Alliance Data Systems Q4 Adj. Earnings Top Estimates; Lifts FY14 Above View

(RTTNews) - Alliance Data Systems Corp. (ADS), a provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $118.0 million or $1.79 per share, higher than $83.6 million or $1.27 per share in the previous year.

Core earnings per share were $2.39 for the recent quarter, while the firm posted $1.84 per share last year. On average, 23 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $2.33 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Quarterly revenues grew 17% to $1.14 billion from $971.90 million a year ago. Consolidated organic revenue growth was 14%. Analysts estimated revenues of $1.13 billion for the quarter.

Looking ahead to the first quarter, the company expects core earnings per share of about $2.70, and revenue of approximately $1.25 billion.

Street analysts expect the company to report earnings of $2.99 per share, on revenues of $1.15 billion for the quarter.

The company also lifted its guidance for 2014 in consideration of BrandLoyalty acquisition completed on January 2, 2014. The firm now expects core earnings per share of approximately $12.20, and revenues of about $5.14 billion.

Analysts are looking for earnings of $12.10 per share, on revenues of $4.74 billion for the year.

Earlier, the company forecast core earnings per share to $12.00, and revenues of $4.64 billion for 2014.