consideration.

Completion of the merger is subject to customary conditions, including approval by Conversant stockholders, listing of the shares of our common stock to be issued in the merger on the NYSE, effectiveness of our registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC, and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Private Label Services and Credit

Revenue increased $233.1 million, or 15.5%, to $1.7 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased $65.6 million, or 10.2%, to $708.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, average credit card and loan receivables increased 18.2% as compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of increased credit sales. Credit sales increased 20.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to strong core cardholder spending and new client signings.

Delinquency rates decreased to 4.4% of principal receivables at September 30, 2014, down from 4.5% at September 30, 2013. The principal net charge-off rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 4.4%, as compared to 4.5% in the prior year period.

Index

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we announced new multi-year agreements to provide private label credit card services to Overstock.com, JD Williams, International Diamond Distributors, Venus, GameStop Corporation and Mayors Jewelers. We also announced multi-year renewal agreements with Bealls and Burkes Outlet and Eddie Bauer to continue providing private label credit card services. We announced multi-year renewal agreements with HSN and with ANN INC. brands, Ann Taylor and LOFT, to continue providing private label and co-brand credit card services.

Additionally, we announced new multi-year agreements to provide co-brand credit card services to American Kennel Club, Orbitz, DSW Inc., Virgin America, Good Sam Enterprises and BJ's Wholesale Club. We also signed a new multi-year agreement to provide co-brand and private label credit card services to Meijer, one of the largest retailers in the U.S.

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 filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See "Recently Issued Accounting Standards" and "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" under Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of certain accounting standards that have been issued and adopted during 2014.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and other amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA, net is also a non-GAAP financial measure equal to adjusted EBITDA less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest.

We use adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net 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 and adjusted EBITDA, net are each 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 intangible assets, including 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, 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. In addition to the above, adjusted EBITDA, net also excludes the interest associated with financing our credit card and loan receivables, which represents securitization funding costs and interest on deposits, and the percentage of the adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. We believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net provide useful information to our investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net 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 indicators of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net 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.

Index

The adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Net income	$	164,948	$	132,878	$	439,884	$	378,297
Stock compensation expense		18,257		15,413		49,754		43,428
Provision for income taxes		95,229		81,875		253,946		230,851
Interest expense, net		61,464		74,015		192,143		240,025
Depreciation and other amortization		28,070		21,395		79,555		61,401
Amortization of purchased intangibles		48,261		33,077		145,144		99,497
Adjusted EBITDA		416,229		358,653		1,160,426		1,053,499
Less: Securitization funding costs		22,763		22,914		67,974		72,093
Less: Interest expense on deposits		9,064		7,287		25,526		21,296
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		8,378		—		24,381		—
Adjusted EBITDA, net	$	376,024	$	328,452	$	1,042,545	$	960,110

Index

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013

	Three Months Ended September 30,				% Change
	2014		2013		2014 to 2013
Revenues	(In thousands, except percentages)
Transaction	$	87,162	$	84,264		3.4	%
Redemption		232,464		131,985		76.1
Finance charges, net		597,892		507,828		17.7
Database marketing fees and direct marketing services		353,525		334,720		5.6
Other revenue		48,090		37,650		27.7
Total revenue		1,319,133		1,096,447		20.3
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)		767,415		628,386		22.1
Provision for loan loss		114,577		90,976		25.9
General and administrative		39,169		33,845		15.7
Depreciation and other amortization		28,070		21,395		31.2
Amortization of purchased intangibles		48,261		33,077		45.9
Total operating expenses		997,492		807,679		23.5
Operating income		321,641		288,768		11.4
Interest expense
Securitization funding costs		22,763		22,914		(0.7	)
Interest expense on deposits		9,064		7,287		24.4
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net		29,637		43,814		(32.4	)
Total interest expense, net		61,464		74,015		(17.0	)
Income before income tax		260,177		214,753		21.2
Provision for income taxes		95,229		81,875		16.3
Net income	$	164,948	$	132,878		24.1	%

Key Operating Metrics:
Private label statements generated		52,319		47,716		9.6	%
Credit sales	$	4,479,375	$	3,628,383		23.5	%
Average credit card and loan receivables	$	8,736,664	$	7,154,979		22.1	%
AIR MILES reward miles issued		1,286,668		1,341,468		(4.1	)%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed		992,761		887,209		11.9	%

Revenue. Total revenue increased $222.7 million, or 20.3%, to $1.3 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $1.1 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was due to the following:

•

Transaction. Revenue increased $2.9 million, or 3.4%, to $87.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Other servicing fees charged to our credit cardholders increased $7.5 million, and merchant fees, which are transaction fees charged to the retailer, decreased $5.1 million. AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees, for which we provide marketing and administrative services, decreased $0.9 million due to the impact of an unfavorable Canadian exchange rate.

•

Redemption. Revenue increased $100.5 million, or 76.1%, to $232.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $105.4 million. Excluding the BrandLoyalty acquisition, redemption revenue decreased $5.0 million, as revenue growth from the 11.9% increase in AIR MILES reward miles redeemed was offset by an unfavorable Canadian exchange rate, which negatively impacted redemption revenue by $6.2 million, and the change in estimate of our breakage rate in December 2013.

Index

•

Finance charges, net. Revenue increased $90.1 million, or 17.7%, to $597.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to a 22.1% increase in average credit card and loan receivables, which increased revenue $112.3 million. This increase was offset in part by a 100 basis point decline in yield due to the onboarding of new programs, which decreased revenue $22.2 million.

•

Database marketing fees and direct marketing. Revenue increased $18.8 million, or 5.6%, to $353.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in revenue was driven by marketing technology revenue, which increased $10.7 million as a result of both database builds completed for new clients being placed in production, and an expansion of services provided to existing clients. Agency revenue increased $2.8 million due to demand in the automotive vertical. Marketing analytic services provided by LoyaltyOne also increased $3.4 million due to new client signings.

•

Other revenue. Revenue increased $10.4 million, or 27.7%, to $48.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to the acquisition of BrandLoyalty which added $5.1 million and additional consulting services provided by Epsilon.

Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $139.0 million, or 22.1%, to $767.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $628.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase resulted from growth across each of our segments, including the following:

•

Within the LoyaltyOne segment, cost of operations increased $95.8 million due to the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $89.6 million. Excluding the BrandLoyalty acquisition, cost of operations increased $6.2 million due in part to higher data processing costs related to the increase in marketing analytical revenue discussed above. Additionally, increases in costs of fulfillment due to the increase in the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed were offset by the impact of the decline in the Canadian exchange rate.

•

Within the Epsilon segment, cost of operations increased $16.1 million due to an increase in payroll and benefits expense of $7.6 million associated with an increase in the number of associates to support growth, including the onboarding of new clients, and an increase of $8.5 million in direct processing expenses also associated with the increase in revenue.

•

Within the Private Label Services and Credit segment, cost of operations increased by $28.4 million. Payroll and benefits expense increased $14.8 million due to an increase in the number of associates to support growth, and marketing expenses increased $3.3 million due to growth in credit sales offset in part by the timing of certain marketing campaigns. Other operating expenses increased $10.3 million due to higher credit card processing costs associated with the increase in the number of statements generated and higher data processing expenses.

Provision for loan loss. Provision for loan loss increased $23.6 million, or 25.9%, to $114.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $91.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in the provision was a result of the growth in credit card and loan receivables. The net charge-off rate was 4.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 4.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Delinquency rates were 4.4% of principal credit card and loan receivables at September 30, 2014 as compared to 4.5% at September 30, 2013.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $5.3 million, or 15.7%, to $39.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was a result of increased payroll and benefits and legal and consulting costs, offset by net foreign currency exchange gains related to the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition and the related foreign currency exchange forward contract.

Depreciation and other amortization. Depreciation and other amortization increased $6.7 million, or 31.2%, to $28.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $21.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, due to additional assets placed into service from recent capital expenditures and the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $1.4 million.

Amortization of purchased intangibles. Amortization of purchased intangibles increased $15.2 million, or 45.9%, to $48.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $33.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase relates to $15.9 million of additional amortization associated with the intangible assets from the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Index

Interest expense, net. Total interest expense, net decreased $12.6 million, or 17.0%, to $61.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $74.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was due to the following:

•

Securitization funding costs. Securitization funding costs remained relatively flat at $22.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $22.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

•

Interest expense on deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.8 million due to higher average borrowings.

•

Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net. Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net decreased $14.2 million. This decrease was due to a $17.7 million decline in interest expense associated with the maturity of the convertible senior notes in August 2013 and May 2014, offset by an increase of $1.5 million related to assumed debt from the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Taxes. Income tax expense increased $13.4 million to $95.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $81.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to an increase in taxable income, offset in part by a decline in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 improved to 36.6% as compared to 38.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to the expected reinvestment of international profits into international expansion efforts.

Index

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013

	Nine Months Ended September 30,				% Change
	2014		2013		2014 to 2013
Revenues	(In thousands, except percentages)
Transaction	$	251,390	$	246,185		2.1	%
Redemption		744,658		430,339		73.0
Finance charges, net		1,672,339		1,447,971		15.5
Database marketing fees and direct marketing services		1,021,813		939,821		8.7
Other revenue		126,991		113,660		11.7
Total revenue		3,817,191		3,177,976		20.1
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)		2,323,210		1,868,093		24.4
Provision for loan loss		281,811		215,420		30.8
General and administrative		101,498		84,392		20.3
Depreciation and other amortization		79,555		61,401		29.6
Amortization of purchased intangibles		145,144		99,497		45.9
Total operating expenses		2,931,218		2,328,803		25.9
Operating income		885,973		849,173		4.3
Interest expense
Securitization funding costs		67,974		72,093		(5.7	)
Interest expense on deposits		25,526		21,296		19.9
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net		98,643		146,636		(32.7	)
Total interest expense, net		192,143		240,025		(19.9	)
Income before income tax		693,830		609,148		13.9
Provision for income taxes		253,946		230,851		10.0
Net income	$	439,884	$	378,297		16.3	%

Key Operating Metrics:
Private label statements generated		154,448		141,645		9.0	%
Credit sales	$	12,591,188	$	10,415,809		20.9	%
Average credit card and loan receivables	$	8,309,963	$	7,027,830		18.2	%
AIR MILES reward miles issued		3,680,226		3,784,848		(2.8	)%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed		3,087,839		2,925,501		5.5	%

Revenue. Total revenue increased $639.2 million, or 20.1%, to $3.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $3.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was due to the following:

•

Transaction. Revenue increased $5.2 million, or 2.1%, to $251.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Other servicing fees charged to our credit cardholders increased $18.0 million, and merchant fees, which are transaction fees charged to the retailer, decreased $7.4 million. AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees, for which we provide marketing and administrative services, decreased $7.4 million due to the impact of an unfavorable Canadian exchange rate.

•

Redemption. Revenue increased $314.3 million, or 73.0%, to $744.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $351.5 million, as well as a 5.5% increase in AIR MILES reward miles redeemed. These increases were offset by an unfavorable Canadian exchange rate, which negatively impacted redemption revenue by $26.8 million, and the change in estimate of our breakage rate in December 2013.

•

Finance charges, net. Revenue increased $224.4 million, or 15.5%, to $1.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to an 18.2% increase in average credit card and loan receivables, which increased revenue $264.2 million. This increase was offset in part by a 60 basis point decline in yield due to the onboarding of new programs, which decreased revenue $39.8 million.

Index

•

Database marketing fees and direct marketing. Revenue increased $82.0 million, or 8.7%, to $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increase in revenue was driven by marketing technology revenue, which increased $34.4 million as a result of both database builds completed for new clients being placed in production, and an expansion of services provided to existing clients. Agency revenue increased $26.6 million due to demand in the automotive vertical. Marketing analytic services provided by LoyaltyOne also increased $19.8 million due to new client signings.

•

Other revenue. Revenue increased $13.3 million, or 11.7%, to $127.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the acquisition of BrandLoyalty, which added $7.3 million, and additional consulting services provided by Epsilon.

Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $455.1 million, or 24.4%, to $2.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $1.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase resulted from growth across each of our segments, including the following:

•

Within the LoyaltyOne segment, cost of operations increased $289.8 million due to the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $297.8 million, and higher data processing costs related to the increase in marketing analytic services described above. These increases were offset by a decrease of $7.5 million in fulfillment costs for the AIR MILES Reward Program, as increases in costs due to the increase in the number of AIR MILES redeemed were offset by the impact of a decline in the Canadian exchange rate.

•

Within the Epsilon segment, cost of operations increased $67.5 million due to an increase in payroll and benefits expense of $37.6 million associated with an increase in the number of associates to support growth, including the onboarding of new clients, and an increase of $30.2 million in direct processing expenses, associated with the increase in revenue.

•

Within the Private Label Services and Credit segment, cost of operations increased by $102.9 million. Payroll and benefits expense increased $54.9 million due to an increase in the number of associates to support growth, and marketing expenses increased $14.4 million due to growth in credit sales. Other operating expenses increased $33.6 million due to higher credit card processing costs associated with the increase in the number of statements generated and higher data processing expenses.

Provision for loan loss. Provision for loan loss increased $66.4 million, or 30.8%, to $281.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $215.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in the provision was a result of the growth in credit card and loan receivables. The net charge-off rate was 4.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 4.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Delinquency rates were 4.4% of principal credit card and loan receivables at September 30, 2014 as compared to 4.5% at September 30, 2013.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $17.1 million, or 20.3%, to $101.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $84.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was the result of increased payroll and benefits costs and increased professional services fees, offset by foreign currency exchange gains related to the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition and the related foreign currency exchange forward contract.

Depreciation and other amortization. Depreciation and other amortization increased $18.2 million, or 29.6%, to $79.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $61.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, due to additional assets placed into service from recent capital expenditures and the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which added $4.0 million.

Amortization of purchased intangibles. Amortization of purchased intangibles increased $45.6 million, or 45.9%, to $145.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $99.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase relates to $48.9 million of additional amortization associated with the intangible assets from the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Index

Interest expense, net. Total interest expense, net decreased $47.9 million, or 19.9%, to $192.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $240.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was due to the following:

•

Securitization funding costs. Securitization funding costs decreased $4.1 million due to lower average interest rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This decrease was offset in part by higher average borrowings.

•

Interest expense on deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $4.2 million due to higher average borrowings.

•

Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net. Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net decreased $48.0 million due to a $60.0 million decrease associated with the maturity of the convertible senior notes in August 2013 and May 2014, offset by an increase of $9.9 million related to additional borrowings on our credit facility and an increase of $5.6 million related to assumed debt from the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Taxes. Income tax expense increased $23.1 million to $253.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $230.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to an increase in taxable income, offset in part by a decline in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 improved to 36.6% as compared to 37.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, primarily due to the expected reinvestment of international profits into international expansion efforts.

Segment Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, net

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013

	Three Months Ended September 30,						% Change
	2014			2013			2014 to 2013
Revenue:	(In thousands, except percentages)
LoyaltyOne	$	324,484		$	213,338			52.1	%
Epsilon		377,554			356,035			6.0
Private Label Services and Credit		622,330			531,098			17.2
Corporate/Other		144			40		nm		*
Eliminations		(5,379	)		(4,064	)	nm		*
Total	$	1,319,133		$	1,096,447			20.3	%
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾:
LoyaltyOne	$	69,486		$	62,228			11.7	%
Epsilon		84,295			78,431			7.5
Private Label Services and Credit		254,601			216,002			17.9
Corporate/Other		(32,358	)		(28,209	)		14.7
Eliminations		—			—			—
Total	$	376,024		$	328,452			14.5	%

⁽¹⁾		Adjusted EBITDA, net is equal to net income, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles, less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, net to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in this report.

*		not meaningful.

Index

•

LoyaltyOne. Revenue increased $111.1 million, or 52.1%, to $324.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as the BrandLoyalty acquisition contributed $110.5 million to revenue. Excluding the BrandLoyalty acquisition, LoyaltyOne revenue increased $0.6 million due to increases in marketing analytic services resulting from new client signings, offset by decreases in AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees and redemption revenue as a result of the unfavorable impact of a decline in the Canadian exchange rate and the change in estimate of our breakage rate in December 2013.

•

Epsilon. Revenue increased $21.5 million, or 6.0%, to $377.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Marketing technology revenue increased $11.9 million as a result of both database builds completed for new clients being placed in production, and an expansion of services provided to existing clients. Additionally, agency revenue increased $6.3 million due to increased demand in the automotive vertical during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

•

Private Label Services and Credit. Revenue increased $91.2 million, or 17.2%, to $622.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Finance charges, net increased by $90.1million, driven by a 22.1% increase in average credit card and loan receivables due to strong cardholder spending and new client signings. Transaction revenue increased $2.4 million due to an increase in other servicing fees of $7.5 million, offset by a decrease in merchant fees of $5.1 million.

Adjusted EBITDA, net. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $47.6 million, or 14.5%, to $376.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $328.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was due to the following:

•

LoyaltyOne. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $7.3 million, or 11.7%, to $69.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA, net was positively impacted by the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which contributed $12.6 million, while a weaker Canadian dollar negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA, net by $2.8 million.

•

Epsilon. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $5.9 million, or 7.5%, to $84.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EDITDA, net was positively impacted by the signing of new clients, increased services provided to existing clients and increased demand in the automotive vertical, but was negatively impacted by new client onboarding expenses.

•

Private Label Services and Credit. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $38.6 million, or 17.9%, to $254.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA, net was positively impacted by the increase in finance charges, net, but offset in part by both an increase in operating expenses due to increased volumes and an increase in the provision for loan loss due to the increase in credit card and loan receivables.

•

Corporate/Other. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $4.1 million to a loss of $32.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to higher payroll, benefits and consulting costs, offset by foreign currency exchange gains related to the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition and the related foreign currency exchange forward contract.

Index

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						% Change
	2014			2013			2014 to 2013
Revenue:	(In thousands, except percentages)
LoyaltyOne	$	1,009,037		$	674,382			49.6	%
Epsilon		1,082,111			1,005,789			7.6
Private Label Services and Credit		1,741,384			1,508,321			15.5
Corporate/Other		372			40		nm		*
Eliminations		(15,713	)		(10,556	)	nm		*
Total	$	3,817,191		$	3,177,976			20.1	%
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾:
LoyaltyOne	$	212,020		$	191,006			11.0	%
Epsilon		207,189			196,441			5.5
Private Label Services and Credit		708,509			642,949			10.2
Corporate/Other		(85,173	)		(70,286	)		21.2
Eliminations		—			—			—
Total	$	1,042,545		$	960,110			8.6	%

⁽¹⁾		Adjusted EBITDA, net is equal to net income, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles, less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, net to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in this report.

*		not meaningful.

•

LoyaltyOne. Revenue increased $334.7 million, or 49.6%, to $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as the BrandLoyalty acquisition contributed $358.8 million to revenue. Excluding the BrandLoyalty acquisition, LoyaltyOne revenue decreased $24.1 million due to decreases in AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees and redemption revenue as a result of the unfavorable impact of a decline in the Canadian exchange rate and the change in estimate of our breakage rate in December 2013.

•

Epsilon. Revenue increased $76.3 million, or 7.6%, to $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Agency revenue increased $33.5 million due to increased demand in the automotive vertical. Additionally, marketing technology revenue increased $38.4 million as a result of both database builds completed for new clients being placed in production, and an expansion of services provided to existing clients.

•

Private Label Services and Credit. Revenue increased $233.1 million, or 15.5%, to $1.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Finance charges, net increased by $224.4 million, driven by a 18.2% increase in average credit card and loan receivables due to strong cardholder spending and new client signings. Transaction revenue increased $10.6 million due to an increase in other servicing fees of $18.0 million, offset by a decrease in merchant fees of $7.4 million.

Adjusted EBITDA, net. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $82.4 million, or 8.6%, to $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $960.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was due to the following:

•

LoyaltyOne. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $21.0 million, or 11.0%, to $212.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA, net was positively impacted by the BrandLoyalty acquisition, which contributed $36.6 million, while a weaker Canadian dollar negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA, net by $11.9 million.

Index

•

Epsilon. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $10.7 million, or 5.5%, to $207.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EDITDA, net was positively impacted by the signing of new clients, increased services provided to existing clients and increased demand in the automotive vertical, but was negatively impacted by new client onboarding expenses, higher health care costs due to increased participation in health and welfare plans and severance associated with the integration of HMI.

•

Private Label Services and Credit. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $65.6 million, or 10.2%, to $708.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA, net was positively impacted by the increase in finance charges, net, but offset in part by both an increase in operating expenses due to increased volumes and an increase in the provision for loan loss due to the increase in credit card and loan receivables.

•

Corporate/Other. Adjusted EBITDA, net decreased $14.9 million to a loss of $85.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to increases in payroll, benefits and consulting costs, offset by foreign currency exchange gains related to the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition and the related foreign currency exchange forward contract.

Asset Quality

Our delinquency and net charge-off rates reflect, among other factors, the credit risk of our credit card and loan receivables, the success of our collection and recovery efforts, and general economic conditions.

Delinquencies. A credit card account is contractually delinquent when we do not receive the minimum payment by the specified due date on the cardholder's statement. Our policy is to continue to accrue interest and fee income on all credit card accounts beyond 90 days, except in limited circumstances, until the credit card account balance and all related interest and other fees are paid or charged off, typically at 180 days delinquent. When an account becomes delinquent, a message is printed on the credit 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 becoming further delinquent. 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 collection efforts, we may engage collection agencies and outside attorneys to continue those efforts.

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

	September 30, 2014		% of Total			December 31, 2013		% of Total
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Receivables outstanding – principal	$	8,849,589		100.0	%	$	8,166,961		100.0	%
Principal receivables balances contractually delinquent:
31 to 60 days		138,036		1.6			114,430		1.4
61 to 90 days		85,226		0.9			74,700		0.9
91 or more days		168,368		1.9			150,425		1.9
Total	$	391,630		4.4	%	$	339,555		4.2	%

Net Charge-Offs. Our net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses from cardholders unwilling or unable to pay their account balances, as well as bankrupt and deceased credit cardholders, less recoveries and exclude charged-off interest, fees and fraud losses. Charged-off interest and fees reduce finance charges, net while fraud losses are recorded as an expense. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, are charged-off at the end of the month during which an account becomes 180 days contractually past due, except in the case of customer bankruptcies or death. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, associated with customer bankruptcies or death are charged-off at the end of each month subsequent to 60 days after the receipt of notification of the bankruptcy or death, but in any case, not later than the 180-day contractual time frame.

Index

The net charge-off rate is calculated by dividing net charge-offs of principal receivables for the period by the average credit card and loan receivables for the period. Average credit card and loan receivables represent the average balance of the cardholder receivables at the beginning of each month in the periods indicated. The following table presents our net charge-offs for the periods indicated.

	Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014				2013			2014			2013
	(In thousands, except percentages)
Average credit card receivables		$	8,736,664		$	7,154,979		$	8,309,963		$	7,027,830
Net charge-offs of principal receivables			87,803			77,331			275,126			235,337
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card receivables ⁽¹⁾			4.0	%		4.3	%		4.4	%		4.5	%

⁽¹⁾

Under GAAP, losses associated with purchased credit card receivables are reflected in the fair value of the purchased credit card receivables and not reported as net charge-offs. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the net charge-off rate would have been 4.1% and 4.5%, respectively, if losses associated with the acquired credit card receivables had been reported as net charge-offs. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net charge-off rate would have been 4.4% and 4.6%, respectively, if losses associated with the acquired credit card receivables had been reported as net charge-offs.

See Note 4, "Credit Card and Loan Receivables," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the securitization of our credit card receivables.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities. We generated cash flow from operating activities of $968.0 million and $798.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows in 2014 was due to increased profitability for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

We utilize our cash flow from operations for ongoing business operations, repayments of our revolving line of credit or other debt, acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $1,862.8 million and $374.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Significant components of investing activities are as follows:

•

Redemption settlement assets. Cash decreased $48.9 million and $73.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to the increase in funding requirements resulting from the changes in our estimate of breakage in each of December 2013 and December 2012.

•

Restricted cash. Cash decreased $316.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the principal accumulation of $316.5 for the repayment of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization debt which was repaid in October 2014.

•

Credit card and loan receivables, net. Cash decreased $633.3 million and $220.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to growth in our credit card receivables.

•

Payments for acquired business, net of cash acquired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we utilized cash of $259.5 million our 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty acquired on January 2, 2014.

•

Purchase of credit card portfolios. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the we paid $379.6 million to acquire two co-brand credit card portfolios. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we paid $37.1 million to acquire one private label credit card portfolio.

•

Capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $114.6 million compared to $91.8 million for the comparable period in 2013 due to our overall growth, as capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue have remained at approximately 3% for each of the respective periods. We anticipate capital expenditures not to exceed approximately 3% of annual revenue for the foreseeable future.

•

Purchases of other investments. Our purchases of other investments were $109.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $23.6 million for the comparable period in 2013. The increase in purchases of other investments is a result of the purchase of $100.1 million of long-term U.S. Treasury bonds in June 2014.

Index

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $564.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to cash used by financing activities of $528.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The primary sources of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $911.4 million from net issuances of deposits and $339.4 million from net issuances under debt agreements, including $600.0 million of senior notes due 2022 issued in July 2014. These sources of cash were offset by uses of cash associated with the settlement of the 2014 convertible senior notes, net repayment of borrowings under asset-backed securities of $140.0 million and repurchases of our common stock for $217.5 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we settled our 2014 convertible senior notes in cash, which resulted in a cash outflow of $1.9 billion offset by cash received from our hedge counterparties of $1.5 billion, resulting in net cash used of $345.0 million. Our financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 relate primarily to borrowings and repayments of deposits and asset-backed securities debt, settlements for early conversions of the 2013 convertible senior notes and repurchases of our common stock.

Liquidity Sources. In addition to cash generated from operating activities, our primary sources of liquidity include our credit card securitization program, deposits issued by Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank, our credit agreements and issuances of debt and equity securities. In addition to our efforts to renew and expand our current liquidity sources, we continue to seek new funding sources. We continue to expand our brokered certificates of deposit and our money market deposits to supplement liquidity for our credit card and loan receivables.

Quantitative measures established by regulations to ensure capital adequacy require Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, leverage ratio and total risk-based capital ratio for Comenity Capital Bank were 14.1%, 14.6% and 15.4%, respectively, at September 30, 2014. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, leverage ratio and total risk-based capital ratio for Comenity Bank were 15.7%, 15.4% and 17.0%, respectively, at September 30, 2014. Based on these guidelines, Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank are considered well capitalized.

As part of the BrandLoyalty acquisition, we assumed the debt outstanding under BrandLoyalty's Amended and Restated Senior Facilities Agreement. As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding balance under the credit facility was $129.0 million.

In July 2014, we exercised in part the accordion feature of the 2013 Credit Agreement and increased the capacity under the 2013 Credit Facility by $50.0 million to $1.3 billion. As of September 30, 2014, we had $120.0 million of borrowings under our credit facility, with total availability at $1,180.0 million. Our total leverage ratio, as defined in our credit agreement, was 2.1 to 1 at September 30, 2014, as compared to the maximum covenant ratio of 3.5 to 1.

On November 3, 2014, we entered into a commitment letter to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or Wells Fargo, as administrative agent under the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility provided under the 2013 Credit Agreement, and certain other lenders party thereto, collectively the Lead Banks. Pursuant to the commitment letter, we will enter into an amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement with the Lead Banks that will provide for, among other things, (i) a new five-year incremental term loan of $1.1 billion and (ii) the extension by the Lead Banks of the maturity date of their portions of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility to the date five years from the closing of the new incremental term loan. Other lenders under the 2013 Credit Agreement will be offered the opportunity to extend the maturity date of their portions of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility to the same date. The commitment of each Lead Bank under the commitment letter will terminate if, among other things, the parties have not executed the amendment to the 2013 Credit Agreement on or before March 31, 2015, we fail to pay the requisite fee to the arranging banks required under the terms of the commitment letter, or any material adverse change occurs with respect to our business, financial position or operations. Both the new incremental term loan and the proposed extension of maturity of the 2013 Term Loan and the 2013 Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the commitment letter. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement or obtain the new incremental term loan on the terms described above or at all.

Index

As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with our covenants.

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, including the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition and the pending acquisition of Conversant.

Senior Notes due 2022. In July 2014, we issued and sold $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due August 1, 2022, or the Senior Notes due 2022. The Senior Notes due 2022 accrue interest on the principal amount at the rate of 5.375% per annum from July 29, 2014, payable semi-annually in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2015.

Convertible Senior Notes. In June 2009, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes that matured and were repaid on May 15, 2014. We settled in cash the 2014 convertible senior notes, which were surrendered for conversion for $1,864.8 million. We applied $1,519.8 million of cash from the counterparties in settlement of the related convertible note hedge transactions.

Securitization Program. We sell a majority of the credit card receivables originated by Comenity Bank to WFN Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III, or collectively, the WFN Trusts, as part of our credit card securitization program, which has been in existence since January 1996. We also sell our credit card receivables originated by Comenity Capital Bank to World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to World Financial Capital Master Note Trust, or the WFC Trust. These securitization programs are the primary vehicle through which we finance Comenity Bank's and Comenity Capital Bank's credit card receivables.

As of September 30, 2014, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust had approximately $7.2 billion of securitized credit card receivables. Securitizations require credit enhancements in the form of cash, spread deposits, additional receivables and subordinated classes. 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 credit card receivables in these credit card securitization trusts.

Historically, we have used both public and private term asset-backed securities 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.

We have secured and continue to secure the necessary commitments to fund our portfolio of securitized credit card receivables originated by Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank. 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 as they are dependent on the asset-backed securitization markets at the time.

In February 2014, Master Trust I issued $625.0 million of asset-backed term securities, $175.0 million of which we retained and eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities mature in February 2016 and have a variable interest rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.38%.

In February 2014, Master Trust I renewed its 2009-VFN conduit facility, extending the maturity to February 29, 2016, with a total capacity of $700.0 million.

In May 2014, the WFC Trust renewed its 2009-VFN conduit facility, extending the maturity to May 31, 2016, with a total capacity of $450.0 million.

In July 2014, Master Trust I issued $394.7 million of asset-backed term securities, of which $94.7 million was retained and eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities mature in September 2015 and have a fixed interest rate of 0.61%.

Index

In October 2014, $316.5 million of Series 2011-A asset backed term notes, of which $66.5 million of subordinated classes were retained by us and eliminated from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, matured and was repaid.

In November 2014, WFN Credit Company, LLC and Comenity Bank entered into an underwriting agreement pursuant to which Master Trust I will issue $427.6 million of asset-backed term notes, of which $102.6 million of subordinated classes will be retained by us and eliminated from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These securities will mature in October 2017 and have a fixed interest rate of 1.54%.

The following table shows the maturities of borrowing commitments as of September 30, 2014 for the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust by year:

	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018 and Thereafter		Total
	(In thousands)
Term notes	$	250,000	$	693,750	$	1,050,000	$	325,000	$	1,433,166	$	3,751,916
Conduit facilities⁽¹⁾		—		440,000		1,150,000		—		—		1,590,000
Total⁽²⁾	$	250,000	$	1,133,750	$	2,200,000	$	325,000	$	1,433,166	$	5,341,916

(1)		Amount represents borrowing capacity, not outstanding borrowings.

(2)		Total amounts do not include $1.3 billion of debt issued by the credit card securitization trusts, which was retained by us and has been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Early amortization events as defined within each asset-backed securitization transaction are generally driven by asset performance. We do not believe it is reasonably likely for an early amortization event to occur due to asset performance. However, if an early amortization event were declared, the trustee of the particular credit card securitization trust would retain the interest in the receivables along with the excess interest income that would otherwise be paid to our bank subsidiary until the credit card securitization investors were fully repaid. The occurrence of an early amortization event would significantly limit or negate our ability to securitize additional credit card receivables.

See Note 9, "Debt," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding 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, 2013 related to our exposure to market risk from interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign currency exchange risk and redemption reward risk.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2014, 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 September 30, 2014 (the end of our third 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.

Index

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In January 2014, we acquired a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty Group B.V. Because of the timing of the acquisition, BrandLoyalty was excluded from our evaluation of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014. BrandLoyalty represented $1.2 billion of our total assets at September 30, 2014 and contributed $358.8 million in revenues and $2.4 million of pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

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, including statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed merger between us and Conversant. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "would" 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, 2013 and Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger between Conversant, Inc. and a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation.

In connection with the proposed merger, on October 2, 2014, Alliance Data filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-199128) containing a proxy statement/prospectus. After the registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be delivered to stockholders of Conversant. SECURITY HOLDERS OF CONVERSANT ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE MERGER THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER. Investors and security holders can obtain copies of the registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Alliance Data and Conversant, without charge, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Alliance Data will be made available free of charge on Alliance Data's website at www.alliancedata.com. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Conversant will be made available free of charge on Conversant's website at www.conversantmedia.com.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Alliance Data Systems Corporation and Conversant, Inc. and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Conversant common stock in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Alliance Data's directors and executive officers is set forth in the proxy statement for Alliance Data's 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2014. Information about Conversant's directors and executive officers is set forth in the proxy statement for Conversant's 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, through securities holdings or otherwise, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC regarding the proposed merger. Investors should read the joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Alliance Data or Conversant using the sources indicated above.

Index

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.

There have been no other material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 except as disclosed in our Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-199128) filed with the SEC on October 2, 2014 and the risks described below:

If we are unable to securitize our credit card receivables due to changes in the market, we may not be able to fund new credit card receivables, which would have a negative impact on our operations and earnings.

A number of factors affect our ability to fund our receivables in the securitization market, some of which are beyond our control, including:

•

conditions in the securities markets in general and the asset-backed securitization market in particular;

•

conformity in the quality of our private label credit card receivables to rating agency requirements and changes in that quality or those requirements; and

•

ability to fund required overcollateralizations or credit enhancements, which are routinely utilized in order to achieve better credit ratings to lower borrowing cost.

In addition, on August 27, 2014, the SEC adopted a number of rules that will change the disclosure, reporting and offering process for publicly registered offerings of asset-backed securities, including those offered under our credit card securitization program. A number of rules proposed by the SEC in 2010 and 2011, such as requiring group-level data for the underlying assets in credit card securitizations, were not adopted in the recent rulemaking but may be implemented by the SEC in the future. We are still assessing the impact of the new rules, and the possibility of continued rulemaking, on our publicly offered securitization program. The SEC also issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking relating to the exemptions that our credit card securitization trusts rely on in our credit card securitization programs to avoid registration as investment companies. The form that these rules may ultimately take is uncertain at this time, but such rules may impact our ability or desire to issue asset-backed securities in the future.

On March 30, 2011, the SEC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and certain other banking regulators proposed regulations that would mandate a five percent risk retention requirement for securitizations, and such regulators issued a re-proposal of the risk retention regulations on August 28, 2013. We cannot predict at this time whether our existing credit card securitization programs will satisfy the new regulatory requirements or whether structural changes to those programs will be necessary. Such risk retention requirements may impact our ability or desire to issue asset-backed securities in the future.

Early amortization events may occur as a result of certain adverse events specified for each asset-backed securitization transaction, including, among others, deteriorating asset performance or material servicing defaults. In addition, certain series of funding notes issued by our securitization trusts are subject to early amortization based on triggers relating to the bankruptcy of retailers. Deteriorating economic conditions, particularly in the retail sector, may lead to an increase in bankruptcies among retailers who have entered into private label programs with us, which may in turn cause an early amortization for such funding notes. The occurrence of an early amortization event may significantly limit our ability to securitize additional receivables.

Index

As a result of Basel III, which refers generally to a set of regulatory reforms adopted in the U.S. and internationally that are meant to address issues that arose in the banking sector during the recent financial crisis, banks are becoming subject to more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements. In response to Basel III, noteholders of our securitization trusts' funding notes have sought and obtained amendments to their respective transaction documents permitting them to delay disbursement of funding increases by up to 35 days. Although funding may be requested from other noteholders who have not delayed their funding, access to financing could be disrupted if all of the noteholders implement such delays or if the lending capacities of those who did not do so were insufficient to make up the shortfall. In addition, excess spread may be affected if the issuing entity's borrowing costs increase as a result of Basel III. Such cost increases may result, for example, because the noteholders are entitled to indemnification for increased costs resulting from such regulatory changes.

The inability to securitize card receivables due to changes in the market, regulatory proposals, the unavailability of credit enhancements, or any other circumstance or event would have a material adverse effect on our operations and earnings.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of our common stock made during the three months ended September 30, 2014:

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⁾
								(Dollars in millions)
During 2014:
July 1-31		29,256		$	267.52		25,080		$	191.6
August 1-31		38,387			259.08		35,000			182.5
September 1-30		3,629			250.06		—			182.5
Total		71,272		$	262.08		60,080		$	182.5

(1)		During the period represented by the table, 11,192 shares of our common stock were purchased by the administrator of our 401(k) and Retirement Savings Plan for the benefit of the employees who participated in that portion of the plan.

(2)		On December 5, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $400.0 million of our outstanding common stock from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, subject to any restrictions pursuant to the terms of our credit agreements, indentures, applicable securities laws or otherwise.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information.

(a) None

(b) None

Index

Item 6.

Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits:

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description

#2.1		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 11, 2014, among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, Conversant, Inc. and Amber Sub LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 11, 2014, File No. 001-15749).

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		Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 7, 2013, File No. 001-15749).

3.3		Fourth 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 June 7, 2013, 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		Series 2014-B Indenture Supplement, dated as of July 18, 2014, between World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by WFN Credit Company, LLC, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust on July 22, 2014, File Nos. 333-166240, 333-60418, 333-188583, 333-166240-01, 333-113669, 333-166240-02, 333-60418-01, 333-189182, 333-189182-01).

10.2		Purchase Agreement, dated July 24, 2014, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, certain of its subsidiaries, and the several Initial Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2014, File No. 001-15749).

10.3		Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Service Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2014, between Comenity Servicing LLC and Comenity Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by WFN Credit Company, LLC, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust on September 5, 2014, File Nos. 333-166240, 333-60418, 333-188583, 333-166240-01, 333-113669, 333-166240-02, 333‑60418-01, 333-189182, 333-189182-01).

10.4		Voting Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2014, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation and executive officers and directors of Conversant, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 11, 2014, File No. 001-15749).

10.5		Letter Agreement between Alliance Data Systems Corporation and John Giuliani, dated as of September 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-199128, filed with the SEC on October 2, 2014).

10.6		Indenture, dated July 29, 2014, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, as issuer, and certain subsidiaries parties thereto, as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (including the form of the Company's 5.375% Senior Note due August 1, 2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 30, 2014, 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.

Index


Exhibit No.		Description

*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.

*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

#	Schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in reliance on Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, Alliance Data will furnish copies of any such schedules to the SEC upon request.

Index

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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: November 5, 2014

	By:	/s/ Charles L. Horn
		Charles L. Horn
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 5, 2014