| 2008-02-07 | Contract/Agreements | Standing Relationship with Globally Recognized Brand Name in Consumer Real Estate Industry
DALLAS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire FirstCall/ Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction rich data, today announced that CENTURY 21 Canada has signed a multi year renewal agreement as a national sponsor in Alliance Data's Canadian AIR MILES(R) Reward Program. A top 15 AIR MILES sponsor, CENTURY 21 Canada is part of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization. CENTURY 21 Canada has been a national AIR MILES Reward Program sponsor since 1992 and is regarded as one of the most recognized brand names in the consumer real estate industry.
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The AIR MILES Reward Program is Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, with approximately two thirds of Canadian households actively collecting reward miles. AIR MILES collectors earn reward miles at more than 100 leading brand name sponsors representing thousands of retail and service locations across Canada. AIR MILES reward miles can be redeemed for more than 800 different rewards, such as travel, movie passes, entertainment attractions, electronic merchandise and more.
"The AIR MILES Reward Program has been and will continue to be an important contribution to a list of exclusive benefits that CENTURY 21 Canada brings to its to franchisees and to the Canadians who rely on the counsel and services of our real estate professionals," said Don Lawby, president and chief operating officer of CENTURY 21 Canada.
"This contract renewal with CENTURY 21 illustrates our commitment to building long standing strategic relationships with partners by demonstrating the recognized value of the AIR MILES Reward Program to both sponsors and participating consumers," said Bryan Pearson, president, Alliance Data Loyalty Services. "CENTURY 21 is a highly recognized brand and industry leader that has been part of the AIR MILES Reward Program for more than 15 years, and we're pleased with their decision to continue our successful partnership."
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of marketing, loyalty and transaction services, managing over 120 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies. Using transaction rich data, Alliance Data creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer behavior and that enable its clients to create and enhance customer loyalty to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data employs over 9,000 associates at more than 60 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's brands include AIR MILES(R), North America's premier coalition loyalty program, and Epsilon(R), a leading provider of multi channel, data driven technologies and marketing services. For more information about the company, visit its website, http://www.AllianceData.com.
About Century 21
Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership is a real estate franchisor with exclusive rights to the CENTURY 21 brand in Canada and is part of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization. CENTURY 21 Canada provides comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System, which is comprised of more than 8,400 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 58 countries and territories, with more than 142,000 sales representatives worldwide. CENTURY 21 Canada is the only organization to offer customers AIR MILES(R) reward miles on real estate transactions.
Alliance Data's Safe Harbor Statement/Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may use words such as " |
| 2008-01-30 | Earnings/Dividends | Percent Increase in Adjusted EBITDA & Cash Earnings
*2008 Outlook Includes Continuing Double Digit Growth
DALLAS, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire FirstCall/ Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction rich data, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007. The Company achieved full year cash earnings per diluted share of $3.75, exceeding the Company's October 17, 2007 guidance of at least $3.70.
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Total fourth quarter revenue increased 15 percent to $602.7 million, an all time record for the Company, compared to $524.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. Net income per share decreased to $0.42 per diluted share compared to $0.48 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding merger and other costs, additional compensation related to modified stock awards and the loss associated with the sale of our Mail Services business unit, net income per diluted share would have been $0.70 for the fourth quarter of 2007, an increase of 46 percent.
Operating EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased 25 percent to $175.4 million compared to $140.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased 31 percent to $157.7 million compared to $120.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. Cash earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased 33 percent to $0.93 per diluted share compared to $0.70 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2006. See "Financial Measures" below for a discussion of operating EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, cash earnings and cash earnings per diluted share. The segment information, adjusted EBITDA, operating EBITDA, cash earnings and cash earnings per share reported today exclude a pre tax non cash loss of $16.0 million associated with the sale of our Mail Services business unit and pre tax merger and other costs of $7.4 million, including $4.1 million of expenditures directly associated with the proposed merger of the Company with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group and $3.3 million in compensation charges related to the departure of certain employees and other non routine costs associated with the merger and Mail Services disposition.
"We are excited about our strong fourth quarter results, marked by record revenue of over $600 million," said Mike Parks, Alliance Data chairman and chief executive officer. "Results were driven by strong growth balanced across our big three engines the AIR MILES(R) Reward Program in Canada, U.S. Marketing Services (Epsilon) and private label services. The AIR MILES Reward Program in Canada continued its over performance, driven by strong double digit growth in AIR MILES reward miles issued and solid operating leverage. U.S. Marketing Services (Epsilon) posted the Company's highest growth rates. Marketing spend continues to shift away from traditional media channels and into specific, highly targeted ROI based efforts. Additionally, the Company's private label business also continued to post solid results with better than expected new wins further driving growth.
"As the Company has demonstrated through 27 quarters of meeting or exceeding guidance, visibility and predictability are key attributes of our business model," continued Mr. Parks. "Despite market turmoil and concerns about the macro economic environment, the Company expects its solid track record to continue in 2008. The increasing trend of marketing dollars shifting to highly targeted, full scale loyalty and marketing programs with measurable results gives the Company confidence that 2008 will be another year of outstanding performance."
BUSINESS REVIEW
Fourth quarter results were driven by continued leadership from the Company's Marketing Services segment both in Canada and the United States. The Canadian loyalty business recorded a strong quarter |
| 2008-01-17 | Contract/Agreements | Alliance Data and its Epsilon Business to Provide Marketing Services Geared Toward Driving Multi channel Sales, Increasing Customer Loyalty
DALLAS, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire FirstCall/ Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction rich data, and Alliance Data's Epsilon business today announced that it has signed multi year agreements with Sharper Image Corporation. Alliance Data will launch an integrated private label credit card program, and Epsilon will provide permission based email marketing services for Sharper Image. Operating more than 180 retail locations, Sharper Image is a specialty retailer of innovative, high quality electronics, personal care items, recreation and fitness accessories, housewares, toys, travel goods and gift items, with 2006 fiscal year end revenues exceeding $525 million.
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Under terms of the private label credit card agreement, Alliance Data's bank subsidiary will provide Sharper Image with a full suite of services, including account acquisition and activation, receivables funding, credit authorization, card issuance, statement generation, electronic bill presentment services, remittance processing, marketing and customer service functions. The program will also include loyalty and reward incentives for eligible cardholders, such as merchandise discounts and rebate certificates based on purchases, invitations to in store events, and other exclusive offers.
Additionally, under the terms of another multi year agreement, Epsilon will deploy its proprietary email communications and campaign management platform for Sharper Image. Epsilon will also provide strategic consulting to help Sharper Image develop highly targeted permission based email marketing campaigns designed to acquire and retain customers, and generate increased sales, including through up sell and cross sell opportunities.
"Working with Alliance Data, we have the ability to further enhance our marketing and sales initiatives through Alliance Data's integrated credit and marketing services and its Epsilon business' highly customized email marketing solution," said Steven A. Lightman, president and chief executive officer of Sharper Image. "The fact that Alliance Data delivers complementary capabilities is of significant value to us. We will benefit from the company's extensive expertise at driving sales, connecting with our customers and providing solutions that enhance our marketing and customer acquisition efforts."
"We are pleased to provide a robust private label credit card solution that will augment Sharper Image's multi channel marketing strategy, and provide even more value to its customers," said Ivan Szeftel, president of Retail Services at Alliance Data. "Sharper Image has an aggressive business plan, and we are confident in our ability to partner with them to drive sales. Additionally, Alliance Data's Epsilon business will deliver additional marketing impact through the targeted delivery of customer relevant email communications."
About Sharper Image
The Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that is nationally and internationally renowned as a leading source of new, innovative, high quality products that make life better and more enjoyable. The Company's principal selling channels include 186 Sharper Image specialty stores throughout the United States; the award winning Sharper Image monthly catalog; and its primary Web site, http://www.sharperimage.com. The Company also has business to business sales teams for marketing its exclusive and proprietary products for corporate incentive and reward programs and wholesale to selected U.S. and international retailers.
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of marketing, loyalty and transaction services, managing over 120 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most |
| 2008-01-10 | Contract/Agreements | Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction rich data, today announced it has signed a multi year extension agreement with The City of Austin. The City of Austin operates the nation's 10th largest community owned electric utility, providing electric, water and waste water services, and is a top 10 client in Alliance Data's Utility Services business. The City of Austin provides services to more than 420,000 residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers located in the city of Austin, and throughout Travis County and a small portion of neighboring Williamson County.
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Under the terms of the agreement, Alliance Data will continue to provide customer information system (CIS) application hosting and management, bill print and mail services, online customer care, and electronic bill presentment and payment. The City of Austin has been a client of Alliance Data since 1998.
"We continuously strive to take a progressive approach to our utility operations, and it is critical that we have a partner like Alliance Data that understands our business and has the capacity to support our strategic plans," said Andres Carvallo, chief information officer for The City of Austin. "Alliance Data has been a highly reliable and effective partner for nearly a decade, and we are pleased to extend our relationship with them."
"The City of Austin has consistently demonstrated a pioneering approach with regard to adopting innovative technologies and processes that improve their utility's business operations," said Jeff Shorter, president of Alliance Data's Utility Services. "By bringing to bear our significant industry expertise, experience and solutions, Alliance Data will continue to deliver the right offering that augments The City of Austin's innovation strategy. We are proud of our longstanding relationship with them and are confident in our ability to continue providing solutions that support their business needs."
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of marketing, loyalty and transaction services, managing over 120 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies. Using transaction rich data, Alliance Data creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer behavior and that enable its clients to create and enhance customer loyalty to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data employs over 9,000 associates at more than 60 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's brands include AIR MILES(R), North America's premier coalition loyalty program, and Epsilon(R), a leading provider of multi channel, data driven technologies and marketing services. For more information about the company, visit its web site, http://www.AllianceData.com.
Alliance Data's Safe Harbor Statement/Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management. When we make forward looking statements, we are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, these forward looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may |
| 2007-12-11 | Contract/Agreements | Epsilon to Manage Database and Provide Data to Drive and Optimize Acquisition and Retention Marketing Efforts
DALLAS, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire FirstCall/ Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction rich data, today announced that its Epsilon business has signed a multi year agreement with Kansas City based Helzberg Diamonds. Epsilon will manage Helzberg Diamonds' marketing database and provide data and analytical support for customer cross sell and acquisition marketing efforts. Helzberg Diamonds operates 269 fine jewelry stores throughout the United States, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
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Under terms of the agreement, Epsilon, a leading provider of multi channel, data driven marketing technologies and services, will support Helzberg Diamonds' direct marketing efforts by managing a database to power trigger based marketing programs that deliver highly personalized, event specific communications to customers and prospects.
"Nothing has ever been more important to Helzberg Diamonds than our customer relationships, and the power of database marketing to communicate directly with our customers helps us forge even stronger relationships while growing sales and improving efficiency," said Laura Baker, director of database marketing at Helzberg Diamonds. "We chose Epsilon because of its commitment to helping us develop an exceptional customer experience without losing sight of our need to continually improve results and increase our ROI."
"The chance to work with a truly customer centric organization like Helzberg Diamonds is exciting for us because it provides an ideal opportunity to leverage customer insight across multiple channels to drive results," said Michael Iaccarino, president of Epsilon. "We look forward to helping Helzberg Diamonds to maximize marketing performance, deepen customer relationships, and achieve unprecedented ROI."
About Epsilon
Epsilon is a leading provider of multi channel, data driven marketing technologies and services. Through its combination of client centric marketing solutions, Epsilon helps leading companies understand, measure, manage and optimize their customer relationships. The organization's end to end suite of integrated services includes strategic consulting, creative, data, database and loyalty technology, analytics, email and direct marketing distribution services to produce multi channel marketing programs that generate measurable results throughout the customer lifecycle.
Founded in 1969, Epsilon is headquartered in Dallas, and comprises four business groups including Strategic Database Solutions, Data Services (formerly CPC Associates, Inc. and Abacus), Interactive Services (formerly Epsilon Interactive) and Agency and Direct Services. Epsilon works with more than 2,200 leading brands and cooperative participants and has offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company. For more information, visit http://www.epsilon.com.
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of marketing, loyalty and transaction services, managing over 120 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies. Using transaction rich data, Alliance Data creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer behavior and that enable its clients to create and enhance customer loyalty to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data employs over 9,000 associates at more than 60 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's brands include AIR MILES(R), North America's premier coalition loyalty program, and Epsilon(R), a leading provider of multi channel, data driven technologies and marketing services. For more information about the company, visit its website |