Adjusted revenue, which excludes certain items including debit network fees, was $1.7 billion, flat year-over-year.

For the second quarter, the net loss attributable to First Data was $189 million, compared to a loss of $157 million a year ago. The net loss increase is primarily attributable to an $86 million dollar change in the provision for income taxes. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was $633 million, up 2% compared to $621 million in the second quarter of 2012.

For the quarter, First Data generated $240 million in operating cash flow, after $441 million in cash interest payments, and finished the quarter with $1.6 billion in unrestricted liquidity—$110 million in cash available for corporate use plus $1.5 billion under the revolving credit facility.

"Since joining First Data at the end of April, I have had the opportunity to meet with many of our customers and our very capable employees, which has confirmed my belief that this is a great company," said First Data CEO Frank Bisignano. "We have added several talented leaders to the executive team, and we made the decision to expand equity ownership to employees across the company, more closely aligning our success with strong results for our customers and investors."

Segment Results

Retail and Alliance Services segment revenue for the second quarter was $928 million, up $14 million, or 2%, compared to $914 million in 2012. Merchant Services revenue was up 3% on higher volumes offset by lower yield. Transaction growth was 6%, and credit mix was 72%. Regional average ticket was $76.62, up 5% compared to a year ago. Product revenue decreased 1% as growth in prepaid was offset by a decline in check-processing. Segment EBITDA was $429 million, up $14 million, or 3%, compared to 2012. Margin expanded in the second quarter to 46%. During the quarter, Retail and Alliance Services added 22 bank referral agreements, 11 new independent sales organizations and 5 regional sales alliances.

Financial Services segment revenue for the second quarter was $337 million, down $12 million or 3%, compared to $349 million in the same quarter of 2012. New business and volume growth were more than offset by lost business and pricing. In addition, revenues were impacted by the divestiture of two small businesses providing information and check clearing services. Active card accounts on file were up 6% compared to the prior year. Debit issuer transactions were down 9%, impacted by a previously disclosed customer deconversion and a decline in gateway transactions. Absent the impact of these items, debit issuer transactions were up 3% on continued organic growth partially offset by net lost business. Segment EBITDA was $151 million, flat year-over-year, as revenue declines were offset by lower expenses from targeted cost reductions. Margin for the second quarter was 45%. During the quarter, Financial Services renewed more than 280 contracts with financial institutions.

International segment revenue for the second quarter was $425 million, flat year-over-year. On a constant currency basis, segment revenue was up 2%. Merchant acquiring revenue, on a constant currency basis, grew 8% on higher transaction volumes. Issuing revenue, on a constant currency basis, decreased 3% as higher transaction volumes were offset by lost business. Segment EBITDA was $115 million, down $2 million or 2%, compared to $118 million in 2012 due to expense growth driven by higher acquiring volumes and inflationary pressures in Argentina. On a constant currency basis, segment EBITDA was up 1%. Margin for the second quarter was 27%.

Capital Structure Improvements
Debt Issued, Redeemed and Extended
On May 15, 2013, the company issued $750 million in Senior Subordinated Notes with a coupon of 11.75%, due in 2021. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering of the notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem $520 million aggregate principal amount of its 11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016, repurchase $230 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 11.25% Subordinated Notes in a privately negotiated transaction with an existing holder of such notes, and pay related fees and expenses. 

The full second-quarter results can be downloaded below.