Aimia reports fourth quarter & full year results

Posted on by Aimia in News

Guidance delivered with a strong finish to a transformational year and a
strong start to 2014

  • Strong Aeroplan base for growth in place, with seamless operational
    transition to renewed Aeroplan program achieved and transformational
    new agreements with TD, CIBC and AMEX effective from January 1, 2014

  • Good progress towards longer term diversification with stronger
    contribution from EMEA in 2013, a reset of the US business and new
    investments in Cardlytics, Smart Button and Think Big since the
    beginning of 2013

  • Full year Gross Billings up 4.5 per cent on a constant currency basis

  • Adjusted EBITDA excluding $200 million related to conveyance items was $350.5 million(2) for the full year

  • Strong fourth quarter Free Cash Flow resulted in full year Free Cash
    Flow before dividends paid of $268.1 million(2)

  • Financial flexibility in place to address expected  increase in Aeroplan
    member engagement and higher redemptions, with new Preferred Shares
    issuance in January 2014

  • 2013 guidance achieved or surpassed on all metrics; 2014 guidance
    reflects the impact of the Aeroplan transformation and financial card
    agreements
               
FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS1 Three Months Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, Year Over Year
(in millions of Canadian dollars,
except per share amounts) 		2013 2013 2012 3 2013 2013 2012 3 % Change
  Adjusted 2 As Reported As Reported Adjusted 2 As Reported As Reported Adjusted 2 Constant
Currency 4 		As Reported
Gross Billings 658.1 658.1 615.1 2,366.4 2,366.4 2,243.0 5.5 4.5 5.5
Total Revenue 687.6 687.6 678.2 1,673.5 1,673.5 2,248.9 (25.6) (27.0) (25.6)
Net Earnings 21.2 (125.7) 57.4 (345.8) (492.7) 167.0 ** ** **
Earnings per Common Share 0.11 (0.74) 0.31 (2.10) (2.95) 0.89 ** ** **
Adjusted EBITDA 88.9 (111.1) 118.2 350.5 150.5 403.1 (13.0) (12.0) (62.7)
Free Cash Flow before Dividends Paid 120.4 (52.1) 77.1 268.1 95.6 299.5 (10.5) ** (68.1)
**Information not meaningful                  

Please refer to “Notes to the Fourth Quarter Highlights table” for
details on notations (1) through (4)

MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ – (TSX: AIM) Aimia today reported its
financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December
31, 2013. All financial information is in Canadian dollars unless
otherwise noted.

Rupert Duchesne, Group Chief Executive said:

“2013 was a year of outstanding accomplishments across our regions.
Gross Billings were up 4.5% overall and we delivered against our
guidance on all metrics, while setting the stage for global growth in
2014 and beyond.

“It was a year in which we invested in our future, transforming Aeroplan
with new TD, CIBC and AMEX agreements and a fundamental refresh of the
value that members get from the program which we expect to move
engagement to a new level. This was an outcome which removed migration
risk, allowing us to focus on attracting new members to the program and
building a strong base for future growth.

“January’s launch of Distinction is showing that Aeroplan members are
embracing the changes that make our loyalty rewards even better value,
while our new financial card partnership with TD has driven new card
acquisition significantly above our expectations, with the number of
new credit cards acquired seven times higher than in the first two
months of last year.

“Across the rest of the business, we made good progress towards longer
term diversification with a stronger contribution from EMEA, a reset of
the US business and new investments in Cardlytics, Smart Button and
Think Big since the beginning of 2013.”

Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights (Period ended December
31, 2013 versus period ended December 31, 2012, except where otherwise
stated)

Consolidated – Full year Gross Billings growth of 4.5% on a constant
currency basis, towards top end of full year guidance range of 3% to 5%

  • Full year Gross Billings were $2,366.4 million an increase of 5.5 per cent or 4.5 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to 2012.  Fourth quarter Gross
    Billings were $658.1 million, an increase of 7.0 per cent or 4.3 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to the same period of 2012.

  • Gross Billings from Loyalty Units were $1,711.4 million for the full year, up 5.1 per cent over 2012 or 4.2 per cent on a constant currency basis. Gross Billings from Loyalty Units in the
    fourth quarter were $464.7 million, up 8.2 per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 or 5.5 per cent on a constant currency basis.

  • A payment of $150.0 million to CIBC and a card migration provision of $50.0 million (“conveyance items”) were recorded in Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth
    quarter of 2013, taking reported Adjusted EBITDA to $150.5 million for the year. 

  • Excluding the conveyance items, full year 2013 Adjusted EBITDA was $350.5 million, down 13.0 per cent over 2012. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA excluding these items was $88.9 million, down 24.8 per cent year over year. A change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
    program contributed to the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA versus last
    year. 

  • Included in Adjusted EBITDA were distributions from equity-accounted
    investments amounting to $15.7 million and $5.3 million, of which $14.0 million and $3.6 million were received from PLM, in the full year and fourth quarter of 2013
    respectively, compared to $15.7 million received for the full year and fourth quarter of 2012.

Canada – Strong fourth quarter growth with full year Gross Billings up
0.6%

  • Full year Gross Billings were up 0.6 per cent to $1,300.1 million.  Fourth quarter Gross Billings were $347.0 million compared with $336.2 million in the same period of 2012, an increase of 3.2 per cent mainly due to higher program conversions and higher card acquisitions as
    well as an increase in the non-air travel sector resulting from higher
    promotional activity.

  • Gross Billings from Loyalty Units were up 3.8 per cent in the fourth quarter and up 0.6 per cent for the year to $1,085.8 million.

  • Excluding the conveyance items recorded in the fourth quarter, full year
    2013 Adjusted EBITDA was $337.7 million a decrease of 14.9 per cent over 2012.  Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA excluding the conveyance
    items was $85.0 million, a decrease of 15.3 per cent from the prior year period, mainly resulting from the impact of the
    change in the Breakage estimate of $12.9 million and increased marketing costs to launch Distinction. Partially
    offsetting this decline in Adjusted EBITDA was an improvement in the
    redemption cost per Aeroplan Mile redeemed compared to 2012.

  • Aeroplan Miles issuance fell 0.6 per cent for the year and rose 2.1 per cent in the fourth quarter. With the anticipated launch of Distinction in
    January 2014, miles redeemed were down 8.9 per cent in the fourth quarter to 16.3 billion.  Total miles redeemed for the year were 73.0 billion, down 1.6 per cent.

  • The new financial card partnership with TD has driven new credit card
    acquisitions in the first two months of 2014 seven times higher than in
    the first two months of 2013.

Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) – Higher sales of Loyalty Units
benefiting Gross Billings and Adjusted EBITDA

  • Gross Billings were $704.1 million, up 10.0 per cent over 2012 or 7.4 per cent on a constant currency basis. Fourth quarter Gross Billings were $200.0 million, an increase of 12.6 per cent or 5.2 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to the same period of 2012.

  • Gross Billings from Loyalty Units were up 11.4 per cent for the year on a constant currency basis, mainly driven by the grocery
    sector and new accumulation partner billings at Nectar UK, as well as
    from the sale of Loyalty Units in the Air Miles Middle East program
    from enhanced member engagement, offset in part by a decline at Nectar
    Italia.

  • Other Gross Billings were down $12.6 million and $2.0 million for the full year 2013 and in the fourth quarter respectively when
    compared to the same periods in 2012, mainly attributable to the
    transfer of ISS UK Gross Billings to the i2c joint venture beginning
    mid-January 2013.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $94.0 million, up 91.1 per cent over 2012 and included the favorable impact of $24.0 million from the final judgment of the VAT litigation. Excluding the impact of
    the VAT litigation, Adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.9 per cent for the year.  Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $20.2 million, an increase of 26.0 per cent over 2012, with growth in Nectar UK and timing of marketing initiatives
    driving increased leverage, along with a distribution of $1.7 million from i2c.

  • Nectar UK Points issued were up 13.5 per cent and 14.4 per cent for the year and the quarter largely driven by higher activity from the
    grocery sector and by new Accumulation Partners.  Redemption activity
    for Nectar UK rose by 12.4 per cent and 12.5 per cent for the full year and the quarter due to an increase in the number of
    Nectar Points in circulation.

  • Nectar Italia accumulation was down 14.7 per cent and 12.5 per cent for the full year and the quarter respectively due to difficult
    economic conditions and lower promotional bonus point activity.
    Redemption activity fell 7.9 per cent for the year and 6.8 per cent in the fourth quarter. 

  • In the Middle East, accumulation continued to grow at 4.9 per cent for the fourth quarter resulting in a 19.4 per cent increase for the full year. Redemptions also increased significantly
    for the year as a result of new contract terms that lead to increased
    promotional activity to enhance member engagement but were down
    significantly in the quarter due to a spike in redemptions in the first
    quarter of 2013, with members rebuilding balances during the remainder
    of 2013.

 US & Asia Pacific – Robust Gross Billings growth of 5.3% in the fourth
quarter driven by new business in the APAC region

  • Full year Gross Billings were $362.7 million, an increase of 15.1 per cent or 13.4 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to 2012.  Gross Billings in the fourth quarter were up 8.6 per cent to $111.0 million or 5.3 per cent on a constant currency basis, with the fourth quarter being the first
    like-for-like quarter to include EIM following its acquisition on
    September 24, 2012.

  • Increased operating expenses due mostly to the inclusion of EIM and
    investments to support future growth were the main drivers of Adjusted
    EBITDA loss of $3.8 million for the full year.  Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $8.5 million, up 26.4 per cent on the same period last year with contributions from both the U.S and
    APAC.

  • Delays in the execution of management’s business plan have resulted in a
    goodwill impairment charge of $19.1 million (US$18.0 million) being recorded in the fourth quarter for the U.S Proprietary Loyalty
    business.  

Cash Flow and Financial Position
At December 31, 2013, Aimia had $449.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, $33.7 million of restricted cash, $60.7 million of short-term investments and $269.7 million of long-term investments in bonds, for a total of $813.2 million.

Aimia’s Free Cash Flow before dividends paid and excluding the $150.0
million payment to CIBC and related harmonized sales tax of $22.5
million were $268.1 million and $120.4 million  respectively, for the full year and fourth quarter of 2013, compared
to $299.5 million and $77.1 million over the same periods in 2012. The decrease in Free Cash Flow for the
full year was mainly driven by a decrease in cash from operations,
offset in part by lower cash taxes for the year. The increase in Free
Cash Flow for the fourth quarter was the result of an increase in cash
from operating activities and lower cash taxes in the fourth quarter.

Dividends Declared
Common Shares
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per common share, payable on March 31, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of
business on March 17, 2014.

Preferred Shares
The Board also declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.40625 per Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Share, Series 1, payable on March 31, 2014 to the holders of record at the close of
business on March 17, 2014 and a pro-rated quarterly dividend in the
amount of $0.3211 per Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Share, Series 3, payable on March 31, 2014 to the holders of record at the close of
business on March 17, 2014.

Dividends paid by Aimia to Canadian residents on both its common and
preferred shares are “eligible dividends” for Canadian income tax
purposes.

2014 Guidance

For the year ending December 31, 2014, Aimia currently expects to report
the following:

     
  2013 2014 Guidance
Gross Billings $2,366.4 million Between 7% and 9% growth (constant currency)(1)
Adjusted EBITDA $350.5 million(2) Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 12%(1)
Free Cash Flow before dividends paid $268.1 million(3) Target range of $230 to $250 million(1)(4)
Capital Expenditures $54.4 million To approximate $60 to $70 million
(1) Includes the $100.0 million payment received from TD Bank on January 2,
2014.
(2) Represents reported figures excluding the $150.0 million payment to CIBC
and $50.0 million card migration provision.
(3) Represents reported figures excluding the $150.0 million payment to CIBC
and $22.5 million of related harmonized sales tax.
(4) Includes $100.0 million related to income tax refund of loss carry back
applied in Canada and $22.5 million input tax credit on harmonized
sales tax payment made in 2013.

The above guidance excludes the effects of fluctuations in currency
exchange rates. In addition, Aimia made a number of economic and market
assumptions in preparing its 2014 forecasts, including assumptions
regarding the performance of the economies in which the Corporation
operates and market competition and tax laws applicable to the
Corporation’s operations. The Corporation cautions that the assumptions
used to prepare the forecasts for 2014, although reasonable at the time
they were made, may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate.  In addition,
the above forecasts do not reflect the potential impact of any
non-recurring or other special items or of any new material commercial
agreements, dispositions, mergers, acquisitions, other business
combinations or other transactions that may be announced or that may
occur after February 26, 2014. The financial impact of these
transactions and non-recurring and other special items can be complex
and depends on the facts particular to each of them. We therefore
cannot describe the expected impact in a meaningful way or in the same
way we presently know about the risks affecting our business.
 Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from our
expectations as set forth in this news release. The outlook provided
constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable
securities laws and should be read in conjunction with the “Caution
Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” section.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
In order to provide a better understanding of the results, the following
indicators are used:

Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
EBITDA adjusted for certain factors particular to the business, such as
changes in deferred revenue and Future Redemption Costs (“Adjusted
EBITDA”), is used by management to evaluate performance, and to measure
compliance with debt covenants. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA
assists investors in comparing the Corporation’s performance on a
consistent basis without regard to depreciation and amortization and
goodwill impairment, which are non-cash in nature and can vary
significantly depending on accounting methods and non-operating factors
such as historical cost. Adjusted EBITDA also includes distributions
and dividends received or receivable from equity-accounted investments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement based on GAAP, is not considered an
alternative to operating income or net income in measuring performance,
and is not comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. For a
reconciliation to GAAP, please refer to the Selected Information and
Reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Earnings and
Free Cash Flow included in the attached schedule. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used as
an exclusive measure of cash flow because it does not account for the
impact of working capital growth, capital expenditures, debt repayments
and other sources and uses of cash, which are disclosed in the
statements of cash flows.

Adjusted Net Earnings
Adjusted Net Earnings provides a measurement of profitability calculated
on a basis consistent with Adjusted EBITDA. Net earnings attributable
to equity holders of the Corporation are adjusted to exclude
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer
relationships and technology, share of net earnings (loss) of equity
accounted investments and impairment charges. Adjusted Net Earnings
includes the Change in deferred revenue and Change in Future Redemption
Costs, net of the income tax effect and non-controlling interest effect
(where applicable) on these items at an entity level basis. Adjusted
Net Earnings also includes distributions and dividends received or
receivable from equity-accounted investments.

Adjusted Net Earnings is not a measurement based on GAAP, is not
considered an alternative to net earnings in measuring profitability,
and is not comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. For a
reconciliation to GAAP, please refer to the Selected Information and
Reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Earnings and
Free Cash Flow included in the attached schedule.

Standardized Free Cash Flow (“Free Cash Flow”)
Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure recommended by the CICA in order to
provide a consistent and comparable measurement of free cash flow
across entities of cash generated from operations and is used as an
indicator of financial strength and performance.

Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities, as
reported in accordance with GAAP, less adjustments for:

(a)  total capital expenditures as reported in accordance with GAAP; and
(b)  dividends, when stipulated, unless deducted in arriving at cash flows
from operating activities.

For a reconciliation to cash flows from operations please refer to the
Selected Information and Reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA,
Adjusted Net Earnings and Free Cash Flow included in the attached
schedule.

EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP measurements recommended by the
CICA in accordance with the recommendations provided in their October
2008 publication, Improved Communications with Non-GAAP Financial Measures – General
Principles and Guidance for Reporting EBITDA and Free Cash Flow.

Constant Currency
Because exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period
to period comparisons, the presentation of various financial metrics on
a constant currency basis or after giving effect to foreign exchange
translation, in addition to the reported metrics, helps improve the
ability to understand operating results and evaluate performance in
comparison to prior periods. Constant currency information compares
results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant over
the periods. Constant currency is derived by calculating current-year
results using prior-year foreign currency exchange rates. Results
calculated on a constant currency basis should be considered in
addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance
with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used
by other companies.

Notes to the Fourth Quarter Highlights table

1 Non-GAAP measures (Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow) and constant
currency are explained in the section entitled Use of Non-GAAP
Financial Information.  Discrepancies in variances may arise due to
rounding.
2 Net Earnings and Earnings per Common Share were adjusted for the
unfavourable impact of the CIBC payment and the card migration
provision totaling $146.9 million, net of an income tax recovery of
$53.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA was adjusted for the unfavourable impact
of the CIBC payment of $150.0 million and the card migration provision
of $50.0 million. Free cash flow before dividends paid was adjusted for
the CIBC payment of $150.0 million and the related harmonized sales tax
of $22.5 million.
3 2012 financial information was restated to reflect the retroactive
application of the amendments to IAS 19. Refer to Note 2 of Aimia’s
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2013
for additional information.
4 Constant currency variances are based on Adjusted results for the year
ended December 31, 2013.

Q4 2013 Conference Call / Audio Webcast
Aimia will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2013
financial results at 8:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2014. The
call can be accessed by dialing 1-888-231-8191 or 647-427-7450 for the
Toronto area. The call will be simultaneously audio webcast at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/detail/1281249/1413543

A slide presentation intended for simultaneous viewing with the
conference call will be available the evening of February 26, 2014, at:
https://aimia.com/en/investors/quarterly-reports.html and an archived audio webcast will be available at: https://aimia.com/content/aimiawebsite/global/en/investors/presentations.html for ninety days following the original broadcast.

The audited consolidated financial statements and the MD&A will be
accessible on the investor relations website at: https://aimia.com/en/investors/quarterly-reports.html

About Aimia

Aimia Inc. (“Aimia” or the “Corporation”) is a global leader in loyalty
management. Employing more than 4,300 people in 20 countries worldwide,
Aimia offers clients, partners and members proven expertise in
launching and managing coalition loyalty programs, delivering
proprietary loyalty services, creating value through loyalty analytics
and driving innovation in the emerging digital, mobile and social
communications spaces.

Aimia owns and operates Aeroplan, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty
program, Nectar, the United Kingdom’s largest coalition loyalty
program, Nectar Italia and Smart Button a leading provider of SaaS
loyalty solutions. In addition, Aimia owns stakes in Air Miles Middle
East, Mexico’s leading coalition loyalty program Club
Premier, Brazil’s Prismah Fidelidade, China Rewards – the
first coalition loyalty program in China that enables members to earn
and redeem a common currency, and i2c, a joint venture
with Sainsbury’s offering insight and data analytics services in
the UK to retailers and suppliers. Aimia also holds a minority position
in Cardlytics, a US-based private company operating in card-linked
marketing for electronic banking and Think Big, the owner and operator
of BIG – AirAsia and Tune Group’s loyalty program. Aimia is listed on
the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AIM). For more information, visit us
at www.aimia.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements are included in this news release. These
forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and
phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”,
“intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and
“should” and similar terms and phrases, including references to
assumptions. Such statements may involve but are not limited to
comments with respect to strategies, expectations, planned operations
or future actions.

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions
and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts,
predictions or forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to,
among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties
of the business and its corporate structure. Results indicated in
forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results
for a number of reasons, including without limitation, dependency on
top Accumulation Partners and clients, changes to the Aeroplan Program,
failure to safeguard databases and consumer privacy, conflicts of
interest, greater than expected redemptions for rewards, regulatory
matters, retail market/economic conditions, industry competition, Air
Canada liquidity issues, Air Canada or travel industry disruptions,
airline industry changes and increased airline costs, supply and
capacity costs, unfunded future redemption costs, changes to coalition
loyalty programs, seasonal nature of the business, other factors and
prior performance, foreign operations, legal proceedings, reliance on
key personnel, labour relations, pension liability, technological
disruptions and inability to use third-party software, failure to
protect intellectual property rights, interest rate and currency
fluctuations, leverage and restrictive covenants in current and future
indebtedness, uncertainty of dividend payments, managing growth, credit
ratings, as well as the other factors identified throughout this MD&A
and throughout Aimia’s public disclosure records on file with the
Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Aimia’s
expectations as of February 26, 2014, and are subject to change after
such date. However, Aimia disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under
applicable securities regulations.

SELECTED INFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA,
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS AND FREE CASH FLOW

               
  Years ended December 31,   %△
(in thousands of Canadian dollars , except share and per share
information) 		2013   2012 (q)   2011   2013
over
2012 		  2012
over
2011
Gross Billings 2,366,449   2,243,023   2,233,226   5.5   0.4
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 1,711,376   1,628,429   1,560,801   5.1   4.3
Total revenue before change in Breakage estimate 2,376,360   2,248,918   2,229,205   5.7   0.9
Change in Breakage estimate (f)(p) (702,812)   —   (113,300)   **   **
Total revenue (as reported) 1,673,548   2,248,918   2,115,905   (25.6)   6.3
Cost of rewards and direct costs (1,301,795) (g) (1,300,925)   (1,332,874)   0.1   (2.4)
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (a) 371,753 (g) 947,993   783,031   (60.8)   21.1
Depreciation and amortization (43,474)   (38,425)   (36,033)   13.1   6.6
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		(84,414)   (87,234)   (93,474)   (3.2)   (6.7)
Gross margin 243,865 (g) 822,334   653,524   (70.3)   25.8
Operating expenses (908,911) (g)(h)(i) (566,386)   (612,548) (i) 60.5   (7.5)
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		84,414   87,234   93,474   (3.2)   (6.7)
Operating income (loss) before amortization of Accumulation Partners’
contracts, customer relationships and technology 		(580,632) (g)(h)(i) 343,182   134,450 (i) **   **
Depreciation and amortization 43,474   38,425   36,033   13.1   6.6
Impairment of goodwill 19,144   —   53,901   **   **
EBITDA (a)(c) (518,014) (g)(h) 381,607   224,384   **   70.1
Adjustments:                  
  Change in deferred revenue                  
    Gross Billings 2,366,449   2,243,023   2,233,226        
    Revenue (1,673,548)   (2,248,918)   (2,115,905)        
  Change in Future Redemption Costs (b) (40,070) (j) 11,640   472        
    (Change in Net Loyalty Units outstanding x Average Cost of Rewards per
Loyalty Unit for the period) 		                 
  Distributions from equity-accounted investments 15,700   15,712   —        
Subtotal of Adjustments 668,531   21,457   117,793        
Adjusted EBITDA (c) 150,517 (g)(h)(j) 403,064   342,177   (62.7)   17.8
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (498,281) (g)(i)(k)(l)(m) 165,507   (59,678) (i)(p)      
Weighted average number of shares 172,514,527   173,015,589   179,146,339        
Earnings (loss) per common share (d) (2.95) (g)(i)(k)(l)(m) 0.89   (0.40) (i)(p)      
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (498,281) (g)(i)(k)(l)(m) 165,507   (59,678) (i)(p)      
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		84,414   87,234   93,474        
Share of net (earnings) loss of equity-accounted investments 6,556   (2,917)   4,444        
Impairment of goodwill 19,144   —   53,901        
Adjusted EBITDA Adjustments (from above) 668,531   21,457   117,793        
Tax on adjustments (e) (173,245)   (196)   6,273        
Non-controlling interests share on adjustments above (3,974)   (2,252)   (18,042)        
Adjusted Net Earnings (c) 103,145 (g)(l)(m)(n) 268,833   198,165   (61.6)   35.7
Adjusted Net Earnings per common share (c)(d) 0.53 (g)(l)(m)(n) 1.49   1.04        
Cash flow from operations 150,000 (o) 357,443   242,541        
Capital expenditures (54,383)   (57,955)   (44,919)        
Dividends (126,873)   (119,992)   (113,481)        
Free Cash Flow (c) (31,256) (o) 179,496   84,141   **   **
Total assets 5,338,596   5,246,581   4,931,733        
Total long-term liabilities 2,107,669   1,760,871   1,313,201        
Total dividends per preferred share 1.625   1.625   1.625        
Total dividends per common share 0.670   0.630   0.575        
(a) Excludes depreciation and amortization as well as amortization of
Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships and
technology.
   
(b) The per unit cost derived from this calculation is retroactively applied
to all prior periods with the effect of revaluing the Future Redemption
Cost liability on the basis of the latest available average unit cost.
   
(c) A non-GAAP measurement.
   
(d) After deducting dividends declared on preferred shares.
   
(e) The effective tax rates, calculated as income tax expense / earnings
before taxes for the period on an entity level basis, are applied to
the related entity level adjustments noted above.
   
(f) The impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, resulted in a
reduction of $663.6 million to revenue from Loyalty Units, of which
$617.0 million is attributable to the years prior to 2013 and $46.6
million to the six month period ended June 30, 2013. For the third and
fourth quarter of 2013, the change in Breakage estimate resulted in a
reduction of $39.2 million to revenue from Loyalty Units.
   
(g) Includes a favourable impact of $26.1 million (£16.4 million) resulting
from the final judgment of the VAT litigation which occurred in the
second quarter of 2013. Of this amount, $74.9 million (£47.0 million)
was recorded as a reduction of cost of rewards and $48.8 million (£30.6
million) as an increase to operating expenses.
   
  Prior to the issuance of the final ruling, Aimia had recorded an amount
of $2.1 million (£1.4 million) in cost of rewards, representing input
tax credits accrued during the period from January 1, 2013 to March 31,
2013.
   
(h) Includes the impact of the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million and the Card
Migration Provision of $50.0 million.
   
(i) Includes goodwill impairment charges of $19.1 million and $53.9 million
recorded during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011,
respectively, related to the US Proprietary Loyalty CGU.
   
(j) The Change in Future Redemption costs for the year ended December 31,
2013 includes the unfavourable impact resulting from the change in the
Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program, which occurred during the
second quarter of 2013, and amounted to $49.9 million.
   
(k) Includes the unfavourable impact of the change in Breakage estimate in
the Aeroplan Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, of
$512.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, net of an income
tax recovery of $190.2 million.
   
(l) Includes the unfavourable impact attributable to the CIBC Payment and
the Card Migration Provision totaling $146.9 million, net of an income
tax recovery of $53.1 million.
   
(m) Includes the favourable impact of the reversal of previously accrued
interest of $17.3 million (£10.8 million) resulting from the final
judgment of the VAT litigation which occurred in the second quarter of
2013.
   
  Prior to the issuance of the final ruling, Aimia had recorded an amount
of $1.1 million (£0.7 million) as interest expense during the period
from January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013.
   
(n) Includes the unfavourable impact to the Change in Future Redemption
costs resulting from the change in Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, of $36.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 2013, net of an income tax recovery of
$13.1 million.
   
(o) Includes the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million made on December 27, 2013
upon the closing of the asset purchase agreement and the related
harmonized sales tax of $22.5 million.
   
(p) Includes the impact of the adjustments to the Breakage estimates related
to the Nectar and Air Miles Middle East programs, which resulted in a
reduction of $113.3 million to revenue from Loyalty Units attributable
to the years prior to 2011. Of the total adjustment, $82.0 million is
attributable to the Nectar Program and $31.3 million is attributable to
the Air Miles Middle East program.
   
(q) 2012 financial information was restated to reflect the retroactive
application of the amendments to IAS 19. Refer to Note 2 of Aimia’s
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013
for additional information.
   
** Information not meaningful.

             
  Three Months Ended
December 31, 		  %△
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share
information) 		2013   2012 (n)   Q4
Gross Billings 658,067   615,055   7.0
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 464,673   429,534   8.2
Total revenue before change in Breakage estimate 706,820   678,179   4.2
Change in Breakage estimate (f) (19,193)   —   **
Total revenue (as reported) 687,627   678,179   1.4
Cost of rewards and direct costs (427,407)   (412,651)   3.6
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (a) 260,220   265,528   (2.0)
Depreciation and amortization (11,774)   (12,013)   (2.0)
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		(23,890)   (24,831)   (3.8)
Gross margin 224,556   228,684   (1.8)
Operating expenses (400,318) (g)(h) (153,435)   **
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		23,890   24,831   (3.8)
Operating income (loss) before amortization of Accumulation Partners’
contracts, customer relationships and technology 		(151,872) (g)(h) 100,080   **
Depreciation and amortization 11,774   12,013   (2.0)
Impairment of goodwill 19,144   —   **
EBITDA (a)(c) (120,954) (g) 112,093   **
Adjustments:          
  Change in deferred revenue          
    Gross Billings 658,067   615,055    
    Total revenue (687,627)   (678,179)    
  Change in Future Redemption Costs (b) 34,111 (i) 53,504    
    (Change in Net Loyalty Units outstanding x Average Cost of Rewards per
Loyalty Unit for the period) 		         
  Distributions from equity-accounted investments 5,313   15,712    
Subtotal of Adjustments 9,864   6,092    
Adjusted EBITDA (c) (111,090) (g)(i) 118,185   **
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (125,592) (h)(j)(k) 56,897    
Weighted average number of shares 172,852,768   172,123,799    
Earnings (loss) per common share (d) (0.74) (h)(j)(k) 0.31    
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (125,592) (h)(j)(k) 56,897    
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology 		23,890   24,831    
Share of net (earnings) loss of equity-accounted investments (1,516)   374    
Impairment of goodwill 19,144   —    
Adjusted EBITDA Adjustments (from above) 9,864   6,092    
Tax on adjustments (e) (8,171)   (1,377)    
Non-controlling interests share on adjustments above (1,041)   (889)    
Adjusted Net Earnings(c) (83,422) (k)(l) 85,928   **
Adjusted Net Earnings per common share (c)(d) (0.50) (k)(l) 0.48    
Cash flow from operations (30,243) (m) 100,570    
Capital expenditures (21,858)   (23,506)    
Dividends (32,207)   (30,374)    
Free Cash Flow (c) (84,308) (m) 46,690   **
Total assets 5,338,596   5,246,581    
Total long-term liabilities 2,107,669   1,760,871    
Total dividends per preferred share 0.406   0.406    
Total dividends per common share 0.170   0.160    
(a) Excludes depreciation and amortization as well as amortization of
Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships and
technology.
   
(b) The per unit cost derived from this calculation is retroactively applied
to all prior periods with the effect of revaluing the Future
Redemption Cost liability on the basis of the latest available average
unit cost.
   
(c) A non-GAAP measurement.
   
(d) After deducting dividends declared on preferred shares.
   
(e) The effective tax rates, calculated as income tax expense / earnings
before taxes for the period on an entity level basis, are applied to
the related entity level adjustments noted above.
   
(f) The impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, resulted in
a reduction of $19.2 million to revenue from Loyalty Units for the three
months ended December 31, 2013.
   
(g) Includes the impact of the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million and the Card
Migration Provision of $50.0 million.
   
(h) Includes a goodwill impairment charge of $19.1 million recorded during
the three month ended December 31, 2013 related to the US
Proprietary Loyalty CGU.
   
(i) The Change in Future Redemption costs for the three months ended
December 31, 2013 includes the unfavourable impact resulting
from the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program, which
occurred during the second quarter of 2013, and amounted
to $12.9 million.
   
(j) Includes the unfavourable impact of the change in Breakage estimate in
the Aeroplan Program, which occurred in the second quarter of
2013, of $14.2 million, net of an income tax recovery of $5.0 million.
   
(k) Includes the unfavourable impact attributable to the CIBC Payment and
the Card Migration Provision totaling $146.9 million, net of an
income tax recovery of $53.1 million.
   
(l) Includes the unfavourable impact to the Change in Future Redemption
costs resulting from the change in Breakage estimate in the
Aeroplan Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, of $9.5
million for the three months ended December 31, 2013, net of
an income tax recovery of $3.4 million.
   
(m) Includes the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million made on December 27, 2013
upon the closing of the asset purchase agreement and the
related harmonized sales tax of $22.5 million.
   
(n) 2012 financial information was restated to reflect the retroactive
application of the amendments to IAS 19. Refer to Note 2 of Aimia’s
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013
for additional information.
   
** Information not meaningful.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION

At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had three reportable and operating
segments: Canada, EMEA and US & APAC. The tables below summarize the
relevant financial information by operating segment:

   
  Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2013   2012(l)   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012(l)  
Operating Segments Canada   EMEA   US & APAC   Corporate(b)   Eliminations   Consolidated  
Gross Billings 1,300,101   1,292,551   704,120 (c) 639,851 (c) 362,685 (c) 315,205 (c) —   —   (457)   (4,584)   2,366,449 (c) 2,243,023 (c)
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 1,085,820   1,079,793   625,556   548,636   —   —   —   —   —   —   1,711,376   1,628,429  
Revenue from Loyalty Units before change in Breakage estimate 1,096,266   1,109,523   625,307   528,359   —   —   —   —   —   —   1,721,573   1,637,882  
Change in Breakage estimate (f) (702,812)   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   (702,812)   —  
Revenue from Loyalty Units (reported) 393,454   1,109,523   625,307   528,359   —   —   —   —   —   —   1,018,761   1,637,882  
Revenue from proprietary loyalty services 166,512   158,169   18,531   15,191   362,288   312,337   —   —   —   —   547,331   485,697  
Other revenue 47,378   49,731   60,078   75,608   —   —   —   —   —   —   107,456   125,339  
Intercompany revenue —   17   220   304   237   4,263   —   —   (457)   (4,584)   —   —  
Total revenue 607,344   1,317,440   704,136   619,462   362,525   316,600   —   —   (457)   (4,584)   1,673,548   2,248,918  
Cost of rewards and direct costs 689,200   693,044   410,900 (i) 438,639   201,695   169,563   —   —   —   (321)   1,301,795 (i) 1,300,925  
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (81,856)   624,396   293,236 (i) 180,823   160,830   147,037   —   —   (457)   (4,263)   371,753 (i) 947,993  
Depreciation and amortization (a) 98,762   95,170   16,663   17,005   12,463   13,484   —   —   —   —   127,888   125,659  
Gross margin (180,618)   529,226   276,573 (i) 163,818   148,367   133,553   —   —   (457)   (4,263)   243,865 (i) 822,334  
Operating expenses before the undernoted 438,807 (g) 224,579   195,268 (i) 141,995   164,781   138,277   71,925   53,260   (457)   (4,263)   870,324 (g)(i) 553,848  
  Share-based compensation —   —   —   —   —   —   19,443   12,538    —    —   19,443   12,538  
  Impairment of goodwill —   —   —   —   19,144   —   —   —    —    —   19,144   —  
Total operating expenses 438,807 (g) 224,579   195,268 (i) 141,995   183,925   138,277   91,368   65,798   (457)   (4,263)   908,911 (g)(i) 566,386  
Operating income (loss) (619,425) (g) 304,647   81,305 (i) 21,823   (35,558)   (4,724)   (91,368)   (65,798)   —   —   (665,046) (g)(i) 255,948  
Adjusted EBITDA (k) 137,664 (g)(h) 396,598   94,000 (i)(j) 49,187   (3,791)   7,365   (77,356) (j) (50,086) (j) —   —   150,517 (g)(h)(i)(j) 403,064 (j)
Additions to non-current assets (d) 33,054   32,269   17,693   18,675   3,636   7,011   —   2,273   N/A   N/A   54,383   60,228  
Non-current assets (d) 3,131,097   3,190,837   516,682 (e) 468,782 (e) 78,077 (e) 77,805 (e) 2,244   2,156   N/A   N/A   3,728,100 (e) 3,739,580 (e)
(a) Includes depreciation and amortization as well as amortization of
Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships and
technology.
   
(b) Includes expenses that are not directly attributable to any specific
operating segment. Corporate also includes the financial position and
operating results of our operations in India.
   
(c) Includes third party Gross Billings of $573.2 million in the UK and
$227.2 million in the US for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared
to third party Gross Billings of $525.2 million in the UK and $191.5
million in the US for the year ended December 31, 2012. Third party
Gross Billings are attributed to a country on the basis of the country
where the contractual and management responsibility for the customer
resides.
   
(d) Non-current assets include amounts relating to goodwill, intangible
assets and property and equipment.
   
(e) Includes non-current assets of $463.5 million in the UK and $69.1
million in the US as of December 31, 2013, compared to non-current
assets of $418.2 million in the UK and $71.1 million in the US as of
December 31, 2012.
   
(f) The impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, resulted in a
reduction of $663.6 million to revenue from Loyalty Units, of which
$617.0 million is attributable to the years prior to 2013 and $46.6
million to the six month period ended June 30, 2013. For the third and
fourth quarter of 2013, the change in Breakage estimate resulted in a
reduction of $39.2 million to revenue from Loyalty Units.
   
(g) Includes the impact of the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million and the Card
Migration Provision of $50.0 million.
   
(h) The Change in Future Redemption costs for year ended December 31, 2013
includes the unfavourable impact resulting from the change in the
Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program, which occurred in the second
quarter of 2013, and amounted to $49.9 million.
   
(i) Includes a favourable impact of $26.1 million (£16.4 million) resulting
from the final judgment of the VAT litigation which occurred in the
second quarter of 2013. Of this amount, $74.9 million (£47.0 million)
was recorded as a reduction of cost of rewards and $48.8 million (£30.6
million) as an increase to operating expenses.
   
  Prior to the issuance of the final ruling, Aimia had recorded an amount
of $2.1 million (£1.4 million) in cost of rewards, representing input
tax credits accrued during the period from January 1, 2013 to March 31,
2013.
   
(j) Adjusted EBITDA includes distributions received or receivable from
equity-accounted investments amounting to $15.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 2013, of which $14.0 million relates to PLM and is
included in Corporate and $1.7 million relates to i2c and is included
in the EMEA region. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31,
2012 includes a distribution received from PLM amounting to $15.7
million reflected in Corporate.
   
(k) A non-GAAP measurement.
   
(l) 2012 financial information was restated to reflect the retroactive
application of the amendments to IAS 19. Refer to Note 2 of Aimia’s
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013
for additional information.

   
  Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2013   2012(k)   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012(k)  
Operating Segments Canada EMEA US & APAC Corporate(b) Eliminations Consolidated
Gross Billings 347,049   336,232   200,046 (c) 177,586 (c) 111,020 (c) 102,265 (c) —   —   (48)   (1,028)   658,067 (c) 615,055 (c)
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 289,388   278,780   175,285   150,754   —   —   —   —   —   —   464,673   429,534  
Revenue from Loyalty Units before change in Breakage estimate 244,609   267,678   271,069   223,728   —   —   —   —   —   —   515,678   491,406  
Change in Breakage estimate (f) (19,193)   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   —   (19,193)   —  
Revenue from Loyalty Units (reported) 225,416   267,678   271,069   223,728   —   —   —   —   —   —   496,485   491,406  
Revenue from proprietary loyalty services 45,905   45,314   5,969   4,276   109,010   101,858   —   —   —   —   160,884   151,448  
Other revenue 11,496   12,546   18,762   22,779   —   —   —   —   —   —   30,258   35,325  
Intercompany revenue —   5   48   48   —   975   —   —   (48)   (1,028)   —   —  
Total revenue 282,817   325,543   295,848   250,831   109,010   102,833   —   —   (48)   (1,028)   687,627   678,179  
Cost of rewards and direct costs 155,836   172,597   210,259   182,578   61,312   57,529   —   —   —   (53)   427,407   412,651  
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization 126,981   152,946   85,589   68,253   47,698   45,304   —   —   (48)   (975)   260,220   265,528  
Depreciation and amortization (a) 26,812   25,257   4,745   4,881   4,107   6,706   —   —   —   —   35,664   36,844  
Gross margin 100,169   127,689   80,844   63,372   43,591   38,598   —   —   (48)   (975)   224,556   228,684  
Operating expenses before the undernoted 272,883 (g) 58,796   38,699   36,910   41,219   38,018   22,573   18,172   (48)   (975)   375,326 (g) 150,921  
  Share-based compensation —   —   —   —   —   —   5,848   2,514   —   —   5,848   2,514  
  Impairment of goodwill —   —   —   —   19,144   —   —   —   —   —   19,144   —  
Total operating expenses 272,883 (g) 58,796   38,699   36,910   60,363   38,018   28,421   20,686   (48)   (975)   400,318 (g) 153,435  
Operating income (loss) (172,714) (g) 68,893   42,145   26,462   (16,772)   580   (28,421)   (20,686)   —   —   (175,762) (g) 75,249  
Adjusted EBITDA (j) (114,962) (g)(h) 100,428   20,179 (i) 16,013   8,489   6,718   (24,796) (i) (4,974) (i) —   —   (111,090) (g)(h)(i) 118,185 (i)
Additions to non-current assets (d) 13,967   12,351   6,017   8,964   1,874   2,191   —   —   N/A   N/A   21,858   23,506  
Non-current assets (d) 3,131,097   3,190,837   516,682 (e) 468,782 (e) 78,077 (e) 77,805 (e) 2,244   2,156   N/A   N/A   3,728,100 (e) 3,739,580 (e)
(a) Includes depreciation and amortization as well as amortization of
Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships and
technology.
   
(b) Includes expenses that are not directly attributable to any specific
operating segment. Corporate also includes the financial position and
operating results of our operations in India.
   
(c) Includes third party Gross Billings of $170.3 million in the UK and
$68.5 million in the US for the three months ended December 31, 2013,
compared to third party Gross Billings of $148.4 million in the UK and
$67.0 million in the US for the three months ended December 31, 2012.
Third party Gross Billings are attributed to a country on the basis of
the country where the contractual and management responsibility for the
customer resides.
   
(d) Non-current assets include amounts relating to goodwill, intangible
assets and property and equipment.
   
(e) Includes non-current assets of $463.5 million in the UK and $69.1
million in the US as of December 31, 2013, compared to non-current
assets of $418.2 million in the UK and $71.1 million in the US as of
December 31, 2012.
   
(f) The impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program, which occurred in the second quarter of 2013, resulted in a
reduction of $19.2 million to revenue from Loyalty Units for the three
months ended December 31, 2013.
   
(g) Includes the impact of the CIBC Payment of $150.0 million and the Card
Migration Provision of $50.0 million.
   
(h) The Change in Future Redemption costs for the three months ended
December 31, 2013 includes the unfavourable impact of $12.9 million
resulting from the change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
Program which occurred in the second quarter of 2013.
   
(i) Adjusted EBITDA includes distributions received or receivable from
equity-accounted investments amounting to $5.3 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2013, of which $3.6 million relates to PLM
and is included in Corporate and $1.7 million relates to i2c and is
included in the EMEA region. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended
December 31, 2012 includes a distribution received from PLM amounting
to $15.7 million reflected in Corporate.
   
(j) A non-GAAP measurement.
   
(k) 2012 financial information was restated to reflect the retroactive
application of the amendments to IAS 19. Refer to Note 2 of Aimia’s
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013
for additional information.

SOURCE AIMIA

 

Contact:

Media
Krista Pawley
416-352-3794
krista.pawley@aimia.com

Analysts & Investors
Karen Keyes
416-352-3728
karen.keyes@aimia.com

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