SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ADSC and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Controlling financial interest is determined by a majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third party participating rights. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” and ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company is the primary beneficiary of World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust (“Master Trust”), World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust (“Master Trust I”) and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III (“Master Trust III”) (collectively, the “WFN Trusts”), and World Financial Capital Master Note Trust (the “WFC Trust”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary for the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, as it is the servicer for each of the trusts and is a holder of the residual interest. The Company, through its involvement in the activities of these trusts, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of such trusts, and the obligation (or right) to absorb losses (or receive benefits) of the trusts that could potentially be significant. As such, the Company consolidates these trusts in its consolidated financial statements. For investments in any entities in which the Company owns 50% or less of the outstanding voting stock but in which the Company has significant influence over operating and financial decisions, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. In cases where the Company's equity investment is less than 20% and significant influence does not exist, such investments are carried at cost. Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable, net—Accounts receivable, net consist primarily of amounts receivable from customers, which are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable. The Company analyzes the appropriateness of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balance, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, and changes in its customer payment terms and collection trends. Account balances are charged-off against the allowance after all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Credit Card and Loan Receivables— Credit card and loan receivables consist of credit card and loan receivables held for investment. The Company sells a majority of the credit card receivables originated by Comenity Bank to WFN Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to the WFN Trusts as part of a securitization program. The Company also sells certain of its credit card receivables originated by Comenity Capital Bank to World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to the WFC Trust. The credit card receivables sold to each of the trusts are restricted for securitization investors. All new originations of credit card and loan receivables are deemed to be held for investment at origination because management has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. In determining what constitutes the foreseeable future, management considers the short average life and homogenous nature of the Company’s credit card and loan receivables. In assessing whether these credit card and loan receivables continue to be held for investment, management also considers capital levels and scheduled maturities of funding instruments used. Management believes that the assertion regarding its intent and ability to hold credit card and loan receivables for the foreseeable future can be made with a high degree of certainty given the maturity distribution of the Company’s money market deposits, certificates of deposit and other funding instruments; the historic ability to replace maturing certificates of deposits and other borrowings with new deposits or borrowings; and historic credit card payment activity. Due to the homogenous nature of the Company’s credit card and loan receivables, amounts are classified as held for investment on an individual client portfolio basis. Credit Card and Loan Receivables Held for Sale—Credit card and loan receivables held for sale are determined on an individual client portfolio basis. The Company carries these assets at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. The fair value of the credit card and loan receivables held for sale is determined on an aggregate homogeneous portfolio basis. The Company continues to recognize finance fees on these credit card and loan receivables on the accrual basis. Cash flows associated with credit card portfolios that are purchased with the intent to sell are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash flows associated with credit card and loan receivables originated or purchased for investment are classified as investing cash flows, regardless of a subsequent change in intent. Transfers of Financial Assets—The Company accounts for transfers of financial assets under ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” as either sales or financings. Transfers of financial assets that result in sales accounting are those in which (1) the transfer legally isolates the transferred assets from the transferor, (2) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and no condition both constrains the transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the assets and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If the transfer of financial assets does not meet these criteria, the transfer is accounted for as a financing. Transfers of financial assets that are treated as sales are removed from the Company’s accounts with any realized gain or loss reflected in income during the period of sale. Allowance for Loan Loss—The Company maintains an allowance for loan loss at a level that is appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in credit card and loan receivables. The estimate of the allowance for loan loss covers uncollectible principal as well as unpaid interest and fees. The allowance for loan loss is evaluated monthly for appropriateness. In estimating the allowance for principal loan losses, management utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card and loan receivables. Migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card or loan receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. Charge-offs of principal amounts, net of recoveries are deducted from the allowance. In estimating the allowance for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees, the Company utilizes historical charge-off trends, analyzing actual charge-offs for the prior three months. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to finance charges, net. In evaluating the allowance for loan loss for both principal and unpaid interest and fees, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning and growth, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” For additional information regarding the impact of the new standard, see “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” below. Inventories, net—Inventories, net are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value and valued primarily on a first-in-first-out basis. The Company records valuation adjustments to its inventories if the cost of inventory exceeds the amount it expects to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future market conditions and an analysis of historical experience. Redemption Settlement Assets, Restricted—The cash and investments related to the redemption fund for the AIR MILES Reward Program are subject to a security interest which is held in trust for the benefit of funding redemptions by collectors. These assets are restricted to funding rewards for the collectors by certain of the Company’s sponsor contracts. Investments in equity securities are stated at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized through net income. Investments in debt securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as the investments are classified as available-for-sale. Property and Equipment—Furniture, equipment, computer software and development, buildings and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is carried at cost and is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization for furniture, equipment and buildings are computed on a straight-line basis, using estimated lives ranging from one to twenty-one years. Software development is capitalized in accordance with ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal–Use Software,” and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected benefit period, which ranges from one to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining lives of the respective leases or the remaining useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment when events or conditions indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable from future cash flows. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment or more frequently if circumstances indicate that an impairment is probable, using qualitative or quantitative analysis. Separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their respective useful lives. Income Taxes— Income tax returns are filed in federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions as applicable. Provisions for current income tax liabilities are calculated and accrued on income and expense amounts expected to be included in the income tax returns for the current year. Income taxes reported in earnings also include deferred income tax provisions and provisions for uncertain tax positions. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed on differences between the financial statement bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with components of other comprehensive income are charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established for certain deferred tax assets when realization is less than more likely than not. Liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions, in our judgment, do not meet a more-likely-than-not threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Additionally, liabilities may be established for uncertain tax positions when, in our judgement, the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, but the position does not rise to the level of highly certain based upon the technical merits of the position. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense. Derivative Instruments—The Company uses derivatives to manage its exposure to various financial risks. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes. Certain derivatives used to manage the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate movements are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments—The Company assesses both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction, including net investment hedges, have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows or remeasurement of the hedged items and whether the derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) it determines that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow of the hedged item; (2) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (3) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (4) it determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, excluding any ineffective portion, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transactions affect net income. The ineffective portion of this hedging instrument is recognized through net income when the ineffectiveness occurs. Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments—Certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the specific hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as they occur. Net Investment Hedges—The Company used Euro-denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the Euro-denominated debt is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The gains or losses will be subsequently reclassified into net income when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. Other Investments—Other investments consist of marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds and are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Investments in equity securities are stated at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized through net income. Investments in debt securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as the investments are classified as available-for-sale. Revenue Recognition—Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applying the modified retrospective method to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The Company recognizes revenues when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In that determination, under ASC 606, the Company follows a five-step model that includes: (1) determination of whether a contract, an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations, exists; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC 605. ASC 606 does not apply to financial instruments and other contractual rights or obligations. See Note 3, “Revenue,” for more information about the Company’s revenue and the associated timing and basis of revenue recognition. Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per share is based only on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding any dilutive effects of options or other dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares (dilutive stock options, unvested restricted stock units and other dilutive securities outstanding during the year), pursuant to the treasury stock method. For periods with participating securities, the Company computes earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an allocation of earnings between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Currency Translation—The assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries outside the U.S. are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, primarily from Canadian dollars and Euros. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Gains and losses resulting from currency transactions are recognized currently in income and those resulting from translation of financial statements are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company recognized net foreign transaction gains of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, gains of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and losses of $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Leases —The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is typically not readily determinable in the Company’s lease agreements, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as of the lease commencement date to determine the present value of the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company’s specific rate of interest to borrow on a collateralized basis, over a similar term and in a similar economic environment as the lease. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, the Company accounts for lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for its identified asset classes. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have any finance leases. Marketing and Advertising Costs—The Company participates in various marketing and advertising programs, including collaborative arrangements with certain clients. The cost of marketing and advertising programs is expensed in the period incurred. The Company has recognized marketing and advertising expenses, including on behalf of its clients, of $229.4 million, $244.5 million and $236.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Stock Compensation Expense—The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Under the fair value recognition provisions, stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. Management Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 requires entities to utilize a financial instrument impairment model to establish an allowance based on expected losses over the life of the exposure rather than a model based on an incurred loss approach. Estimates of expected credit losses under the current expected credit loss model are based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forward-looking forecasts regarding the collectability of the loan portfolio. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance. In addition, ASU 2016-13 modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company formed a cross-functional implementation team to oversee the implementation of the standard, developed loss forecasting models and processes to satisfy the requirements of ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. Management expects an increase in the allowance for loan loss at adoption of $644.0 million, which will be recorded through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, net of taxes. The scope of this standard also impacts the Company’s accounts receivable and available-for-sale debt securities, for which the Company’s adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The effect of the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will be a change to the disclosure requirements for certain fair value measurements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 requires customers in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC 350-40, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software,” to determine which implementation costs may be capitalized. ASU 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2018-15 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-15 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” and clarifies certain aspects of ASC 740 to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments within the standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2019-12 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” ASC 842, that replaced previous lease guidance and required lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Companies continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statements of income. Companies were permitted to adopt ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach or transition relief provided by ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” that removed certain comparative period requirements and required a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the transition relief provided by ASU 2018-11. During 2018, the Company completed its evaluation of ASC 842, including the impact on its policies, processes, systems and controls. As a result, the Company identified changes to and modified certain of its accounting policies and practices, including the implementation of new lease accounting software. Although there were no significant changes to the Company’s accounting systems or controls upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company modified certain of its existing controls and added new controls to incorporate the revisions made to its accounting policies and practices. The Company elected the transition practical expedients permitted under ASC 842-10-65-1 under which it was not required to reassess (i) whether expired or existing contracts were or contained leases as defined by ASC 842, (ii) the classification of such leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs qualified for capitalization under ASC 842. The Company also elected the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining the lease term. Additionally, the Company made the accounting policy election to account for lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for its identified asset classes. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the consolidated January 1, 2019 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 842 established operating lease liabilities of approximately $324.5 million and corresponding right-of-use assets of approximately $269.9 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for deferred rent and lease incentives, which resulted in the reclassification of approximately $54.6 million in liabilities to the right-of-use asset. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as a result of the adoption of ASC 842. Additionally, the cumulative effect of the changes made to the consolidated January 1, 2019 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 842 for the Epsilon segment, presented as a discontinued operation for the periods presented, established operating lease liabilities of approximately $208.7 million and corresponding right-of-use assets of approximately $181.1 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepaid and deferred rent, unamortized initial direct costs, and lease incentives, which resulted in the reclassification of approximately $30.5 million in liabilities and $2.9 million in assets to the right-of-use asset. As part of the adoption of ASC 842, capital leases were recognized as finance leases at their existing carrying amounts effective January 1, 2019, and the accounting remained substantially unchanged, with capital lease assets totaling $13.0 million and capital lease liabilities totaling $12.6 million. The Company’s adoption of ASC 842 had no significant impact to our consolidated statements of income or consolidated statements of cash flows. Based on the evaluation of ASC 842, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its results of operations or cash flows in the periods after adoption. ASC 842 also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosure regarding the Company’s leasing activities. See Note 11, “Leases,” for the Company’s ASC 842 disclosures. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” ASU 2017-12 expanded and refined the hedge accounting model for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligned the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and made certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Company’s adoption of this standard on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2018-02 allowed for reclassification of stranded tax effects on items resulting from the change in the corporate tax rate as a result of H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Tax effects unrelated to H.R. 1 were permitted to be released from accumulated other comprehensive income using either the specific identification approach or the portfolio approach, based on the nature of the underlying item. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the portfolio approach and did not reclassify the stranded tax effects to retained earnings as these amounts did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ADSC and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Controlling financial interest is determined by a majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third party participating rights. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” and ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company is the primary beneficiary of World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust (“Master Trust”), World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust (“Master Trust I”) and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III (“Master Trust III”) (collectively, the “WFN Trusts”), and World Financial Capital Master Note Trust (the “WFC Trust”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary for the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust, as it is the servicer for each of the trusts and is a holder of the residual interest. The Company, through its involvement in the activities of these trusts, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of such trusts, and the obligation (or right) to absorb losses (or receive benefits) of the trusts that could potentially be significant. As such, the Company consolidates these trusts in its consolidated financial statements.

For investments in any entities in which the Company owns 50% or less of the outstanding voting stock but in which the Company has significant influence over operating and financial decisions, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. In cases where the Company's equity investment is less than 20% and significant influence does not exist, such investments are carried at cost.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable, net—Accounts receivable, net consist primarily of amounts receivable from customers, which are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses inherent in its accounts receivable. The Company analyzes the appropriateness of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balance, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, and changes in its customer payment terms and collection trends. Account balances are charged-off against the allowance after all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Credit Card and Loan Receivables— Credit card and loan receivables consist of credit card and loan receivables held for investment. The Company sells a majority of the credit card receivables originated by Comenity Bank to WFN Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to the WFN Trusts as part of a securitization program. The Company also sells certain of its credit card receivables originated by Comenity Capital Bank to World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to the WFC Trust. The credit card receivables sold to each of the trusts are restricted for securitization investors. All new originations of credit card and loan receivables are deemed to be held for investment at origination because management has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future. In determining what constitutes the foreseeable future, management considers the short average life and homogenous nature of the Company’s credit card and loan receivables. In assessing whether these credit card and loan receivables continue to be held for investment, management also considers capital levels and scheduled maturities of funding instruments used. Management believes that the assertion regarding its intent and ability to hold credit card and loan receivables for the foreseeable future can be made with a high degree of certainty given the maturity distribution of the Company’s money market deposits, certificates of deposit and other funding instruments; the historic ability to replace maturing certificates of deposits and other borrowings with new deposits or borrowings; and historic credit card payment activity. Due to the homogenous nature of the Company’s credit card and loan receivables, amounts are classified as held for investment on an individual client portfolio basis.

Credit Card and Loan Receivables Held for Sale—Credit card and loan receivables held for sale are determined on an individual client portfolio basis. The Company carries these assets at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. The fair value of the credit card and loan receivables held for sale is determined on an aggregate homogeneous portfolio basis. The Company continues to recognize finance fees on these credit card and loan receivables on the accrual basis. Cash flows associated with credit card portfolios that are purchased with the intent to sell are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash flows associated with credit card and loan receivables originated or purchased for investment are classified as investing cash flows, regardless of a subsequent change in intent.

Transfers of Financial Assets—The Company accounts for transfers of financial assets under ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” as either sales or financings. Transfers of financial assets that result in sales accounting are those in which (1) the transfer legally isolates the transferred assets from the transferor, (2) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and no condition both constrains the transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the assets and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If the transfer of financial assets does not meet these criteria, the transfer is accounted for as a financing. Transfers of financial assets that are treated as sales are removed from the Company’s accounts with any realized gain or loss reflected in income during the period of sale.

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

In estimating the allowance for principal loan losses, management utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card and loan receivables. Migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card or loan receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. Charge-offs of principal amounts, net of recoveries are deducted from the allowance.

In estimating the allowance for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees, the Company utilizes historical charge-off trends, analyzing actual charge-offs for the prior three months. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to finance charges, net.

In evaluating the allowance for loan loss for both principal and unpaid interest and fees, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning and growth, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” For additional information regarding the impact of the new standard, see “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” below.

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

Redemption Settlement Assets, Restricted—The cash and investments related to the redemption fund for the AIR MILES Reward Program are subject to a security interest which is held in trust for the benefit of funding redemptions by collectors. These assets are restricted to funding rewards for the collectors by certain of the Company’s sponsor contracts. Investments in equity securities are stated at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized through net income. Investments in debt securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as the investments are classified as available-for-sale.

Property and Equipment—Furniture, equipment, computer software and development, buildings and leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is carried at cost and is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization for furniture, equipment and buildings are computed on a straight-line basis, using estimated lives ranging from one to twenty-one years. Software development is capitalized in accordance with ASC 350-40, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal–Use Software,” and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected benefit period, which ranges from one to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining lives of the respective leases or the remaining useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment when events or conditions indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable from future cash flows.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment or more frequently if circumstances indicate that an impairment is probable, using qualitative or quantitative analysis. Separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their respective useful lives.

Income Taxes— Income tax returns are filed in federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions as applicable. Provisions for current income tax liabilities are calculated and accrued on income and expense amounts expected to be included in the income tax returns for the current year. Income taxes reported in earnings also include deferred income tax provisions and provisions for uncertain tax positions.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed on differences between the financial statement bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with components of other comprehensive income are charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established for certain deferred tax assets when realization is less than more likely than not.

Liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions, in our judgment, do not meet a more-likely-than-not threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Additionally, liabilities may be established for uncertain tax positions when, in our judgement, the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, but the position does not rise to the level of highly certain based upon the technical merits of the position. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense.

Derivative Instruments—The Company uses derivatives to manage its exposure to various financial risks. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes. Certain derivatives used to manage

the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate movements are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments—The Company assesses both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction, including net investment hedges, have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows or remeasurement of the hedged items and whether the derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.

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

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, excluding any ineffective portion, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transactions affect net income. The ineffective portion of this hedging instrument is recognized through net income when the ineffectiveness occurs.

Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments—Certain foreign currency exchange forward contracts are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the specific hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as they occur.

Net Investment Hedges—The Company used Euro-denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries against adverse movements in exchange rates. The effective portion of the foreign currency gains and losses related to the Euro-denominated debt is reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The gains or losses will be subsequently reclassified into net income when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

Other Investments—Other investments consist of marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds and are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Investments in equity securities are stated at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized through net income. Investments in debt securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as the investments are classified as available-for-sale.

Revenue Recognition—Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applying the modified retrospective method to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The Company recognizes revenues when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In that determination, under ASC 606, the Company follows a five-step model that includes: (1) determination of whether a contract, an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations, exists; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC 605. ASC 606 does not apply to financial instruments and other contractual rights or obligations.

See Note 3, “Revenue,” for more information about the Company’s revenue and the associated timing and basis of revenue recognition.

Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per share is based only on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding any dilutive effects of options or other dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares (dilutive stock options, unvested

restricted stock units and other dilutive securities outstanding during the year), pursuant to the treasury stock method. For periods with participating securities, the Company computes earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an allocation of earnings between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders.

Currency Translation—The assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries outside the U.S. are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates, primarily from Canadian dollars and Euros. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Gains and losses resulting from currency transactions are recognized currently in income and those resulting from translation of financial statements are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company recognized net foreign transaction gains of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, gains of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and losses of $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Leases —The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is typically not readily determinable in the Company’s lease agreements, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as of the lease commencement date to determine the present value of the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company’s specific rate of interest to borrow on a collateralized basis, over a similar term and in a similar economic environment as the lease. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, the Company accounts for lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for its identified asset classes. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have any finance leases.

Marketing and Advertising Costs—The Company participates in various marketing and advertising programs, including collaborative arrangements with certain clients. The cost of marketing and advertising programs is expensed in the period incurred. The Company has recognized marketing and advertising expenses, including on behalf of its clients, of $229.4 million, $244.5 million and $236.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Stock Compensation Expense—The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Under the fair value recognition provisions, stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized ratably over the requisite service period.

Management Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 requires entities to utilize a financial instrument impairment model to establish an allowance based on expected losses over the life of the exposure rather than a model based on an incurred loss approach. Estimates of expected credit losses under the current expected credit loss model are based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forward-looking forecasts regarding the collectability of the loan portfolio. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance. In addition, ASU 2016-13 modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company formed a cross-functional implementation team to oversee the implementation of the standard, developed loss forecasting models and processes to satisfy the requirements of ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. Management expects an increase in the allowance for loan loss at adoption of $644.0 million,

which will be recorded through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, net of taxes. The scope of this standard also impacts the Company’s accounts receivable and available-for-sale debt securities, for which the Company’s adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The effect of the adoption of ASU 2018-13 will be a change to the disclosure requirements for certain fair value measurements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 requires customers in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC 350-40, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software,” to determine which implementation costs may be capitalized. ASU 2018-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2018-15 can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-15 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” and clarifies certain aspects of ASC 740 to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments within the standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2019-12 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” ASC 842, that replaced previous lease guidance and required lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Companies continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statements of income. Companies were permitted to adopt ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach or transition relief provided by ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements,” that removed certain comparative period requirements and required a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the transition relief provided by ASU 2018-11.

During 2018, the Company completed its evaluation of ASC 842, including the impact on its policies, processes, systems and controls. As a result, the Company identified changes to and modified certain of its accounting policies and practices, including the implementation of new lease accounting software. Although there were no significant changes to the Company’s accounting systems or controls upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company modified certain of its existing controls and added new controls to incorporate the revisions made to its accounting policies and practices.

The Company elected the transition practical expedients permitted under ASC 842-10-65-1 under which it was not required to reassess (i) whether expired or existing contracts were or contained leases as defined by ASC 842, (ii) the classification of such leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs qualified for capitalization under ASC 842. The Company also elected the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining the lease term. Additionally, the Company made the accounting policy election to account for lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for its identified asset classes.

The cumulative effect of the changes made to the consolidated January 1, 2019 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 842 established operating lease liabilities of approximately $324.5 million and corresponding right-of-use assets of approximately $269.9 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for deferred rent and lease incentives,

which resulted in the reclassification of approximately $54.6 million in liabilities to the right-of-use asset. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as a result of the adoption of ASC 842.

Additionally, the cumulative effect of the changes made to the consolidated January 1, 2019 balance sheet for the adoption of ASC 842 for the Epsilon segment, presented as a discontinued operation for the periods presented, established operating lease liabilities of approximately $208.7 million and corresponding right-of-use assets of approximately $181.1 million, based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepaid and deferred rent, unamortized initial direct costs, and lease incentives, which resulted in the reclassification of approximately $30.5 million in liabilities and $2.9 million in assets to the right-of-use asset. As part of the adoption of ASC 842, capital leases were recognized as finance leases at their existing carrying amounts effective January 1, 2019, and the accounting remained substantially unchanged, with capital lease assets totaling $13.0 million and capital lease liabilities totaling $12.6 million.

The Company’s adoption of ASC 842 had no significant impact to our consolidated statements of income or consolidated statements of cash flows. Based on the evaluation of ASC 842, the Company does not expect it to have a material impact on its results of operations or cash flows in the periods after adoption.

ASC 842 also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosure regarding the Company’s leasing activities. See Note 11, “Leases,” for the Company’s ASC 842 disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” ASU 2017-12 expanded and refined the hedge accounting model for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligned the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and made certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Company’s adoption of this standard on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2018-02 allowed for reclassification of stranded tax effects on items resulting from the change in the corporate tax rate as a result of H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Tax effects unrelated to H.R. 1 were permitted to be released from accumulated other comprehensive income using either the specific identification approach or the portfolio approach, based on the nature of the underlying item. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the portfolio approach and did not reclassify the stranded tax effects to retained earnings as these amounts did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.