UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 26, 2005 METRIS COMPANIES INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-12351 41-1849591 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File number) Identification No.) 10900 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (952) 525-5020 Not Applicable (Former Name or former address, if changed since last report.) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition On January 26, 2005, Metris Companies Inc. issued a press release describing its results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2004. That press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report. The information in this Current Report, including the exhibit attached hereto, is being furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and such information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing. Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure On January 26, 2005, Metris Companies Inc. issued a press release describing its results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2004. That press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits 99.1 Press release of Metris Companies Inc. dated January 26, 2005, reporting financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. METRIS COMPANIES INC. Dated: January 26, 2005 By: /s/David D. Wesselink David D. Wesselink Chairman and CEO EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release of Metris Companies Inc. dated January 26, 2005, reporting financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004.