Aimia Reports Second Quarter Results

Reaffirming Full Year Gross Billings and Free Cash Flow Guidance
Transformation of Aeroplan underway with Distinction launch and TD
confirmed as Aeroplan’s financial card partner effective from January
1, 2014

  • Second quarter Gross Billings were $570.5 million, up 2.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2012, with year to date Gross Billings up
    3.7 per cent
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter unchanged versus last year at $102.0 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA reflects the favourable impact from the final judgment
    of the VAT litigation in the UK and changes in the Breakage estimate
    for the Aeroplan Program
  • Transformation of Aeroplan underway with Distinction launch and TD Bank
    Group (“TD”) confirmed as Aeroplan’s financial card partner effective
    from January 1, 2014
  • Guidance for 2013 Gross Billings growth of between 3 and 5 per cent and Free Cash Flow (before dividends paid) of between $255 and $275 million reaffirmed
  • 2013 Adjusted EBITDA guidance revised to reflect current expectations
    for Canadian Gross Billings and increased marketing spend through the
    remainder of the year
     
SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS1 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Year Over Year
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 2013 2013 2012 3 % Change
  Adjusted 2 As Reported As Reported Adjusted 2 Constant
Currency 4
As Reported
Gross Billings 570.5 570.5 554.3 2.9 3.1 2.9
Total Revenue 540.3 (123.3) 504.2 7.1 7.2  ** 
Net Earnings (loss) 25.2 (415.2) 35.0 (28.1)  **   ** 
Earnings (loss) per Common Share 0.13 (2.43) 0.19 (31.6)  **   ** 
Adjusted EBITDA 100.2 102.0 102.1 (1.9) (1.4) (0.2)
Free Cash Flow before Dividends Paid 88.7 88.7 74.2 19.5  **  19.5
**Information not meaningful            

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 Adjustments made to June 30, 2013 reported results are explained in the
Section entitled “Notes to table”.
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 period ended June 30, 2013
for additional information.
4 Constant currency variances are based on the Adjusted results for 2013.

 

MONTREAL, Aug. 12, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ – (TSX: AIM) Aimia today reported
its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June
30, 2013
. All financial information is in Canadian dollars unless
otherwise noted.

Rupert Duchesne, Group Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to have today confirmed TD as our financial card
partner effective from January 1, 2014, which is a crucial element,
alongside the Distinction launch, for the longer term transformation of
Aeroplan. These changes will add value to all our partners including
Air Canada and secure market levels of growth in our financial card
portfolio in the Canadian business over the longer term. While there
can be no assurance that our ongoing discussions with CIBC and TD will
result in a deal, concluding an agreement would be a positive for
Aeroplan members who have been with us through our 22-year relationship
with CIBC and position both banks strongly with a transformed program
that we believe will drive increased engagement and market share among
premium Canadian consumers.”  

“In addition to a solid financial performance overall for the quarter,
the significant developments in recent weeks have also included
favourable outcomes from the Canadian Competition Tribunal and the UK
Supreme Court and the acquisition of Smart Button, which adds
innovative capability to our suite of loyalty offerings as well as
adding to our US client reach.”

Second Quarter Financial Highlights (Period ended June 30, 2013 versus
period ended June 30, 2012, except where otherwise stated)

Consolidated – Gross Billings growth in line with full year guidance;
Adjusted EBITDA unchanged versus 2012

  • Second quarter Gross Billings of $570.5 million, an increase of 2.9 per cent or 3.1 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to the same period of 2012, taking
    Gross Billings for the first six months of 2013 to $1,131.7 million, an increase of 3.7 per cent or 3.9 per cent on a constant currency basis over 2012.
  • Following strong growth in the first quarter of 2013, Gross Billings
    from Loyalty Units were $414.2 million, in line with the second quarter of last year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was also unchanged on last year
    at $102.0 million. This includes both the impact of a change in the Breakage estimate in
    the Aeroplan Program in Canada of $24.8 million and the favourable impact related to final judgment of the VAT
    litigation in the UK of $26.6 million. A $6.9 million distribution from PLM was also included in the quarter. On a year to
    date basis, Adjusted EBITDA was $184.0 million, a decrease of 3.3 per cent over 2012.

Canada – Impact of Aeroplan Breakage adjustment reflected in results for
the quarter

  • Second quarter Gross Billings were $324.8 million compared with $332.0 million in the same period of 2012, a decrease of 2.2 per cent; on a year to date basis, Gross Billings were down 2.1 per cent to $631.9 million.
  • Gross Billings from Loyalty Units were down 2.4 per cent, mainly due to the ongoing impact of changes to the accumulation grid at
    Air Canada and a decrease in the financial sector driven by lower
    average consumer spend and higher partner program conversions in the
    prior year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $77.9 million in the second quarter, a decrease of 26.8 per cent compared to the $106.5 million recorded in the prior year period; as a result of a $24.8 million adjustment resulting from the new Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan
    Program effective in the second quarter.  The prior year included
    compensation of $5.5 million from Air Canada related to pension benefits.
  • Excluding the impact of the change in the Breakage estimate, Adjusted
    EBITDA amounted to $102.7 million or 31.6 per cent (as a % of Gross Billings).
  • Aeroplan Miles redeemed increased 4.6 per cent to 18.3 billion on strong air rewards redemptions, while issuance was down 4.5 per cent against last year.

Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) – Strong Adjusted EBITDA despite
expected slowing in second quarter Gross Billings

  • Second quarter Gross Billings of $161.3 million, an increase of 2.3 per cent or 3.4 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to the same period of 2012. Gross
    Billings on a year to date basis were $335.0 million, up 11.1 per cent or 11.9 per cent on a constant currency basis over 2012.
  • The increase in Gross Billings for the quarter was mainly from Loyalty
    Units issuance in the Nectar UK Program driven by the grocery sector
    and billings from Accumulation Partners added during 2012.
  • Other Gross Billings in the quarter were down $3.2 million compared to 2012, with a large portion of ISS Gross Billings now
    accounted for within the i2c joint venture. The decrease was mainly
    offset by growth in Gross Billings from ISS’ international activities.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $42.7 million in the quarter, an increase of $30.4 million, of which $26.6 million was attributable to the favourable impact from the final judgment of the
    VAT litigation in the UK. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months was $60.3 million, an increase of $44.5 million when compared with the prior year period.
  • Nectar UK Points issued in the quarter increased by 7.7 per cent compared to 2012, with higher issuance at new sponsor eBay as well as at
    Sainsbury’s and Homebase continuing to drive improvement. Redemption
    activity for Nectar UK increased by 9.6 per cent in the quarter mainly driven by an increase in the number of Nectar
    Points in circulation.
  • While Nectar Italia continued to see weaker accumulation and redemption
    (down 11.6 per cent and 14.4 per cent respectively, compared to same period last year) in market conditions
    which continue to be difficult, the total number of joiners reached
    10.4 million in the quarter.
  • In the Middle East, accumulation remained strong with an increase of 27.8 per cent versus last year. Redemptions were down in the second quarter following
    significant activity in the first quarter of 2013.

US & Asia Pacific – Elevated Gross Billings for the quarter, with
ongoing investments being incurred to support future growth

  • Second quarter Gross Billings of $84.5 million, an increase of 28.7 per cent or 27.5 per cent on a constant currency basis compared to the same period in 2012. Gross Billings on a year to date
    basis were up 12.6 per cent to $165.1 million.
  • Gross Billings from the Excellence in Motivation (EIM) acquisition which
    was completed on September 24, 2012 accounted for $11.4 million in the second quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $(6.2) million, compared to $(0.5) million in the same period of 2012; Adjusted EBITDA of $(9.9) million for the first six months compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2012.
  • Start-up costs in the APAC region continued to be incurred in the
    quarter in advance of the deployment of a technology and rewards
    fulfillment platform for Standard Chartered Bank later in 2013, while
    the US continued to incur EIM integration and deferred compensation
    costs and business development expenditures to support future growth.

Cash Flow and Financial Position
At June 30, 2013, Aimia had $499.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, $30.6 million of restricted cash, $23.1 million of short-term investments and $311.9 million of long-term investments in bonds, for a total of $865.0 million.

Aimia’s Free Cash Flow (before dividends paid) was up $14.5 million to $88.7 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $74.2 million for the second quarter of 2012. $6.9 million was attributable to the distribution received from PLM in the second
quarter of 2012. On a year to date basis, Free Cash Flow (before
dividends paid) was $79.1 million.

Dividends Declared
Common Shares
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per common share, payable on September 30, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close
of business on September 16, 2013.

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 September 30, 2013 to the holders of record at the close of
business on September 16, 2013.

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

2013 Outlook

In line with the financial adjustments outlined in the release
announcing the Aeroplan Program transformation issued on June 27, 2013
and our current expectations for the business, Aimia has revised its
previously provided 2013 guidance.

As disclosed in the press release of August 12, 2013, updating on our
financial card agreement, Aimia is currently in ongoing active
discussions with TD and CIBC about a broad framework that would see
CIBC retain cards held by their existing banking customers and the
remaining cards acquired by TD.  There can be no assurances that an
agreement will be reached.  Aimia does not expect a significant change
in outlook for 2013 as a result of a deal but will provide additional
disclosure if an arrangement is reached which results in any changes to
outlook.

For the year ending December 31, 2013, Aimia currently expects to report
the following:

       
  Consolidated Outlook
  2012 Actual Original Guidance (as provided on February 27, 2013) Revised 2013 Target Range
Gross Billings $2,243.0 million Growth of between 3% and 5% No change
Adjusted EBITDA   $402.6 million To approximate $425 million To approximate $375 million
This update reflects:

  • A $50 million reduction which reflects the full year impact of the lower
    Aeroplan Breakage rate estimate outlined on June 27, 2013

  • A $25 million reduction related to: timing of new business rollout in
    the US & APAC business, lower Canadian Gross Billings and marketing
    costs now expected to be advanced into second half of 2013 to promote
    the introduction of the Distinction program.

Offset by:

  • A benefit of approximately $25 million from the outcome of the VAT
    ruling in the UK.
Free Cash Flow before dividends paid   $299.5 million Between $255 and $275 million No change
Capital Expenditures $58.0 million To approximate $70 million No change
Income Taxes Canadian income tax rate of 26.2% Aimia’s 2013 tax rate is anticipated to approximate 27% in Canada. The
Corporation expects no significant cash income taxes will be incurred
in the rest of its foreign operations
While Aimia’s 2013 tax rate is expected to approximate 27% in Canada,
Aimia does not expect to be required to pay any further cash tax
installments in 2013 as a result of the realization of tax losses from
the Breakage adjustment to net earnings of approximately $664 million
described above. The Corporation expects no significant cash income
taxes will be incurred in the rest of its foreign operations
       
       
  Business Segment Gross Billings Growth Outlook
  2012 Actual Original 2013 Target Range (as provided on February 27, 2013) Revised 2013 Target Range
Canada $1,292.6 million Between 1% and 3% At the lower end of the range of between 1% and 3%
EMEA $639.9 million Between 5% and 7% No change
US & APAC $315.2 million Above 5% No change

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 2013 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 2013, 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 August 12, 2013. 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 present known
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, 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 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 Summary of Consolidated
Operating Results 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 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 Summary of Consolidated
Operating Results 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
Summary of Consolidated Operating Results 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 table
2013 numbers in the Adjusted column in the table on page 1 reflect the
following:

  • Total Revenue excludes the impact of the change in Breakage estimate in
    the Aeroplan Program which resulted in a reduction to revenue of $663.6
    million
    .
  • Net Earnings (loss) and Earnings (loss) per Common Share excludes the
    impact of the change in Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program which
    resulted in a reduction to revenue of $663.6 million offset by an
    income tax recovery of $179.8 million as well as the favourable impact
    to operating income of $26.1 million (£16.4 million) and the reversal
    of previously accrued interest of $17.3 million (£10.8 million)
    resulting from the final judgment of the VAT litigation.
  • Adjusted EBITDA excludes the unfavourable impact of $24.8 million on the
    Change in Future Redemption Costs resulting from the change in Breakage
    estimate in the Aeroplan Program as well as the favourable impact of
    $26.6 million (£16.7 million) resulting from the final judgment of the
    VAT litigation, including the favourable impact on Change in Future
    Redemption Costs of $0.5 million (£0.3 million).

Q2 2013 Conference Call / Audio Webcast
Aimia will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2013
financial results at 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, August 13, 2013. 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/1059053/1151295

A slide presentation intended for simultaneous viewing with the
conference call will be available the evening of August 12, 2013, at: https://www.aimia.com/English/Investors/Financial-Reports/Quarterly-Reports/default.aspx and an archived audio webcast will be available at: https://www.aimia.com/English/Investors/Presentations-and-Events/Events/default.aspx 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://www.aimia.com/English/Investors/Financial-Reports/Quarterly-Reports/default.aspx.

Additional information
A separate announcement issued today confirming TD as Aeroplan’s
financial credit card partner effective from January 1, 2014 and
updating on the ongoing active discussions among Aimia, TD and CIBC
about a broad framework that would see CIBC retain cards held by their
existing banking customers and the remaining cards acquired by TD, as
well as notices provided by CIBC to Aimia in respect of the validity of
the notice and proposed agreement provided to CIBC on June 26, 2013, is
available on our website.

About Aimia

Aimia Inc. (“Aimia” or the “Corporation”) is a global leader in loyalty
management. Employing more than 4,000 people in over 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
and Nectar Italia. In addition, Aimia owns stakes in Air Miles Middle
East, Mexico’s leading coalition loyalty program Club Premier, Brazil’s
Prismah Fidelidade, 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 transaction-driven marketing for
electronic banking. 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, the effective implementation of
Aeroplan Program enhancements and a new financial card partnership and
associated cardholder migration, 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, failure to safeguard databases and
consumer privacy, 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 in this news release and throughout Aimia’s
public disclosure record on file with the Canadian securities
regulatory authorities.

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Aimia’s
expectations as of August 12, 2013, 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.

SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS AND RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA,
ADJUSTED EBITDA, ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS AND FREE CASH FLOW

       
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, %∆
(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share
information)
2013 2012 (l) 2013 2012 (l) Q2 YTD
Gross Billings 570,540   554,302 1,131,655   1,090,938 2.9 3.7
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 414,211   414,026 827,560   800,010 3.4
Total revenue before change in Breakage estimate 540,269   504,233 1,149,772   1,071,958 7.1 7.3
Change in Breakage estimate (f) (663,581)   (663,581)   100.0 100.0
Total revenue (as reported) (123,312)   504,233 486,191   1,071,958 ** **
Cost of rewards and direct costs (230,513) (g) (279,900) (583,921) (g) (602,296) (17.6) (3.1)
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (a) (353,825) (g) 224,333 (97,730) (g) 469,662 ** **
Depreciation and amortization (10,513)   (8,543) (20,833)   (17,005) 23.1 22.5
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology
(20,091)   (20,820) (40,398)   (41,615) (3.5) (2.9)
Gross margin (384,429) (g) 194,970 (158,961) (g) 411,042 ** **
Operating expenses (198,221) (g) (140,949) (351,534) (g) (281,765) 40.6 24.8
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology
20,091   20,820 40,398   41,615 (3.5) (2.9)
Operating income (loss) before amortization of Accumulation Partners’
contracts, customer relationships and technology
(562,559) (g) 74,841 (470,097) (g) 170,892 ** **
Depreciation and amortization 10,513   8,543 20,833   17,005 23.1 22.5
EBITDA (a)(c) (552,046) (g) 83,384 (449,264) (g) 187,897 ** **
Adjustments:                
Change in deferred revenue                
    Gross Billings 570,540   554,302 1,131,655   1,090,938    
    Total revenue 123,312   (504,233) (486,191)   (1,071,958)    
  Change in Future Redemption Costs (b) (46,713) (h) (31,337) (19,016) (h) (16,532)    
    (Change in Net Loyalty Units outstanding x Average Cost of Rewards per
Loyalty Unit for the period)
               
Distribution received from an equity-accounted investment 6,860   6,860      
Subtotal of Adjustments 653,999   18,732 633,308   2,448    
Adjusted EBITDA (c) 101,953 (g)(h) 102,116 184,044 (g)(h) 190,345 (0.2) (3.3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (415,286) (g)(i) (j) 34,937 (374,759) (g)(i) (j) 80,315    
Weighted average number of shares 172,386,019   172,203,650 172,335,091   173,011,895    
Earnings (loss) per common share (d) (2.43) (g)(i) (j) 0.19 (2.21) (g)(i) (j) 0.43    
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Corporation (415,286) (g)(i) (j) 34,937 (374,759) (g)(i) (j) 80,315    
Amortization of Accumulation Partners’ contracts, customer relationships
and technology
20,091   20,820 40,398   41,615    
Share of net (earnings) loss of equity-accounted investments 1,870   (1,560) 3,592   (2,715)    
Adjusted EBITDA Adjustments (from above) 653,999   18,732 633,308   2,448    
Tax on adjustments (e) (165,603)   (423) (157,445)   4,865    
Non-controlling interests share on adjustments above (1,567)   (1,370) (1,492)   (1,392)    
Adjusted Net Earnings(c) 93,504 (g)(h) (j)(k) 71,136 143,602 (g)(h) (j)(k) 125,136 31.4 14.8
Adjusted Net Earnings per common share (c)(d) 0.53 (g)(h) (j)(k) 0.40 0.80 (g)(h) (j)(k) 0.69    
Cash flow from operations 99,933   85,467 99,481   116,437    
Capital expenditures (11,257)   (11,277) (20,342)   (23,933)    
Dividends (32,123)   (30,349) (62,515)   (59,254)    
Free Cash Flow (c) 56,553   43,841 16,624   33,250 29.0 (50.0)
Total assets 5,282,602   4,900,288 5,282,602   4,900,288    
Total long-term liabilities 2,341,582   1,549,834 2,341,582   1,549,834    
Total dividends per preferred share 0.406   0.406 0.813   0.813    
Total dividends per common share 0.170   0.160 0.330   0.310    
(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) Represents the impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the
Aeroplan Program which 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, $25.1 million to the three month period ended
March 31, 2013 and $21.5 million to the three month period ended June
30, 2013.
 
(g) Includes a favourable impact of $26.1 million (£16.4 million) resulting
from the final judgment of the VAT litigation. 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) The Change in Future Redemption Costs for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2013 includes the unfavourable impact resulting from the
change in the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program amounting to
$24.8 million, of which $12.4 million relates to the three month period
ended March 31, 2013 and $12.4 million to the three month period ended
June 30, 2013.
 
  Also, the Change in Future Redemption Costs for the three months ended
June 30, 2013 includes the favourable impact of $0.5 million (£0.3
million) resulting from the final judgment of the VAT litigation.
 
(i) Includes the unfavourable impact of the change in Breakage estimate in
the Aeroplan Program of $483.8 million, net of an income tax recovery
of $179.8 million, of which $167.5 million is attributable to years
prior to 2013, $6.6 million to the three month period ended March 31,
2013 and $5.7 million to the three month period ended June 30, 2013.
 
(j) 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.
 
  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.
 
(k) Includes the unfavourable impact to the Change in Future Redemption
costs of $18.4 million related to the change in Breakage estimate in
the Aeroplan Program, net of an income tax recovery of $6.4 million.
 
(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 period ended June 30, 2013
for additional information.
   
** Information not meaningful.

    

SEGMENTED INFORMATION

At June 30, 2013, the Corporation had three reportable and operating
segments: Canada, EMEA and US & APAC. The table below summarizes the
relevant financial information by operating segment:

                                         
  Three Months Ended June 30,
(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 324,801   332,000 161,286 (c) 157,592 (c) 84,505 (c) 65,638 (c)   (52) (928) 570,540 (c) 554,302 (c)
Gross Billings from the sale of Loyalty Units 270,482   277,218 143,729   136,808         414,211   414,026  
Revenue from Loyalty Units before change in Breakage estimate 275,033   261,668 106,027   104,977         381,060   366,645  
Change in Breakage estimate (f) (663,581)             (663,581)    
Revenue from Loyalty Units (reported) (388,548)   261,668 106,027   104,977         (282,521)   366,645  
Revenue from proprietary loyalty services 41,711   37,060 4,276   3,123   87,734   67,588     133,721   107,771  
Other revenue 12,080   12,287 13,408   17,530         25,488   29,817  
Intercompany revenue   3 52   127     798     (52) (928)    
Total revenue (334,757)   311,018 123,763   125,757   87,734   68,386     (52) (928) (123,312)   504,233  
Cost of rewards and direct costs 173,005   158,662 9,244 (h) 87,138   48,264   34,230     (130) 230,513 (h) 279,900  
Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (507,762)   152,356 114,519 (h) 38,619   39,470   34,156     (52) (798) (353,825) (h) 224,333  
Depreciation and amortization (a) 24,130   23,298 3,727   3,829   2,747   2,236     30,604   29,363  
Gross margin (531,892)   129,058 110,792 (h) 34,790   36,723   31,920     (52) (798) (384,429) (h) 194,970  
Operating expenses before the undernoted 53,212   57,043 83,232 (h) 36,638   42,446   31,866   15,589   12,405 (52) (798) 194,427 (h) 137,154  
  Share-based compensation           3,794   3,795 3,794   3,795  
Total operating expenses 53,212   57,043 83,232 (h) 36,638   42,446   31,866   19,383   16,200 (52) (798) 198,221 (h) 140,949  
Operating income (loss) (585,104)   72,015 27,560 (h) (1,848)   (5,723)   54   (19,383)   (16,200) (582,650) (h) 54,021  
Adjusted EBITDA (j) 77,938 (g) 106,483 42,743 (h) 12,291   (6,205)   (458)   (12,523) (i) (16,200) 101,953 (g)(h) (i) 102,116  
Additions to non-current assets (d) 6,964   5,235 3,829   3,946   464   2,096     N/A N/A 11,257   11,277  
Non-current assets (d) 3,155,846   3,222,938 467,060 (e) 463,006 (e) 76,943 (e) 43,275 (e) 2,263   2,213 N/A N/A 3,702,112 (e) 3,731,432 (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 $129.9 million in the UK and
$52.5 million in the US for the three months ended June 30, 2013,
compared to third party Gross Billings of $127.1 million in the UK and
$39.3 million in the US for the three months ended June 30, 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 includes amounts relating to goodwill, intangible
assets and property and equipment.
 
(e) Includes non-current assets of $416.7 million in the UK and $71.2
million in the US as of June 30, 2013, compared to non-current assets
of $411.9 million in the UK and $36.8 million in the US as of June 30,
2012.
 
(f) Represents the impact of the change in the Breakage estimate in the
Aeroplan Program which 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, $25.1 million to the three month period ended
March 31, 2013 and $21.5 million to the three month period ended June
30, 2013.
 
(g) The Change in Future Redemption Costs for the three months ended June
30, 2013 includes the unfavourable impact resulting from the change in
the Breakage estimate in the Aeroplan Program amounting to $24.8
million, of which $12.4 million relates to the three month period ended
March 31, 2013 and $12.4 million to the three month period ended June
30, 2013.
 
(h) Includes a favourable impact of $26.1 million (£16.4 million) resulting
from the final judgment of the VAT litigation. 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.
 
  Also, the Change in Future Redemption Costs included in Adjusted EBITDA
for the three months ended June 30, 2013 includes the favourable impact
of $0.5 million (£0.3 million) resulting from the final judgment of the
VAT litigation.
 
(i) Adjusted EBITDA includes a distribution received from an
equity-accounted investment, PLM, amounting to $6.9 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2013.
 
(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 period ended June 30, 2013
for additional information.

  

 

SOURCE AIMIA

 

Contact:

Media
JoAnne Hayes
416-352-3706
joanne.hayes@aimia.com

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

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