10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number 0-24531

 

CoStar Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	52-2091509
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1331 L Street, NW
Washington,	DC	20005

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(202) 346-6500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock ($0.01 par value)	CSGP	Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No x

As of October 22, 2021, there were 394,935,769 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	7
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	9
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	10
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	34
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	51
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	52
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	53
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	53
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	54
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	54
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	54
Item 5.	Other Information	54
Item 6.	Exhibits	55
Signatures		56

3

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$	499,319	$	425,620	$	1,437,349	$	1,214,626
Cost of revenues	92,597		77,865		270,911		230,814
Gross profit	406,722		347,755		1,166,438		983,812
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	180,055		146,634		483,354		402,202
Software development	53,143		40,732		148,500		121,343
General and administrative	64,671		65,322		186,747		181,598
Customer base amortization	19,121		18,258		55,885		44,677
	316,990		270,946		874,486		749,820
Income from operations	89,732		76,809		291,952		233,992
Interest expense, net	(7,943)		(7,537)		(23,698)		(9,482)
Other income (expense)	1,546		(338)		2,343		29
Income before income taxes	83,335		68,934		270,597		224,539
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		70,933		33,200
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Net income per share - basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.51
Net income per share - diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.50
Weighted-average outstanding shares - basic(1)	392,419		391,586		392,101		377,177
Weighted-average outstanding shares - diluted(1)	394,295		394,013		394,036		379,704
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

See accompanying notes.

4

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,229)		7,535		(4,380)		(4,551)
Unrealized gain on investments	—		—		—		189
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on investments included in net income	—		—		—		541
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,229)		7,535		(4,380)		(3,821)
Total comprehensive income	$	58,075	$	65,721	$	195,284	$	187,518

See accompanying notes.

5

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	3,761,587	$	3,755,912
Accounts receivable	128,700		119,059
Less: Allowance for credit losses	(13,049)		(15,110)
Accounts receivable, net	115,651		103,949
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,599		28,651
Total current assets	3,914,837		3,888,512
Deferred income taxes, net	1,975		4,983
Property and equipment, net	238,866		126,325
Lease right-of-use assets	105,964		108,740
Goodwill	2,293,514		2,235,999
Intangible assets, net	447,900		426,745
Deferred commission costs, net	96,303		93,274
Deposits and other assets	16,971		15,856
Income tax receivable	14,986		14,986
Total assets	$	7,131,316	$	6,915,420
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	17,487	$	15,732
Accrued wages and commissions	82,905		80,998
Accrued expenses	86,788		110,305
Income taxes payable	11,828		16,316
Lease liabilities	29,878		32,648
Deferred revenue	92,631		74,851
Total current liabilities	321,517		330,850
Long-term debt, net	987,633		986,715
Deferred income taxes, net	83,399		72,991
Income taxes payable	26,188		25,282
Lease and other long-term liabilities	109,156		124,223
Total liabilities	1,527,893		1,540,061
Total stockholders' equity	5,603,423		5,375,359
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	7,131,316	$	6,915,420

See accompanying notes.

6

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital(1)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income		Retained Earnings		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares(1)	Amount(1)
Balance at December 31, 2020	394,285	$	3,943	$	4,204,703	$	(889)	$	1,167,602	$	5,375,359
Net income	—	—		—		—		74,212		74,212
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		323		—		323
Exercise of stock options	206	2		6,339		—		—		6,341
Restricted stock grants	766	8		(7)		—		—		1
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(358)	(4)		(27,663)		—		—		(27,667)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		15,264		—		—		15,264
Employee stock purchase plan	36	—		3,092		—		—		3,092
Balance at March 31, 2021	394,935	$	3,949	$	4,201,728	$	(566)	$	1,241,814	$	5,446,925
Net income	—	—		—		—		61,148		61,148
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		1,526		—		1,526
Restricted stock grants	50	—		—		—		—		—
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(75)	(1)		(737)		—		—		(738)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		14,811		—		—		14,811
Employee stock purchase plan	41	—		3,555		—		—		3,555
Balance at June 30, 2021	394,951	$	3,948	$	4,219,357	$	960	$	1,302,962	$	5,527,227
Net income	—	—		—		—		64,304		64,304
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		(6,229)				(6,229)
Restricted stock grants	35	—		—		—		—		—
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(61)	(1)		(900)		—		—		(901)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		16,021		—		—		16,021
Employee stock purchase plan	35	—		3,001		—		—		3,001
Balance at September 30, 2021	394,960	$	3,947	$	4,237,479	$	(5,269)	$	1,367,266	$	5,603,423
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

See accompanying notes.

7

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital(1)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Retained Earnings		Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares(1)	Amount(1)
Balance at December 31, 2019	366,807	$	3,668	$	2,470,036	$	(8,585)	$	940,474	$	3,405,593
Net income	—	—		—		—		72,793		72,793
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—		(12,219)		—		(12,219)
Exercise of stock options	406	4		9,229		—		—		9,233
Restricted stock grants	830	8		(8)		—		—		—
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(559)	(6)		(30,139)		—		—		(30,145)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		15,006		—		—		15,006
Employee stock purchase plan	40	1		2,549		—		—		2,550
Balance at March 31, 2020	367,524	$	3,675	$	2,466,673	$	(20,804)	$	1,013,267	$	3,462,811
Net income	—	—		$	—	$	—	$	60,360	$	60,360
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		863		—		863
Exercise of stock options	109	1		2,923		—		—		2,924
Restricted stock grants	107	1		(1)		—		—		—
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(172)	(2)		(3,507)		—		—		(3,509)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		8,609		—		—		8,609
Employee stock purchase plan	35	—		2,292		—		—		2,292
Stock issued for equity offerings, net of transaction costs	26,336	263		1,689,708		—		—		1,689,971
Balance at June 30, 2020	393,939	$	3,938	$	4,166,697	$	(19,941)	$	1,073,627	$	5,224,321
Net income	—	—		—		—		58,186		58,186
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—		7,535		—		7,535
Exercise of stock options	438	4		9,710		—		—		9,714
Restricted stock grants	25	—		—		—		—		—
Restricted stock grants surrendered	(25)	—		(398)		—		—		(398)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		16,542		—		—		16,542
Employee stock purchase plan	28	1		2,157		—		—		2,158
Balance at September 30, 2020	394,405	$	3,943	$	4,194,708	$	(12,406)	$	1,131,813	$	5,318,058
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

See accompanying notes.

8

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Operating activities:
Net income	$	199,664	$	191,339
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	102,390		83,911
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	46,728		45,017
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	1,742		1,082
Non-cash lease expense	21,118		18,801
Stock-based compensation expense	46,988		40,783
Deferred income taxes, net	16,255		6,812
Credit loss expense	7,797		21,395
Other operating activities, net	10		(12)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(17,715)		(34,131)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(18,820)		4,145
Deferred commissions	(49,798)		(48,704)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(27,912)		47,341
Lease liabilities	(23,596)		(21,247)
Income taxes payable	(3,583)		(9,838)
Deferred revenue	15,800		7,123
Other assets	2,150		1,521
Net cash provided by operating activities	319,218		355,338
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale and settlement of investments	—		10,259
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and other assets	245		—
Purchase of Richmond assets and other intangibles	(123,623)		—
Purchases of property and equipment and other assets	(21,533)		(42,137)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(152,594)		(192,002)
Net cash used in investing activities	(297,505)		(223,880)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	—		1,744,210
Payments of debt issuance costs	—		(15,747)
Payments of long-term debt	—		(745,000)
Repurchase of restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations	(29,306)		(34,051)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	—		1,689,971
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	15,025		28,169
Other financing activities	(57)		(1,650)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(14,338)		2,665,902
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,700)		(286)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	5,675		2,797,074
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period	3,755,912		1,070,731
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period	$	3,761,587	$	3,867,805
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid	$	31,030	$	5,948
Income taxes paid	$	58,234	$	36,475
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Consideration owed for acquisitions	$	376	$	—
Accrued capital expenditures	$	660	$	393

See accompanying notes.

9

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

1.ORGANIZATION

CoStar Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “CoStar Group”) provides information, analytics, online marketplace and auction services to the commercial real estate and related business community through its comprehensive, proprietary database of commercial real estate information and related tools. The Company provides online marketplaces for commercial real estate, apartment rentals, lands for sale and businesses for sale, and its services are typically distributed to its clients under subscription-based license agreements that renew automatically, a majority of which have a term of at least one year. The Company operates within two operating segments, North America, which includes the United States ("U.S.") and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

On June 24, 2020, the Company acquired Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Ten-X"), which operate an online auction platform for commercial real estate. On October 26, 2020, the Company acquired Emporis GmbH, a Germany-based provider of international commercial real estate data and images. On December 22, 2020, the Company acquired Homesnap, Inc. (“Homesnap”), which operates an online mobile software platform for residential real estate agents and brokers. On May 24, 2021, the Company acquired Homes.com ("Homes.com"), a residential real estate advertising and marketing services company primarily operating through its property listing and marketing portal, Homes.com. See Notes 5 and 8 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these acquisitions.

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Accounting policies are consistent for each operating segment.

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, its comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, its changes in stockholders' equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Common Stock Split

At the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June 2021, upon the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company's stockholders approved the adoption of the Company's Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which increased the total number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 60 million to 1.2 billion. The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation became effective on June 7, 2021. On June 7, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a ten-for-one stock split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. Each stockholder of record on June 17, 2021 received a dividend of nine additional shares of common stock for each then-held share, distributed after close of trading on June 25, 2021. The par value of the Company's common stock remained $0.01 per share. All applicable share and per-share amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the stock split.

10

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for credit losses, the useful lives and recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, accounting for business combinations, stock-based compensation, estimating the Company's incremental borrowing rate for its leases, and contingencies, among others. The Company bases these estimates on historical and anticipated results, trends and various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and recorded revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company derives revenues primarily by (i) providing access to its proprietary database of commercial real estate information and (ii) providing online marketplaces for professional property management companies, property owners, brokers and landlords, in each case, typically through a fixed monthly fee for its subscription-based services. The Company's subscription-based services consist primarily of information, analytics and online marketplace services offered over the Internet to commercial real estate industry and related professionals. Subscription contract rates are based on the number of sites, number of users, organization size, the client’s business focus, geography, the number and types of services to which a client subscribes, the number of properties a client advertises and the prominence and placement of a client's advertised properties in the search results. The Company’s subscription-based license agreements typically renew automatically, and a majority have a term of at least one year.

The Company also provides (i) market research, portfolio and debt analysis, management and reporting capabilities, (ii) real estate and lease management solutions, including lease administration and abstraction services, to commercial customers, real estate investors, and lenders via the Company’s other service offerings, (iii) benchmarking and analytics for the hospitality industry through STR, LLC and STR Global, Ltd. (together with STR, LLC, referred to as “STR”), (iv) an online auction platform for commercial real estate through Ten-X, LLC and its subsidiaries, which were acquired in June 2020, (v) an online and mobile software platform that provides applications to manage residential real estate agent workflow through Homesnap, which was acquired in December 2020, and (vi) advertising and marketing services for residential properties through Homes.com which was acquired in May 2021. See Note 5 for details of the Homes.com, Homesnap and Ten-X acquisitions.

The Company analyzes contracts to determine the appropriate revenue recognition using the following steps: (i) identification of contracts with customers, (ii) identification of distinct performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determination of contract transaction price, (iv) allocation of contract transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) determination of revenue recognition based on timing of satisfaction of the performance obligations.

The Company recognizes revenues upon the satisfaction of its performance obligation(s) (upon transfer of control of promised services to its customers) in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenues from subscription-based services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues from transaction-based services are recognized when the promised product or services are delivered, which is at the time of a successful closing of the sale of the property for Ten-X revenues.

In limited circumstances, the Company's contracts with customers include promises to transfer multiple services, such as contracts for its subscription-based services and professional services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct, which involves the determination of the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation.

Deferred revenue results from amounts billed in advance to customers or cash received from customers in advance of the Company's fulfillment of its performance obligation(s) and is recognized as those obligations are satisfied.

Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration for satisfied performance obligations that become a receivable when the conditions are satisfied. Contract assets are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing.

11

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Certain sales commissions are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions incurred for obtaining new contracts are deferred and then amortized as selling and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that the Company has determined to be three years. The three-year amortization period was determined based on several factors, including the nature of the technology and proprietary data underlying the services being purchased, customer contract renewal rates and industry competition. Certain commission costs are not capitalized as they do not represent incremental costs of obtaining a contract.

See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's revenue recognition.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues principally consists of salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation expenses and other indirect costs for the Company's researchers who collect and analyze the commercial real estate data that is the basis for the Company's information, analytics and online marketplaces and for employees that support these products. Additionally, cost of revenues includes the cost of data from third-party data sources and costs related to advertising purchased on behalf of customers, credit card and other transaction fees relating to processing customer transactions, which are expensed as incurred, and the amortization of acquired trade names, technology and other intangible assets.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs include digital marketing, television, radio, print and other media advertising. Advertising costs were approximately $97 million and $79 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $252 million and $202 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Foreign Currency

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency for the majority of its operations is the local currency, with the exception of certain international locations of STR for which the functional currency is the British Pound. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Currency gains and losses on the translation of intercompany loans made to foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term investment nature are also included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations using the average exchange rates in effect during the period. The Company recognized net foreign currency gains of $0.5 million and losses of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and net foreign currency gains of $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in other income (expense) on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(5,269)	$	(889)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(5,269)	$	(889)

There were no amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold its long-term variable debt instruments with an auction reset feature, referred to as auction rate securities ("ARS") and reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss a realized loss of $0.5 million to earnings which is included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

12

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the basis reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during the year in which the Company expects differences to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against assets, including net operating losses, if the Company determines it is more likely than not that some portion or all of an asset may not be realized. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recognized in income tax expense.

See Note 11 for additional information regarding income taxes.

Net Income Per Share

Net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period on a basic and diluted basis.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Numerator:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	392,419		391,586		392,101		377,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units(1)	1,876		2,427		1,935		2,527
Denominator for diluted net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	394,295		394,013		394,036		379,704
Net income per share — basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.51
Net income per share — diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.50
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested stock-based awards which include restricted stock awards that vest over a specific service period, restricted stock awards with a performance and a market condition, restricted stock units and awards of matching restricted stock units ("Matching RSUs") awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan. Shares underlying unvested restricted stock awards that vest based on a performance and a market condition that have not been achieved as of the end of the period are not included in the computation of basic or diluted net income per share. Diluted net income per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except when the inclusion of the potentially dilutive securities would have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table summarizes the shares underlying the unvested performance-based restricted stock and anti-dilutive securities excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in thousands):

13

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021	2020
Performance-based restricted stock awards(1)	718	794	718	794
Anti-dilutive securities(1)	192	367	433	708
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation

Equity instruments issued in exchange for services performed by officers, employees, and directors of the Company are accounted for using a fair-value based method and the fair value of such equity instruments is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For stock-based awards that vest over a specific service period, compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. For equity instruments that vest based on achievement of both a performance and market condition, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the expected achievement of the related performance condition at the end of each reporting period. If the Company's initial estimates of the achievement of the performance conditions change, the related stock-based compensation expense and timing may fluctuate from period to period based on those estimates. If the performance conditions are not met, no stock-based compensation expense will be recognized, and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense will be reversed. For awards with both a performance and a market condition, the Company estimates the fair value of each equity instrument granted on the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of achieving the market condition to calculate the fair value of the awards.

Stock-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued under equity incentive plans, stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Deferred Stock Units (“DSUs”) and Matching RSUs awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan included in the Company’s results of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,835	$	3,007	$	8,283	$	8,009
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	1,620		2,091		4,644		5,886
Software development	3,316		2,821		9,289		7,635
General and administrative	8,528		8,811		24,772		19,907
Total stock-based compensation expense(1)	$	16,299	$	16,730	$	46,988	$	41,437
__________________________

(1) Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes $0.7 million of expense related to the cash settlement of stock options in connection with the acquisition of Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. See Note 5 for details of the acquisition.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

14

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,761,587	$	3,693,813
Restricted cash:
RentPath termination fee held in escrow under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement	—		58,750
Other restricted cash related to acquisitions	—		3,349
Total restricted cash	—		62,099
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	3,761,587	$	3,755,912

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to cover its current expected credit losses ("CECL") on its trade receivables and contract assets arising from the failure of customers to make contractual payments. The Company estimates credit losses expected over the life of its trade receivables and contract assets based on historical information combined with current conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While the Company uses various credit quality metrics, it primarily monitors collectability by reviewing the duration of collection pursuits on its delinquent trade receivables and historical write off trends. Based on the Company’s experience, the customer's delinquency status is the strongest indicator of the credit quality of the underlying trade receivables, which is analyzed periodically. The Company’s policy is to write-off trade receivables when they are deemed uncollectible. A majority of the Company's trade receivables are less than 365 days outstanding.

Under the CECL impairment model, the Company develops and documents its allowance for credit losses on its trade receivables based on its portfolio segments. The determination of portfolio segments is based primarily on the qualitative consideration of the nature of the Company’s business operations and the characteristics of the underlying trade receivables, as follows:

•CoStar Portfolio Segment - The CoStar portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables based on geographical location: North America and International.

•Information Services Portfolio Segment - The Information Services portfolio segment consists of four classes of trade receivables: Real Estate Manager; Information Services, North America; STR, US; and STR, International.

•Multifamily Portfolio Segment - The Multifamily portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•LoopNet Portfolio Segment - The LoopNet portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•Other Marketplaces Portfolio Segment - The Other Marketplaces portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables: Ten-X and other marketplaces.

The majority of Residential revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable. Residential accounts receivable and the related allowance for credit losses are not material.

See Note 4 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for allowance for credit losses.

15

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement contains a lease and the classification of a lease, if applicable, is made at lease commencement, at which time the Company also measures and recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset, representing the Company’s right to use the underlying asset, and a lease liability, representing the Company’s obligation to make lease payments under the terms of the arrangement. For the purposes of recognizing ROU assets and lease liabilities associated with the Company’s leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to not recognize a ROU asset or lease liability for short-term leases, which are leases with a term of twelve months or less. The lease term is defined as the noncancelable portion of the lease term, plus any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.

In determining the amount of lease payments used in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, the Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Consideration deemed part of the lease payments used to measure ROU assets and lease liabilities generally includes fixed payments and variable payments based on either an index or a rate, offset by lease incentives. The ROU asset also includes any lease prepayments. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable. Therefore, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The determination of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate requires judgment and is determined at lease commencement, or as of January 1, 2019 for operating leases in existence upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842. The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement.

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases are generally recognized as a single ratable lease cost over the lease term.

See Note 7 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for leases.

Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment by each reporting unit on October 1 of each year or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not recover the carrying value of the asset. The Company may first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or elect to bypass such assessment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or the Company elects to bypass such assessment, the Company then determines the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method for term debt and on a straight-line basis for revolving debt. The Company made a policy election to classify deferred issuance costs on the revolving credit facility as a long-term asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. Upon a refinancing or amendment, previously capitalized debt issuance costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. If the Company determines that there has not been a substantial modification of the related debt, any previously capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the new debt instrument.

See Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company's accounting for its outstanding debt, revolving credit facility, and related issuance costs.

16

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Business Combinations

The Company allocates the purchase consideration related to business combinations to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase consideration is determined based on the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred and equity interests issued, after considering any transactions that are separate from the business combination. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent liabilities. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customer bases, acquired technology and acquired trade names and other intangible assets, useful lives, royalty rates and discount rates. Any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

For a given acquisition, the Company may identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date and may extend its review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether the Company includes these contingencies as a part of the fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and, if so, determine their estimated fair value.

If the Company cannot reasonably determine the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) by the end of the measurement period, which is generally the case given the nature of such matters, the Company will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (i) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been assumed at the acquisition date and (ii) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in the Company's estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.

In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. The Company reevaluates these items based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to its preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill, provided that the Company is within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect the Company's provision for income taxes in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and could have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

17

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

3.REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS    

Disaggregated Revenue

The Company provides information, analytics and online marketplace services to the commercial real estate industry and related professionals. Revenues by operating segment and type of service consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	174,071	$	9,194	$	183,265	$	158,235	$	7,753	$	165,988
Information Services	29,177		6,749		35,926		26,357		6,817		33,174
Multifamily	171,125		—		171,125		155,184		—		155,184
LoopNet(1)	52,103		424		52,527		44,938		146		45,084
Residential(1)	24,747		—		24,747		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	31,729		—		31,729		26,190		—		26,190
Total revenues	$	482,952	$	16,367	$	499,319	$	410,904	$	14,716	$	425,620
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	505,470	$	26,958	$	532,428	$	473,363	$	22,634	$	495,997
Information Services	84,959		20,820		105,779		77,069		19,023		96,092
Multifamily	508,629		—		508,629		438,185		—		438,185
LoopNet(1)	151,770		1,082		152,852		131,348		256		131,604
Residential(1)	53,939		—		53,939		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	83,722		—		83,722		52,748		—		52,748
Total revenues	$	1,388,489	$	48,860	$	1,437,349	$	1,172,713	$	41,913	$	1,214,626
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

Deferred Revenue

Changes in revenue for the period were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	77,363
Revenue recognized in the current period from the amounts in the beginning balance	(70,339)
New deferrals, net of amounts recognized in the current period	87,225
Effects of foreign currency	(231)
Balance at September 30, 2021(1)	$	94,018
__________________________

(1) Deferred revenue is comprised of $93 million of current liabilities and $1 million of noncurrent liabilities classified within lease and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. This balance includes $1 million of deferrals recognized in connection with business acquisitions made in 2021. See Note 5 for details.

18

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Contract Assets

The Company had contract assets of $9 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing. Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration for satisfied performance obligations that becomes a receivable when the conditions are satisfied. Current contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and non-current contract assets are included in deposits and other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The revenue recognized from contract assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was not material.

Commissions

Commissions expense is included in selling and marketing expense in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. Commissions expense activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands). The Company determined that no deferred commissions were impaired as of September 30, 2021:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Commissions incurred	$	30,337	$	25,436	$	83,983	$	69,047
Commissions capitalized in the current period	(17,876)		(16,582)		(49,798)		(48,704)
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	15,881		15,355		46,728		45,017
Total commissions expense	$	28,342	$	24,209	$	80,913	$	65,360

Unsatisfied Performance Obligations

Remaining contract consideration for which revenue has not been recognized due to unsatisfied performance obligations was approximately $319 million at September 30, 2021, which the Company expects to recognize over the next five years. This amount does not include contract consideration for contracts with a duration of one year or less.

4.ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The following table details the activity related to the allowance for credit losses for trade receivables by portfolio segment (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2020	$	5,531	$	2,739	$	4,387	$	1,667	$	786	$	15,110
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses(1), (2)	3,932		(257)		2,167		1,955		—		7,797
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(3,933)		(518)		(3,779)		(1,628)		—		(9,858)
Ending balance at September 30, 2021	$	5,530	$	1,964	$	2,775	$	1,994	$	786	$	13,049
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

19

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments. Majority of the Residential portfolio segment revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2019	$	1,264	$	624	$	1,195	$	576	$	889	$	4,548
Current-period provision for expected credit losses(1), (2)	9,616		2,634		6,579		2,482		84		21,395
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(5,457)		(350)		(4,135)		(1,607)		(189)		(11,738)
Ending balance at September 30, 2020	$	5,423	$	2,908	$	3,639	$	1,451	$	784	$	14,205
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments.

20

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

5.ACQUISITIONS

Homes.com

On April 14, 2021, Landmark Media Enterprises, LLC (“Landmark”), Home Group, LLC ("Homes.com") and CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire all of the outstanding equity interests in Homes.com from Landmark for a purchase price of $150 million in cash, subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. The Company's acquisition of Homes.com closed on May 24, 2021. The securities purchase agreement required an initial payment of $148 million, net of working capital adjustments, at the time of closing, with the remainder of the purchase price payable four months following the acquisition date, subject to offset for adjustments to the purchase price after final determination of closing net working capital. These amounts were settled in the third quarter of 2021. Homes.com is a residential real estate advertising and marketing services company primarily operating through its property listing and marketing portal, Homes.com.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: May 24, 2021		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: May 24, 2021
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	—	$	—	$	—
Accounts receivable	1,798		—		1,798
Lease right-of-use assets	371		—		371
Goodwill	86,314		1,818		88,132
Intangible assets	53,400		—		53,400
Deferred tax assets	11,171		—		11,171
Lease liabilities	(371)		—		(371)
Deferred revenue	(1,086)		—		(1,086)
Other assets and liabilities	(1,240)		—		(1,240)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	150,357	$	1,818	$	152,175

The net assets of Homes.com were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The purchase price allocation is preliminary, subject primarily to the Company's assessment of certain tax matters and contingencies. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homes.com acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	32,000	8	Accelerated
Trade name	21,000		15	Straight-line
Technology	400		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	53,400

21

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Homes.com acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Homes.com operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $88 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment, of which $17 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Homes.com acquisition were not material. In addition, the Company paid $5 million into a cash escrow account for stay bonuses for certain Homes.com employees, to be paid to active employees after the six month period following the acquisition or, if earlier, after the termination of a Homes.com employee's employment without cause or a Homes.com employee's resignation with good reason during the six month period following the acquisition. In the event some or all of those employees are not entitled to their stay bonus, the funds will be remitted to the seller. The Company is recognizing compensation expense for the stay bonus over the six month post-combination period. Upon acquisition, the Company assessed the probability Homes.com would be required to pay certain state tax liabilities and recorded an accrual of $7 million determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, “Contingencies,” as the fair value was not determinable. Landmark has agreed to indemnify the Company for tax liabilities related to periods prior to the acquisition and an indemnification asset was established for $7 million in the purchase price allocation.

Homesnap

On December 22, 2020, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 20, 2020, by and among CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“CRI”), Snapped Halo Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI (“Merger Sub”), and Homesnap, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Homesnap"), Merger Sub was merged with and into Homesnap (the “Homesnap Merger”), with Homesnap surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI. In connection with the Homesnap Merger, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Homesnap for a purchase price of $250 million in cash. Homesnap is an industry-leading online and mobile software platform that provides user-friendly applications to optimize residential real estate agent workflow and reinforce the agent-client relationship. Homesnap has relationships, data, software, and tools for residential real estate professionals that are complementary to CoStar Group’s existing offerings.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: December 22, 2020		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: December 22, 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	10,225	$	—	$	10,225
Accounts receivable	662		—		662
Lease right-of-use assets	3,437		—		3,437
Goodwill	183,016		1,355		184,371
Intangible assets	67,000		—		67,000
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(1,423)		(1,355)		(2,778)
Lease liabilities	(3,375)		—		(3,375)
Deferred revenue	(4,000)		—		(4,000)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,188)		—		(5,188)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	250,354	$	—	$	250,354

The net assets of Homesnap were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The purchase price allocation is preliminary, subject primarily to the Company's assessment of certain contingencies. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins. See Note 8 for measurement period impact on goodwill.

22

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homesnap acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	45,000	10	Accelerated
Trade name	7,000		10	Straight-line
Technology	15,000		6	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	67,000

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Homesnap acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Homesnap's operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $184 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Goodwill recognized is not deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Homesnap acquisition were not material.

Ten-X

On June 24, 2020, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 13, 2020, by and among CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“CRI”), Crescendo Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI (“Merger Sub”), Ten-X Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ten-X Holding"), and Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as representative thereunder, Merger Sub was merged with and into Ten-X Holding (the “Merger”), with Ten-X Holding surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI. In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Ten-X Holding and Ten-X Holding's subsidiaries (collectively, "Ten-X") for a purchase price of $188 million in cash. Ten-X operates an online auction platform for commercial real estate. The Ten-X acquisition is expected to enable the Company to create a new end-to-end commercial real estate platform, combining LoopNet and CoStar's online audience of buyers with Ten-X’s leadership in online auctions for performing and distressed assets.

23

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Final: June 24, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,290
Accounts receivable	131
Lease right-of-use assets	4,945
Goodwill	134,322
Intangible assets	58,000
Lease liabilities	(4,945)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,981)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,047)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	187,715

The net assets of Ten-X were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins. See Note 8 for measurement period impact on goodwill.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Ten-X acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	46,000	6	Accelerated
Technology	11,000		5	Straight-line
Other intangible assets	1,000		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	58,000

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Ten-X acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Ten-X's operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $134 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Goodwill recognized is not deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Ten-X acquisition were not material. The Company paid $3 million in incentive compensation to Ten-X employees negotiated as part of the acquisition, and this expense was recognized in the post-combination period during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

24

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below summarizes the combined results of operations for the Company, Ten-X and Homesnap as though the companies were combined as of January 1, 2019, and the Company and Homes.com as though the companies were combined as of January 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma financial information for all periods presented includes amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, retention compensation, as referenced above, and the related tax effects, along with certain other accounting effects, but excludes the impacts of any expected operational synergies. The unaudited pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had taken place on January 1, 2019 for Ten-X and Homesnap and January 1, 2020 for Homes.com.

The unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 combine the historical results of the Company, Ten-X, Homesnap and Homes.com for the periods prior to the acquisition date, and the effects of the pro forma adjustments listed above.

The unaudited pro forma financial information, in the aggregate, was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue	$	499,319	$	446,791	$	1,455,316	$	1,280,143
Net income	$	64,303	$	50,821	$	193,595	$	159,330
Net income per share - basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.43
Net income per share - diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.42
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

The impact of the Homes.com acquisition on CoStar Group’s revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was an increase of $8 million and $12 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. The impact of the Homes.com acquisition on CoStar Group’s net income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was a decrease of $7 million and $10 million for the three and nine ended September 30, 2021. The impact of the Ten-X acquisition on CoStar Group’s revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was an increase of $12 million and $12 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The impact of the Ten-X acquisition on CoStar Group’s net income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was a decrease of $5 million and $7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

6.INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company's financial assets comprise Level 1 cash equivalents with original maturities of three months or less in the amount of $3.0 billion. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold its ARS investments for $10.3 million and recognized a realized loss of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included in other (expense) income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations.

25

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

In addition to the financial instruments listed above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash equivalents, cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and Senior Notes. The carrying value for such financial instruments, other than the Senior Notes, each approximated their fair values as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The estimated fair value of the Company's outstanding Senior Notes using quoted prices from the over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $1.02 billion as of September 30, 2021.

7.LEASES

The Company has operating leases for its office facilities and data centers, as well as finance leases for office equipment. The Company's leases have remaining terms of less than one year to seven years. The leases contain various renewal and termination options. The period that is subject to an option to extend the lease is included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The period that is subject to an option to terminate the lease is included if it is reasonably certain that the option will not be exercised.

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating lease costs:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,717	$	2,992	$	7,446	$	8,732
Software development	1,910		1,628		4,913		4,412
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	3,452		2,636		8,876		7,725
General and administrative	1,594		1,259		4,369		3,609
Total operating lease costs	$	9,673	$	8,515	$	25,604	$	24,478

The impact of lease costs related to finance leases and short-term leases was not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):

Balance	Balance Sheet Location	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating lease liabilities		$	139,315		$	148,975
Less: imputed interest		(8,779)			(10,998)
Present value of lease liabilities		130,536			137,977
Less: current portion of lease liabilities	Lease liabilities	(29,878)			(32,648)
Long-term lease liabilities	Lease and other long-term liabilities	$	100,658		$	105,329
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years		4.2			4.0
Weighted-average discount rate		2.8		%	3.6		%

Balance sheet information related to finance leases was not material as of September 30, 2021.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

26

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases	$	28,082	$	26,924
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	32,107	$	11,124

8.GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment consist of the following (in thousands):

	North America		International		Total
Goodwill, December 31, 2019	$	1,738,360	$	143,660	$	1,882,020
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(1)	347,134		1,273		348,407
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		5,572		5,572
Goodwill, December 31, 2020	2,085,494		150,505		2,235,999
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(2)	60,012		—		60,012
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		(2,497)		(2,497)
Goodwill, September 30, 2021	$	2,145,506	$	148,008	$	2,293,514
__________________________

(1) North America goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Ten-X and Homesnap, as well as STR measurement period adjustments to goodwill of $0.3 million. International goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Emporis GmbH of $1.2 million and STR measurement period adjustments of $0.1 million.

(2) North America goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Homes.com, offset by measurement period adjustments of $26 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily related to the measurement of the fair value of Homesnap customer relationships in the first quarter of 2021. See Note 5 for acquisition details.

The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $88 million, $184 million and $134 million in connection with the May 2021 Homes.com, December 2020 Homesnap and June 2020 Ten-X acquisitions, respectively.

No impairments of the Company's goodwill were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

27

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

9.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands, except amortization period data):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020		Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years)
Acquired technology and data	$	131,729	$	131,551	5
Accumulated amortization	(103,581)		(97,791)
Acquired technology and data, net	28,148		33,760
Acquired customer base	612,092		545,643		10
Accumulated amortization	(351,478)		(296,758)
Acquired customer base, net	260,614		248,885
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets	283,294		249,465		12
Accumulated amortization	(124,156)		(105,365)
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets, net	159,138		144,100
Intangible assets, net	$	447,900	$	426,745

No impairments of the Company's intangible assets were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

28

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

10.LONG-TERM DEBT        

The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030	$	1,000,000	$	1,000,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025	—		—
Total face amount of long-term debt	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Notes unamortized discount and issuance costs	(12,367)		(13,285)
Long-term debt, net	$	987,633	$	986,715

Senior Notes

On July 1, 2020, the Company issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were sold to a group of financial institutions as initial purchasers who subsequently resold the Senior Notes to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act at a purchase price equal to 99.921% of their principal amount. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears beginning on January 15, 2021. The Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part by the Company (a) at any time prior to April 15, 2030 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus the Applicable Premium (as calculated in accordance with the indenture governing the Senior Notes) as of, and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the principal amount of Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date, and (b) on or after April 15, 2030 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the principal amount of Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company’s obligations under the Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company’s domestic wholly owned subsidiaries and contain covenants and other customary provisions with which the Company was in compliance as of September 30, 2021.

Revolving Credit Facility

On July 1, 2020, the Company also entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the "2020 Credit Agreement"), which amended and restated in its entirety the then-existing credit agreement originally entered into in April 1, 2014 and amended and restated on October 19, 2017 (the “2017 Credit Agreement”). The 2020 Credit Agreement provides for a $750 million revolving credit facility with a term of five years (maturing July 1, 2025) and a letter of credit sublimit of $20 million from a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders and issuing banks. A commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the Total Leverage Ratio (defined in 2020 Credit Agreement), is payable quarterly in arrears based on the unused revolving commitment.

Subject to certain conditions, on no more than five occasions, the Company may request increases in the amount of revolving commitments and/or the establishment of term commitments under the 2020 Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement will bear interest at a floating rate which can be, at the Company’s option, either (a) an alternate base rate plus an applicable rate ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% or (b) a LIBOR or EURIBOR (with a floor of 0.00%) for the specified interest period plus an applicable rate ranging from 1.50% to 2.25%, in each case depending on the Company's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Agreement). As LIBOR may not always be available to the Company as a base interest rate for borrowings under the credit facility, the 2020 Credit Agreement allows the Company and the administrative agent under the 2020 Credit Agreement to amend the 2020 Credit Agreement to replace LIBOR with one or more Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) based rates or another alternative benchmark rate. Funds drawn down on the revolving credit facility pursuant to the 2020 Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2020 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of the Company’s current and future direct or indirect wholly owned restricted domestic subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries, in each case subject to certain exceptions, pursuant to guarantee agreements.

29

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

The 2020 Credit Agreement includes covenants, including ones that, subject to certain exceptions, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to (i) merge and consolidate with other companies, (ii) incur indebtedness, (iii) grant liens or security interests on assets, (iv) make investments, acquisitions, loans or advances, (v) pay dividends and (vi) sell or otherwise transfer assets. During any period of time that the Company has obtained and maintained a corporate investment grade rating from at least two designated rating agencies and no Event of Default is continuing, the Company is not subject to certain covenants, such as restrictions on the ability to incur indebtedness (such period, a “Covenant Suspension Period”). As of September 30, 2021, the Company is in a Covenant Suspension Period. The 2020 Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Agreement) not exceeding 4.50 to 1.00. The Company was in compliance with the covenants in the 2020 Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had not drawn any amounts under this facility.

The Company had $4.1 million and $4.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 in connection with the 2020 Credit Agreement. These amounts are included in deposits and other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized interest expense as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest on outstanding borrowings	$	7,000	$	7,000	$	21,000	$	11,509
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	583		574		1,742		1,082
Commitment fees and other	522		492		1,499		1,133
Total interest expense	$	8,105	$	8,066	$	24,241	$	13,724

11.INCOME TAXES

The income tax provision reflects an effective tax rate of approximately 23% and 16% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively and 26% and 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to a decrease in excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as well as a discrete restructuring gain. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

30

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

12.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The following summarizes the Company's significant contractual obligations, including related payments due by period, as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Operating lease obligations		Long-term debt principal payments		Long-term interest payments
Remainder of 2021	$	7,889	$	—	$	—
2022	28,817		—		28,000
2023	36,032		—		28,000
2024	32,457		—		28,000
2025	15,704		—		28,000
Thereafter	18,416		1,000,000		140,000
Total	$	139,315	$	1,000,000	$	252,000

Currently, and from time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. In accordance with GAAP, the Company records a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. While it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome may occur as a result of one or more of the Company’s current litigation matters, at this time, management has concluded that the resolutions of these matters are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, future results of operations or liquidity. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.

13.SEGMENT REPORTING

Segment Information

The Company manages its business geographically in two operating segments, with the primary areas of measurement and decision-making being North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Management relies on an internal management reporting process that provides revenue and operating segment net income before interest expense (income) and other expense (income), loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Management believes that operating segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operational performance of the Company’s operating segments. EBITDA is used by management to internally measure operating and management performance, and to evaluate the performance of the business. However, this measure should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, income from operations or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Summarized EBITDA information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
North America	$	119,823	$	107,906	$	385,857	$	322,611
International	2,849		579		5,683		(4,708)
Total EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

The reconciliation of net income to EBITDA consists of the following (in thousands):

31

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues	7,209		6,612		21,565		18,671
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses	19,121		18,258		55,885		44,677
Depreciation and other amortization	6,610		6,806		22,138		20,563
Interest expense, net	7,943		7,537		23,698		9,482
Other (income) expense	(1,546)		338		(2,343)		(29)
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		70,933		33,200
EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

Summarized information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Property and equipment, net:
North America	$	237,010	$	123,634
International	1,856		2,691
Total property and equipment, net	$	238,866	$	126,325
Goodwill:
North America	$	2,145,506	$	2,085,494
International	148,008		150,505
Total goodwill	$	2,293,514	$	2,235,999
Assets:
North America	$	6,853,670	$	6,674,974
International	277,646		240,446
Total assets	$	7,131,316	$	6,915,420
Liabilities:
North America	$	1,484,686	$	1,496,894
International	43,207		43,167
Total liabilities	$	1,527,893	$	1,540,061

14.    PURCHASE OF BUILDING

On January 22, 2021, the Company purchased an office building located in Richmond, Virginia (the "Richmond building"), together with the land and assumed an existing lease for a purchase price of $131 million, inclusive of property taxes, title insurance and other transaction costs. The purchase of the Richmond building was accounted for as an asset acquisition, including an intangible asset for the assumed lease. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the net impact from the lease arrangement is recorded in other (expense) income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and was not material to the Company.

32

COSTAR GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

15.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

BureauxLocaux

On October 1, 2021, CoStar UK Limited ("CoStar UK"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased from M.A.J.E Marketing & Stratégie and an individual all of the outstanding equity interests in ComReal Info, a French société par actions simplifiéee, for €35 million, $41 million equivalent, in cash subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. Based in Paris, ComReal Info owns and operates BureauxLocaux, a leading commercial real estate digital marketplace in France. The Company used cash on hand to finance the acquisition and expects to record most of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill.

33

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements about our beliefs and expectations. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Potential factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of this Item 2 and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as well as those described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements in this filing are based on information available to us on the date of this filing, and we assume no obligation to update such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

CoStar Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “CoStar Group”) is the number one provider of information, analytics and online marketplaces to the commercial real estate industry in the United States (“U.S.”) and United Kingdom (“U.K.”) based on the fact that we offer the most comprehensive commercial real estate database available; have the largest research department in the industry; own and operate leading online marketplaces for commercial real estate and apartment listings in the U.S., based on the numbers of unique visitors and site visits per month; and provide more information, analytics and marketing services than any of our competitors. We have created and compiled a standardized platform of information, analytics and online marketplace services where industry professionals and consumers of commercial real estate, including apartments, and the related business communities, can continuously interact and facilitate transactions by efficiently accessing and exchanging accurate and standardized real estate-related information. Our service offerings span all commercial property types, including office, retail, industrial, multifamily, commercial land, mixed-use and hospitality. With our recent acquisitions of Homesnap, Inc. (“Homesnap”) and Homes Group, LLC ("Homes.com") we also offer online platforms for marketing and workflow management for residential real estate agents and brokers and residential property listings for homebuyers.

We manage our business geographically in two operating segments, with our primary areas of measurement and decision-making being North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Our most recent strategic acquisitions include Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Ten-X"), which operate an online auction platform for commercial real estate; Emporis GmbH, a Germany-based provider of international commercial real estate data and images; Homesnap; Homes.com and ComReal Info, the owner and operator of BureauxLocaux in France. See Notes 5, 8 and 15 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of these acquisitions.

Our services are typically distributed to our clients under subscription-based license agreements that renew automatically, a majority of which have a term of at least one year. Upon renewal, many of the subscription contract rates may change in accordance with contract provisions or as a result of contract renegotiations. To encourage clients to use our services regularly, we generally charge a fixed monthly amount for our subscription-based services rather than charging fees based on actual system usage or number of paid clicks. Depending on the type of service, contract rates are generally based on one or more of the following factors: the number of sites, number of users, organization size, the client's business focus, the client's geographic location, the number and types of services to which a client subscribes, the number of properties a client advertises, and the prominence and placement of a client's advertised properties in the search results. Our subscription clients generally pay contract fees on a monthly basis, but in some cases may pay us on a quarterly or annual basis. Our transaction-based services primarily consist of auction fees from our Ten-X online auction platform, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the final sales price for the commercial real estate property sold and recognized as revenue upon the successful closure of an auction. Other transaction-based services are described by service offering below.

Our primary brands include CoStar®, LoopNet®, Apartments.comTM, STR®, Ten-X®, BizBuySell®, LandsofAmericaTM, HomeSnap®, and Homes.com®, which are accessible via the Internet and through our mobile applications. Our principal service offerings are discussed in more detail below.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it did not materially affect our consolidated financial statements during 2020 or our condensed consolidated financial statements for March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021. We are closely and continually monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, employees, customers, and communities. We continue to monitor the guidelines and mandates provided by governmental and health authorities and plan to continue adapting our business operations when and as deemed appropriate to comply with these guidelines and mandates and to respond to changing circumstances. Most of our workforce has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and, where permitted, has returned to the office. We have resumed in-person marketing events and some business travel. The global workforce has been operating in an extraordinary and mostly digital and remote manner as the world adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, many working adults moved to different locations and adjusted to a different way of living. As we transitioned our employees back to the office, we experienced, and we expect to continue to experience attrition among our workforce resulting in increased costs. Continued attrition or the inability to replenish and grow our work force may result in work disruptions in the future. Overall, the increased direct spend related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including office reconfiguration to enable social distancing and employee hiring and retention programs, has not been material to date and has had minimal impact on our financial position and operating results.

It is currently unclear how the commercial real estate industry will ultimately be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses formulate and execute plans for employees to return to the office, implement hybrid work arrangements – allowing work from the office or home, or switch to all work from home. If the demand for office space decreases significantly, there could be a downturn in the commercial real estate market which may materially adversely affect many of our clients. A depressed commercial real estate market would have a negative impact on our core customer base, which could impact our customers’ ability to subscribe and pay for our services and reduce demand for our services. Reduced demand and increased cancellations could cause our revenues or our revenue growth rates to decline and reduce our profitability.

During 2021, excluding our multifamily service offering, which is discussed under Service Offerings below, our company-wide net new bookings and renewal rates for subscription-based services have returned to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, we saw improvements in collection trends along with improvements in the economy which led us to reduce our allowance for credit losses previously taken. Due to the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic impacts, we will continue to monitor these trends and the effect on our results of operations. Any anticipated changes in financial performance discussed in this report are based on our current observations and experience and involve estimates and assumptions. As the future extent and duration of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear, our estimates and assumptions may evolve as conditions change and actual results may vary. See Note 4 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the "Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020" below for further discussion.

We strengthened our liquidity position through an equity offering of common stock in May 2020 and an offering of Senior Notes and amendment and restatement of our credit facility in early July 2020. See Note 10 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of our equity and Senior Notes offerings in 2020 and the 2020 Credit Agreement. The effects of the pandemic have not affected our ability to date to access funding on reasonably similar terms as were available to us prior to March 2020. We discuss the current and potential impact of select provisions of the CARES Act (defined below) on our company in our liquidity discussion.

Service Offerings

Our portfolio of information, analytics and online marketplace services are branded and marketed to our customers and marketplace end users. Our services are primarily derived from a database of building-specific information and offer customers specialized tools for accessing, analyzing and using our information. Over time, we enhanced and expanded, and we expect to continue to enhance and expand, our existing information, analytics and online marketplace services and we have developed and we expect to continue to develop additional services that use our comprehensive database to meet the needs of our existing customers as well as potential new categories of customers.

Our principal information, analytics and online marketplace services are described in the following paragraphs by type of service:

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CoStar

CoStar® is our subscription-based integrated platform for commercial real estate intelligence, which includes information about office, industrial, retail, multifamily and student housing properties, properties for sale, comparable sales, tenants, space available for lease, industry professionals and their business relationships, industry news, and market and lease analytical capabilities. CoStar revenue growth rates for the third quarter of 2021 increased compared to the third quarter of 2020. We expect CoStar revenue growth rates to increase through the remainder of 2021 as a result of signing new customer agreements, existing customers upgrading their subscriptions and our resumption of annual price increases for contract renewals that began in September 2021 after a temporary suspension.

Information Services

We provide real estate and lease management technology solutions, including lease administration, lease accounting and abstraction services, through our Real Estate Manager® service offerings, as well as portfolio and debt analysis, management and reporting capabilities through our CoStar Investment Analysis and CoStar Risk Analytics® service offerings. STR, Inc. and STR Global, Ltd. (together with STR, Inc., "STR") provides benchmarking and analytics for the hospitality industry. STR sells the majority of its services on a subscription basis, but also receives one-time or ad hoc transaction-based revenue. We provide information services internationally, through our Grecam, Belbex and Thomas Daily businesses in France, Spain and Germany, respectively. Information Services revenue growth rates for the third quarter of 2021 decreased compared to the third quarter of 2020 due to a decline in the level of ad hoc STR report sales. We expect Information Services revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 to remain consistent with the third quarter of 2021 due to a seasonal decline in ad hoc STR report sales, which we expect will offset growth in CoStar Real Estate Manager sales.

Multifamily

Apartments.com™ is part of our network of apartment marketing sites, which primarily includes ApartmentFinder®, ForRent.com®, ApartmentHomeLiving.com™, Apartamentos.com™, Westside Rentals, and Off Campus Partners, LLC. Our network of subscription-based advertising services provides property management companies and landlords with a comprehensive advertising destination for their available rental units and offers renters a platform for searching for available rentals. Apartments.com also receives transaction-based revenue for tenant processing fees. Apartments.com has continued to successfully increase traffic to its network of sites, year-over-year, resulting in increased leads to customers. As leads per ad have increased, Apartments.com’s lower priced ad packages are generating more leads than top-level packages were generating approximately one year ago. In addition, rental vacancy rates have declined relevant to historical averages reducing demand for top-level packages. As a result, customers are selecting lower-priced ad packages. Consequently, while Multifamly subscription renewal rates remain consistent year-over-year, net new bookings declined year-over-year in the third quarter of 2021 resulting in a decrease in the Multifamily revenue growth rates in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020. We expect Multifamily revenue growth rates to decrease through the remainder of 2021 as vacancy rates remain low and Apartments.com customers continue to select lower priced ad packages.

LoopNet

Our LoopNet.com network of commercial real estate websites offer subscription-based online marketplace services that enable commercial property owners, landlords and real estate agents working on their behalf to advertise properties for sale or for lease and to submit detailed information about property listings. Commercial real estate agents, buyers and tenants use the LoopNet.com network of online marketplace services to search for available property listings that meet their criteria. LoopNet revenue growth rates during the third quarter of 2021 were consistent with the third quarter of 2020. We expect LoopNet revenue growth rates to decrease through the remainder of 2021 due to our sales force spending more time selling CoStar subscriptions, resulting in slower sales growth for LoopNet while we work to recruit and train a dedicated LoopNet sales force.

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Residential

On December 22, 2020, we acquired Homesnap, an online and mobile software platform that provides subscription-based access to applications that manage residential real estate agent workflow and marketing campaigns delivered on third-party platforms. Homesnap also receives transaction-based revenue for short-term advertising delivered on third-party platforms. On May 24, 2021, we acquired Homes.com, a residential advertising and marketing services company primarily operating through its portal, Homes.com. Residential third quarter 2021 revenue increased compared to the second quarter of 2021 as a result of including a full quarter of revenue for Homes.com. We expect Residential revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 to decrease compared to the third quarter of 2021 due to seasonal reductions in Homesnap advertising sales and the discontinuance of certain services previously offered on Homes.com that are inconsistent with our long-term strategy.

Other Marketplaces

On June 24, 2020, we acquired Ten-X, an online auction platform for commercial real estate. Our BizBuySell network, which includes BizQuest® and FindaFranchise, and our Land.com network of sites, which includes LandsofAmerica, LandAndFarm and LandWatch®, are also included in Other Marketplaces revenue. The BizBuySell network provides online marketplaces for businesses for-sale and our Land.com network of sites provide online marketplaces for rural lands for-sale. Other Marketplaces' revenue for the third quarter of 2021 increased compared to the third quarter of 2020 due to an increase in fees earned on Ten-X auctions. We expect Other Marketplaces revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 to remain consistent with the third quarter of 2021.

Subscription-based Services

The majority of our revenue is generated from service offerings which are distributed to our clients under subscription-based license agreements that renew automatically and have a term of at least one year. We recognize subscription revenues on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract.

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, our annualized net new bookings of subscription-based services on all contracts were approximately $47 million and $53 million, respectively, calculated based on the annualized amount of change in our sales resulting from all new subscription-based contracts or upgrades on all existing subscription-based contracts, less write-downs and cancellations, for the period reported. Net new bookings is considered a key indicator of future subscription revenue growth and is also used as a metric of salesforce productivity by management and investors.

For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, our contract renewal rates for existing CoStar Group subscription-based services for contracts with a term of at least one year were approximately 92% and 89%, respectively, and therefore our cancellation rates for those services for the same periods were approximately 8% and 11% respectively. Our contract renewal rate is a quantitative measurement that is typically closely correlated with our revenue results. As a result, management believes that the rate may be a reliable indicator of short-term and long-term performance absent extraordinary circumstances. Our trailing twelve-month contract renewal rate may decline as a result of negative economic conditions, consolidations among our clients, reductions in customer spending, or decreases in our customer base.

Development, Investments and Expansion

We plan to continue to invest in our business and our services, evaluate strategic growth opportunities, and pursue our key priorities as described below, while we closely monitor the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and manage our response. We are committed to supporting, improving and enhancing our information, analytics and online marketplace solutions, including expanding and improving our offerings for our client base and site users, including property owners, property managers, buyers, commercial tenants, brokers, agents and residential renters. We expect to continue our software development efforts to improve existing services, introduce new services, integrate and cross-sell services, integrate recently completed acquisitions and expand and develop supporting technologies for our research, sales and marketing organizations. We reevaluate our priorities on a regular basis and may reevaluate our priorities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

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Our key priorities for the remainder of 2021 currently include:

•Continuing to invest in CoStar, including:

◦developing capabilities that allow us to broaden the reach of CoStar internationally by offering a global platform to all CoStar users. As we begin to offer a global platform, we plan to expand our international presence.

◦developing commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") Analytics, which will aggregate loan and property data across covered markets. The initial CMBS Analytics release is expected to include loan origination metrics, distressed loan levels and maturity volumes, as well as detailed revenue and expense information. In later releases of this solution, we plan to include detailed prepayment information on disposed loans.

◦developing a solution for lenders that leverages the information we have developed with CoStar Risk Analytics to support lenders with risk management, underwriting, surveillance and compliance reporting. The first CoStar Lender release is expected to focus on portfolio risk analytics and surveillance to help lenders meet regulatory and accounting requirements. Subsequent releases are expected to focus on loan origination and underwriting.

◦enhancing benchmarking capabilities. We integrated STR's data into CoStar earlier in 2021 and continue to develop dynamic analytics for and additional coverage of hospitality properties. We plan to apply STR's benchmarking expertise to other commercial real estate segments we serve.

•Continuing to improve and market our Apartments.com service offerings to create the best and most comprehensive consumer rental search experience as well as continuing to advance the digital rental experience that allows renters to apply for leases and make rent payments, and for landlords to receive and assess tenant applications online through a single platform. We seek user feedback as we work to improve our services and continue to aggressively market our multifamily listing services in an effort to attract consumers and, in turn, provide more value to advertisers. Our Apartments.com marketing investment is focused on enhanced brand awareness and search engine marketing. As we continue to assess the success and effectiveness of our marketing campaign, we will continue to work to determine the optimal level and focus of our marketing investment for our multifamily listing services for future periods and may adjust our marketing spend and focus as we deem appropriate. Apartments.com has been successful in generating increased traffic to the network and as a result is delivering increased leads per ad to customers. We are assessing and have begun adjusting pricing to reflect the increased lead generation we are delivering to our customers.

•Continuing to develop leading residential businesses. The acquisitions of Homes.com and Homesnap enable us to expand the markets in which we compete. Our residential team is creating new and improved tools to help agents promote their residential listings, connect with buyers and sellers and streamline their daily workflow. We expect to continue making investments in residential marketplace technology development and content generation resources and marketing expenditures. In October 2021, Homesnap reached an agreement to create, maintain and market a consumer-facing search website and mobile app for the Real Estate Board of New York's Residential Listing Service. Homesnap will provide a custom version of its search portal, branded as Citysnap™, specifically for the five boroughs of New York City. We plan to grow Homes.com's site traffic by offering homebuyers information directly from local multiple listing services and developing a website that allows homebuyers to collaborate with agents. We are also evaluating additional investments in residential marketplace services and assessing and formulating our residential business plan and go-forward strategies.

•Continuing to invest in the LoopNet marketplace. To support the LoopNet marketplace, we implemented training and incentive programs for our existing sales team to increase sales of LoopNet advertisements, with a focus on brokers and property owners. We are enhancing the content on LoopNet.com (including high-quality imagery), seeking targeted advertisements, providing premium marketing services (such as LoopNet Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Ads) that increase a property listing’s exposure, and adding more content for premium listings to better meet the needs of a broader cross section of the commercial real estate industry. We are resuming our plans to recruit and develop a dedicated LoopNet sales team to help support and grow the business. To generate brand awareness and site traffic for the LoopNet.com network, we increased our investment in marketing in 2021, as compared to 2020, and are utilizing a multi-media marketing campaign, reinforced with search engine optimization efforts. We expect to continue to work to determine the optimal level of marketing investment in future periods.

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•Continuing to invest in the Ten-X auction platform. We continue to integrate the Ten-X platform with both CoStar and LoopNet to expand the audience for Ten-X auctions to include our commercial real estate users. We also plan to enhance access to Ten-X's data room information from CoStar and LoopNet. To increase exposure of properties to be auctioned on Ten-X, we are allocating banner space on both our CoStar and LoopNet sites for advertising for Ten-X properties. We continue to execute our plan to expand the Ten-X sales force and focus on increasing the number of qualified bidders and the number of owners bringing properties to the site. To generate brand awareness and site traffic for the Ten-X platform, we increased our investment in marketing in 2021, as compared to 2020, and are utilizing a multi-media marketing campaign, reinforced with search engine optimization efforts. We expect to continue to work to determine the optimal level of marketing investment future periods.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We prepare and publicly release quarterly unaudited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures in our public releases, investor conference calls and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures that we may disclose include net income before interest (expense) income and other (expense) income, loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share. We typically disclose EBITDA on a consolidated and an operating segment basis in our earnings releases, investor conference calls and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Adjusted EBITDA is different from EBITDA because we further adjust EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring costs and settlements and impairments incurred outside our ordinary course of business. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues for the period. Non-GAAP net income is determined by adjusting our net income for stock-based compensation expense, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring costs, settlement and impairment costs incurred outside our ordinary course of business and loss on debt extinguishment, as well as amortization of acquired intangible assets and other related costs, and then subtracting an assumed provision for income taxes. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents non-GAAP net income divided by the number of diluted shares outstanding for the period used in the calculation of GAAP net income per diluted share.

We may disclose adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share on a consolidated basis in our earnings releases, investor conference calls and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures that we use may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Also, in the future, we may disclose different non-GAAP financial measures in order to help our investors meaningfully evaluate and compare our results of operations to our previously reported results of operations or to those of other companies in our industry.

We view EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share as operating performance measures. We believe that the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income is net income. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP net income per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA margin are net income per diluted share and net income divided by revenue, respectively. In calculating EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share, we exclude from net income the financial items that we believe should be separately identified to provide additional analysis of the financial components of the day-to-day operation of our business. We have outlined below the type and scope of these exclusions and the material limitations on the use of these non-GAAP financial measures as a result of these exclusions. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity, as an alternative to net income or as an indicator of any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. Investors and potential investors in our securities should not rely on EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share as a substitute for any GAAP financial measure, including net income and net income per diluted share. In addition, we urge investors and potential investors in our securities to carefully review the GAAP financial information included as part of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as our quarterly earnings releases, and compare the GAAP financial information with our EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share.

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EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share may be used by management to internally measure our operating and management performance and may be used by investors as supplemental financial measures to evaluate the performance of our business. We believe that these non-GAAP measures, when viewed with our GAAP results and accompanying reconciliations, provide additional information to investors that is useful to understand the factors and trends affecting our business without the impact of certain acquisition-related items. We have spent more than 30 years building our database of commercial real estate information and expanding our markets and services partially through acquisitions of complementary businesses. Due to these acquisitions, our net income has included significant charges for amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation and other amortization, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring costs, and loss on debt extinguishment. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share exclude these charges and provide meaningful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from charges for amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation and other amortization, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring costs; settlement and impairment costs incurred outside our ordinary course of business. We believe the disclosure of non-GAAP measures can help investors meaningfully evaluate and compare our performance from quarter to quarter and from year to year without the impact of these items. We also believe the non-GAAP measures we disclose are measures of our ongoing operating performance because the isolation of non-cash charges, such as amortization and depreciation, and other items, such as interest (expense) income and other (expense) income, income taxes, stock-based compensation expenses, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring costs, loss on debt extinguishment and settlement and impairment costs incurred outside our ordinary course of business, provides additional information about our cost structure, and, over time, helps track our operating progress. In addition, investors, securities analysts and others have regularly relied on EBITDA and may rely on adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP net income or non-GAAP net income per diluted share to provide a financial measure by which to compare our operating performance against that of other companies in our industry.

Set forth below are descriptions of financial items that have been excluded from net income to calculate EBITDA and the material limitations associated with using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to net income:

•Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues may be useful for investors to consider because it represents the diminishing value of any acquired trade names and other intangible assets and the use of our acquired technology, which is one of the sources of information for our database of commercial real estate information. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure.

•Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses may be useful for investors to consider because it represents the estimated attrition of our acquired customer base. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure.

•Depreciation and other amortization may be useful for investors to consider because they generally represent the wear and tear on our property and equipment used in our operations. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure.

•The amount of interest (expense) income and other (expense) income we generate and incur may be useful for investors to consider and may result in current cash inflows and outflows. However, we do not consider the amount of interest (expense) income and other (expense) income to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.

•Income tax expense may be useful for investors to consider because it generally represents the taxes which may be payable for the period and the change in deferred income taxes during the period and may reduce the amount of funds otherwise available for use in our business. However, we do not consider the amount of income tax expense to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.

•The amount of loss on our debt extinguishment may be useful for investors to consider because it generally represents losses from the early extinguishment of debt. However, we do not consider the amount of the loss on debt extinguishment to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.

Set forth below are descriptions of additional financial items that have been excluded from EBITDA to calculate adjusted EBITDA and the material limitations associated with using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to net income:

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•Stock-based compensation expense may be useful for investors to consider because it represents a portion of the compensation of our employees and executives. Determining the fair value of the stock-based instruments involves a high degree of judgment and estimation and the expenses recorded may bear little resemblance to the actual value realized upon the future exercise or termination of the related stock-based awards. Therefore, we believe it is useful to exclude stock-based compensation in order to better understand the long-term performance of our core business.

•The amount of acquisition- and integration-related costs incurred may be useful for investors to consider because such costs generally represent professional service fees and direct expenses related to acquisitions. Because we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, we do not consider the amount of acquisition- and integration-related costs to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.

•The amount of settlement and impairment costs incurred outside of our ordinary course of business may be useful for investors to consider because they generally represent gains or losses from the settlement of litigation matters or impairments on acquired intangible assets. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure.

•The amount of restructuring costs incurred may be useful for investors to consider because they generally represent costs incurred in connection with a change in a contract or a change in the makeup of our properties or personnel. We do not consider the amount of restructuring related costs to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business.

The financial items that have been excluded from our net income to calculate non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share are amortization of acquired intangible assets and other related costs, stock-based compensation, acquisition- and integration-related costs, restructuring and related costs and settlement and impairment costs incurred outside our ordinary course of business. These items are discussed above with respect to the calculation of adjusted EBITDA together with the material limitations associated with using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to net income. In addition to these exclusions from net income, we subtract an assumed provision for income taxes to calculate non-GAAP net income. In 2021 and 2020, we assumed a 25% tax rate, which approximated our historical long-term statutory corporate tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete items.

Management compensates for the above-described limitations of using non-GAAP measures by using a non-GAAP measure only to supplement our GAAP results and to provide additional information that is useful to investors to understand the factors and trends affecting our business.

The following table shows our net income reconciled to our EBITDA and our net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the indicated periods (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues	7,209		6,612		21,565		18,671
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses	19,121		18,258		55,885		44,677
Depreciation and other amortization	6,610		6,806		22,138		20,563
Interest expense, net	7,943		7,537		23,698		9,482
Other (income) expense	(1,546)		338		(2,343)		(29)
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		70,933		33,200
EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903
Net cash flows provided by (used in)
Operating activities	$	98,929	$	106,692	$	319,218	$	355,338
Investing activities	$	(12,715)	$	(36,855)	$	(297,505)	$	(223,880)
Financing activities	$	1,800	$	249,544	$	(14,338)	$	2,665,902

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 and Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

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The following table provides a comparison of our selected consolidated results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		Increase (Decrease) ($)		Increase (Decrease) (%)
Revenues:
CoStar	$	183,265	$	165,988	$	17,277	10	%
Information Services	35,926		33,174		2,752		8
Multifamily	171,125		155,184		15,941		10
LoopNet(1)	52,527		45,084		7,443		17
Residential(1)	24,747		—		24,747		NM
Other Marketplaces(1)	31,729		26,190		5,539		21
Total revenues	499,319		425,620		73,699		17
Cost of revenues	92,597		77,865		14,732		19
Gross profit	406,722		347,755		58,967		17
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	180,055		146,634		33,421		23
Software development	53,143		40,732		12,411		30
General and administrative	64,671		65,322		(651)		(1)
Customer base amortization	19,121		18,258		863		5
Total operating expenses	316,990		270,946		46,044		17
Income from operations	89,732		76,809		12,923		17
Interest expense, net	(7,943)		(7,537)		406		5
Other income (expense)	1,546		(338)		1,884		NM
Income before income taxes	83,335		68,934		14,401		21
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		8,283		77
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	6,118	11
__________________________
NM - Not meaningful
(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

Revenues. Revenues increased to $499 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $426 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The $74 million increase was attributable to increases in revenues for several of our service offerings. Residential revenue increased $25 million due to the acquisitions of Homesnap and Homes.com, which contributed revenues of $17 million and $8 million, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2021. CoStar revenues increased $17 million, or 10%, due to higher sales volume driven by an increase in customers, as well as, customers upgrading their subscriptions, and our resumption of annual price increases for contract renewals that began in September 2021. Multifamily revenues increased $16 million, or 10%, driven by higher sales volume, and to a lesser extent, increases in pricing. LoopNet revenue increased $7 million or 17% as a result of stronger traffic, which drove sales of higher value advertisements as compared to the prior year. Other Marketplaces revenue increased $6 million, or 21%, driven by an increase in Ten-X revenue of $3 million, as a result of higher value assets sold, and increased Land for Sale revenue of $1 million. Information Services revenue increased $3 million, or 8%, due to increased revenue of $2 million and $1 million from our STR and Real Estate Manager service offerings, respectively.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $407 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $348 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and the gross profit percentage was 81% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, which was consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2020, due to higher revenues that were partially offset by an increase in cost of revenues of $15 million, or 19%. The increase in cost of revenue was primarily due to an increase of $14 million due to the acquisitions of Homesnap and Homes.com, driven by increases in both personnel and data costs directly attributable to those services.

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased to $180 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $147 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The $33 million increase was attributable to a $19 million increase in marketing expenses, primarily due to a $16 million increase in marketing agency spending, led by LoopNet and Ten-X, and a $3 million increase in events spending. There were also increases in personnel costs of $8 million, primarily due to the Homesnap and Homes.com acquisitions, as well as, travel and entertainment and conference costs of $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Software Development Expenses. Software development expenses increased to $53 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $41 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and increased as a percentage of revenues to 11% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from 10% and for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The $12 million increase was primarily due to a $11 million increase in personnel costs driven by the Homesnap and Homes.com acquisitions, as well as, increased headcount to support the development of our products.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses remained consistent at $65 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 13% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from 15% for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Increases of $3 million in general and administrative expenses from the Homesnap and Homes.com acquisitions. In addition, there was an increase of of $1 million in software and $1 million in occupancy costs. These increases were offset by a $4 million decrease in credit loss expense due to better than expected collections, as well as, a $2 million decrease in professional services.

Customer Base Amortization Expense. Customer base amortization expense increased to $19 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and remained consistent as a percentage of revenues at 4% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The increase in customer base amortization expense was primarily due to the Homesnap and Homes.com acquisitions.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net remained consistent for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense), increased to $2 million in income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $0.3 million of expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in other income was due to rental income on the Richmond building, as well as, increases in foreign exchange gains.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $19 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits as well as, higher income before taxes.

Comparison of Business Segment Results for Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 and Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

We manage our business geographically in two operating segments, with our primary areas of measurement and decision-making being North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Management relies on an internal management reporting process that provides revenue and operating segment EBITDA, which is our net income before interest (expense) income and other (expense) income, loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Management believes that operating segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operational performance of our operating segments. EBITDA is used by management to internally measure our operating and management performance and to evaluate the performance of our business. However, this measure should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, income from operations or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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Segment Revenues. North America revenues increased to $483 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $411 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The $72 million increase in North America revenues was attributable to increases in revenues for several of our service offerings, including an increase in Residential revenue of $25 million due to the acquisitions of Homesnap and Homes.com, which contributed revenues of $17 million and $8 million, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Multifamily revenues increased $16 million, due to higher sales volume, and to a lesser extent, increases in pricing. CoStar revenues increased $16 million due to higher sales volume driven by an increase in customers, as well as, customers upgrading their subscriptions, and the resumption of annual price increases for contract renewals that began in September 2021. LoopNet revenue increased $7 million as a result of stronger traffic, which drove sales of higher value advertisements as compared to the prior year. Other Marketplaces revenue increased $6 million, driven by an increase in Ten-X and Land for Sale revenue. Information Services revenue increased $3 million, due to increased revenue from our STR and Real Estate Manager service offerings. International revenues increased to $16 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in International revenues was primarily due to growth in our CoStar product revenue.

Segment EBITDA. North America EBITDA increased to $120 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $108 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in North America EBITDA was primarily due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by increases in personnel, marketing and general and administrative costs. International EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $3 million, as compared to $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, the increase was due to increased revenue and decreased general administrative costs, partially offset by increases in personnel and marketing costs.

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Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

The following table provides a comparison of our selected consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		Increase (Decrease) ($)		Increase (Decrease) (%)
Revenues:
CoStar	$	532,428	$	495,997	$	36,431	7	%
Information Services	105,779		96,092		9,687		10
Multifamily	508,629		438,185		70,444		16
LoopNet(1)	152,852		131,604		21,248		16
Residential(1)	53,939		—		53,939		NM
Other Marketplaces(1)	83,722		52,748		30,974		59
Total revenues	1,437,349		1,214,626		222,723		18
Cost of revenues	270,911		230,814		40,097		17
Gross profit	1,166,438		983,812		182,626		19
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	483,354		402,202		81,152		20
Software development	148,500		121,343		27,157		22
General and administrative	186,747		181,598		5,149		3
Customer base amortization	55,885		44,677		11,208		25
Total operating expenses	874,486		749,820		124,666		17
Income from operations	291,952		233,992		57,960		25
Interest expense, net	(23,698)		(9,482)		14,216		NM
Other income	2,343		29		2,314		NM
Income before income taxes	270,597		224,539		46,058		21
Income tax expense	70,933		33,200		37,733		NM
Net income	$	199,664	$	191,339	$	8,325	4
__________________________
NM - Not meaningful
(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

Revenues. Revenues increased to $1,437 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $1,215 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $222 million increase was attributable to increases in revenues for several of our service offerings. Multifamily revenues increased $70 million, or 16%, primarily due to higher sales volume and upgrades of existing customers to higher value advertising packages earlier in 2021. Residential revenues increased $54 million due to the acquisitions of Homesnap and Homes.com, which contributed revenues of $42 million and $12 million, respectively. CoStar revenues increased $36 million, or 7%, due to higher sales volume driven by an increase in customers, as well as, customers upgrading their subscriptions, and the resumption of annual price increases for contract renewals that began in September 2021. Other Marketplaces revenue increased $31 million, or 59%, primarily driven by the Ten-X acquisition, which had an increase in revenue of $27 million due to two additional quarters of revenue compared to the prior year. LoopNet revenues increased $21 million, or 16%, as a result of stronger traffic, which drove sales of higher value advertisements as compared to the prior year. Information Services revenue increased $10 million, or 10%, primarily due to increased revenue of $4 million each from our Real Estate Manager and STR service offerings.

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Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $1,166 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $984 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and the gross profit percentage remained consistent at 81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The increase in gross profit was due to higher revenues partially impacted by an increase in cost of revenues of $40 million, or 17%, primarily due to an increase of $37 million due to the acquisitions of Ten-X, Homesnap and Homes.com, driven by increases in personnel and data costs, and to a lesser extent, increases in software and equipment costs and bank and merchant fees.

Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased to $483 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $402 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $81 million increase was driven by a $51 million increase in marketing expenses, driven by a $35 million increase in marketing agency spending, primarily for LoopNet and Ten-X, and to a lesser extent, increases in digital and other forms of marketing including events. There was also a $27 million increase in personnel costs, primarily attributable to the Ten-X, Homesnap, and Homes.com acquisitions, and to a lesser extent, an increase in commissions expense for other products of $8 million.

Software Development Expenses. Software development expenses increased to $149 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $121 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and remained consistent as a percentage of revenues at 10% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $27 million increase was primarily due to a $25 million increase in personnel costs driven by the Ten-X, Homesnap, and Homes.com acquisitions, as well as, increased headcount to support the development of our products, and to a lesser extent, a $2 million increase in software equipment expense.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $187 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $182 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and decreased as a percentage of revenues to 13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $5 million increase in the amount of general and administrative expense was driven by an increase of $8 million in general and administrative expenses from Ten-X, Homesnap and Homes.com, as well as, increases excluding acquisitions of $4 million in software equipment expense, $3 million in depreciation, $2 million in professional services, and $2 million in personnel costs. These increases were partially offset by a $14 million decrease in credit loss expense due to better than expected collections, resulting in updated assumptions regarding credit losses and a decrease in reserves previously increased due to uncertainty about the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

Customer Base Amortization Expense. Customer base amortization expense increased to $56 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $45 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and remained consistent as a percentage of revenues at 4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The increase in customer base amortization expense was primarily due to the Ten-X, Homesnap, and Homes.com acquisitions.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net was $23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase of $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to interest expense of $21 million recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 on our Senior Notes issued on July 1, 2020 as compared to $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. In addition, there was a decrease of $4 million in interest income caused by lower rates of return on our cash and cash equivalent balances compared to the prior year. These changes were partially offset by prior year interest expense of $5 million incurred on the $745 million draw on our revolving credit facility in the first quarter of 2020.

Other Income. Other income, increased to $2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in other income was due to rental income on the Richmond building, partially offset by decreases in foreign exchange gains due to rate fluctuations.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $71 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $33 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits, higher income before taxes, and a tax restructuring gain.

Comparison of Business Segment Results for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

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We manage our business geographically in two operating segments, with our primary areas of measurement and decision-making being North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Management relies on an internal management reporting process that provides revenue and operating segment EBITDA, which is our net income before interest (expense) income and other (expense) income, loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Management believes that operating segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operational performance of our operating segments. EBITDA is used by management to internally measure our operating and management performance and to evaluate the performance of our business. However, this measure should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, income from operations or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Segment Revenues. North America revenues increased to $1,388 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $1,173 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $216 million increase in North America revenues was attributable to increases in revenues for several of our services. Multifamily revenues increased $70 million, primarily due to higher sales volume and upgrades of existing customers to higher value advertising packages earlier in 2021. Residential revenues increased $54 million due to the acquisitions of Homesnap and Homes.com, which contributed revenues of $42 million and $12 million, respectively. CoStar revenues increased $32 million, due to higher sales volume driven by an increase in customers, as well as, customers upgrading their subscriptions, and the resumption of annual price increases for contract renewals that began in September 2021. Other Marketplaces revenue increased $31 million, primarily driven by the Ten-X acquisition. LoopNet revenues increased $20 million as a result of stronger traffic, which drove sales of higher value advertisements as compared to the prior year. Information Services revenue increased $8 million, primarily due to increased revenue from our Real Estate Manager and STR service offerings. International revenues increased to $49 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $42 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in International revenues was due to favorable changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as, growth in our CoStar and STR product revenue.

Segment EBITDA. North America EBITDA increased to $386 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $323 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in North America EBITDA was primarily due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by increases in personnel, marketing and general and administrative costs. International EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was income of $6 million, as compared to a loss of $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the increase was due to increased revenue and lower general and administrative costs, partially offset by increases in personnel and marketing costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of ongoing liquidity are cash from operations and proceeds from our debt and equity offerings. Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased to approximately $3,762 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3,756 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to cash generated from operations of $319 million and proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan of $15 million, partially offset by cash paid for acquisitions of $153 million, purchases of property and equipment and other intangibles of $145 million, which includes $123 million for the purchase of an office building and the underlying land located in Richmond, Virginia, as well as, repurchases of restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations of $29 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $319 million compared to approximately $355 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $36 million decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net working capital of $70 million, driven by payment of the $52 million termination fee pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement with RentPath in the first quarter of 2021. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in net income excluding certain non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $298 million compared to approximately $224 million of cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The $74 million increase in cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to an increase in purchases of property, equipment and other assets which included $123 million for the purchase of an office building and the underlying land located in Richmond, Virginia, partially offset by a decrease in cash paid for acquisitions of $39 million, and proceeds from the sale of our ARS investments of $10 million received during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 .

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Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $14 million compared to approximately $2.7 billion provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to proceeds from our May 2020 equity offering, net of transaction costs, of $1.7 billion, as well as, proceeds from the issuance of our Senior Notes, net of transaction costs, of $983 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, among others, our operating results, expansion and integration efforts, and our level of acquisition activity or other strategic transactions. To date, we have grown in part by acquiring other companies, and we expect to continue to make acquisitions.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"). The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to the deferral of taxes, valuation allowances, and balance sheet classifications, as well as provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of employer social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. As permitted under the CARES Act, we deferred payroll taxes of $10 million as of September 30, 2021. We intend to remit all amounts previously deferred in the fourth quarter of 2021.

On October 1, 2021, CoStar UK Limited ("CoStar UK"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased from M.A.J.E Marketing & Stratégie and an individual all of the outstanding equity interests in ComReal Info, a French société par actions simplifiéee, for €35 million, $41 million equivalent, in cash subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. Based in Paris, ComReal Info owns and operates BureauxLocaux, a leading commercial real estate digital marketplace in France. We used cash on hand to finance the acquisition.

As of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we believe that our available cash combined with positive cash flow provided by operating activities should be sufficient for us to maintain and fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. Our ability to maintain adequate capital for our operations in the future depends upon numerous rapidly evolving factors, many of which we cannot accurately predict or assess, including, among others, the disruption of the international and national economy and credit markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; actions taken by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the pandemic such as office and other workplace closures, worker turn over, worker absenteeism, remote work policies, quarantines, mass-transit disruptions or other travel or health-related restrictions; how quickly economies, including the commercial real estate industry in particular, recover after the pandemic subsides; sales of our services; and collection of accounts receivables. We plan to continue to monitor and evaluate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period reported. The following accounting policies involve a “critical accounting estimate” because they are particularly dependent on estimates and assumptions made by management about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made. In addition, while we have used our best estimates based on facts and circumstances available to us at the time, different acceptable assumptions would yield different results. Changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. We review these estimates and assumptions periodically and reflect the effects of revisions in the period that they are determined to be necessary. We consider policies relating to the following matters to be critical accounting policies:

•Long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill

•Revenue recognition

•Income taxes

•Business combinations

For an in-depth discussion of each of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies and further information regarding estimates and assumptions involved in their application, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Note 2 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

None.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

We have made forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and make forward-looking statements in our press releases, investor conference calls, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, other Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information that is not purely historic fact and include, without limitation, statements concerning our financial outlook for the fourth quarter of 2021 and beyond, our possible or assumed future results of operations generally, and other statements and information regarding assumptions or expectations about our revenues, revenue growth rates, gross margin percentage, net income, net income per share, fully diluted net income per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) net income, non-GAAP net income per share, weighted-average outstanding shares, cash flow from operating activities, operating costs, capital and other expenditures, the current and future impacts of COVID-19 on our operations, our actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, key priorities for 2021, trends in customer behavior, legal proceedings and claims, legal costs, effective tax rate, the anticipated benefits of completed or proposed acquisitions, the anticipated timing for integration of completed acquisitions, the anticipated benefits of cross-selling efforts, product development and release, geographic and product expansion, planned service enhancements, expansion and development of our sales forces, planned sales and marketing activities and investments, the impact or results of sales and marketing initiatives, product integrations, elimination and de-emphasizing of services, plans related to the Ten-X business, investments in residential marketplace services and our residential marketplace strategy, net new sales, contract renewal rates, use of proceeds from equity and debt offerings, the use of proceeds of any draws under our $750 million credit facility (the “2020 Credit Agreement”), employee relations, attrition and retention, management’s plans, goals and objectives for future operations, deferral of tax payments, sources and adequacy of liquidity, and growth and markets for our stock. Sections of this Report which contain forward-looking statements include the Financial Statements and related Notes, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” “Controls and Procedures,” “Legal Proceedings” and “Risk Factors.”

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Our forward-looking statements are also identified by words such as “hope,” “anticipate,” “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should understand that these forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting our judgment, beliefs and expectations, not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The following important factors, in addition to those discussed or referred to under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other unforeseen events or circumstances, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements: the effects of and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the length and severity of the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruption of the international and national economy and credit markets; actions taken by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic such as office and other workplace closures, worker absenteeism or decreased productivity, quarantines, mass-transit disruptions or other travel or health-related restrictions; how quickly economies, including the real estate industry in particular, recover after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides; real estate market conditions, including commercial real estate office vacancies; general economic conditions, both domestic and international, including the impacts of “Brexit” and uncertainty from the discontinuance of LIBOR and the transition to any other interest rate benchmarks; our ability to identify, acquire and integrate additional acquisition candidates; our ability to realize the expected benefits, cost savings or other synergies from acquisitions, including Ten-X, Homesnap, Homes.com and ComReal Info, on a timely basis or at all; our ability to combine acquired businesses successfully or in a timely and cost-efficient manner; business disruption relating to integration of acquired businesses or other business initiatives; the risk that expected investments in acquired businesses, or the timing of any such investments, may change or may not produce the expected results; our ability to transition acquired service platforms to our model in a timely manner or at all; changes and developments in business plans or operations; theft of any personally identifiable information we, or the businesses that we acquire, maintain, store or process; any actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy or data protection laws, regulations or standards; any disruption of our systems, including due to any cyberattack or other similar event; the amount of investment for sales and marketing and our ability to realize a return on investments in sales and marketing; our ability to effectively and strategically combine, eliminate or de-emphasize service offerings; reductions in revenues as a result of service changes; the time and resources required to develop upgraded or new services and to expand service offerings; changes or consolidations within the real estate industry; customer retention; our ability to attract new clients and to sell additional or higher value services to existing clients; our ability to develop, successfully introduce and cross-sell new products or upgraded services in U.S. and foreign markets; our ability to attract consumers to our online marketplaces; our ability to increase traffic on our network of sites; the success of our marketing campaigns in generating brand awareness and site traffic; our ability to protect and defend our intellectual property, including against unauthorized or unlicensed use of our services; competition; foreign currency fluctuations; global credit market conditions affecting investments; our ability to continue to expand successfully, timely and in a cost-efficient manner, including internationally; our ability to effectively penetrate and gain acceptance in new sectors and international geographies; our ability to control costs; litigation or government investigations in which we become involved; changes in accounting policies or practices; release of new and upgraded services or entry into new markets by us or our competitors; data quality; our ability to expand, develop or reorganize or reorient of our sales forces; employee retention, including retention of key employees and employees of acquired businesses; our ability to hire additional employees to fill vacant or new roles; technical problems with our services; managerial execution; changes in relationships with real estate agents, brokers, owners, property managers and other strategic partners; legal and regulatory issues, including any actual or perceived failure to comply with U.S. or international laws, rules or regulations; successful adoption of and training on our services; and the availability of capital.

Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of, and are based on information available to us on, the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (unless otherwise indicated). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to update any such statements or release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances after the date of this Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We provide information, analytics and online marketplace services to commercial real estate and related business communities within the regions where we operate which primarily include, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The functional currency for a majority of our operations is the local currency, with the exception of certain STR international locations for which the functional currency is the British Pound.

Fluctuations in the British Pound, Canadian dollar and Euro may have an impact on our business, results of operations and financial position. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenues denominated in foreign currencies were approximately 4% and 4%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 our revenues would have decreased by approximately $2 million and $5 million, respectively, if the U.S. dollar exchange rate used strengthened by 10%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our revenues would have increased by approximately $2 million and $5 million, respectively, if the U.S. dollar exchange rate used weakened by 10%. In addition, we have assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. We currently do not use financial instruments to hedge our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations with respect to our foreign subsidiaries. We may seek to enter into hedging transactions in the future to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, but we may be unable to enter into hedging transactions successfully, on acceptable terms or at all. As of September 30, 2021, accumulated other comprehensive income included a gain from foreign currency translation adjustments of approximately $5.3 million.

We do not have material exposure to market risks associated with changes in interest rates related to cash equivalent securities held as of September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, we had $3.8 billion of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. If there is an increase or decrease in interest rates, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in the amount of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents. We currently diversify our cash and cash equivalents holdings amongst multiple financial institutions and AAA rated Government and Treasury Money Market Funds.

We are subject to interest rate market risk in connection with our revolving credit facility. On July 1, 2020, we entered into the 2020 Credit Agreement, which provides for variable rate borrowings of up to $750 million. On July 1, 2020, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030. Changes in interest rates would not have a material impact to our current interest and debt financing expense, as all our borrowings except for our credit facility are fixed rate, and our credit facility is currently undrawn as of September 30, 2021. See Note 10 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for information regarding our 2020 Credit Agreement.

We had approximately $2.7 billion of goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, we believe our intangible assets will be recoverable; however, changes in the economy, the industry in which we operate and our own relative performance could change the assumptions used to evaluate intangible asset recoverability. In the event that we determine that an asset has been impaired, we would recognize an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the asset. We continue to monitor these assumptions and their effect on the estimated recoverability of our intangible assets.

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Item 4.Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As of September 30, 2021, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2021 and were operating at a reasonable assurance level.

We continue to implement a financial system that is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operational and financial accounting processes. This implementation is expected to continue beyond 2021. Consistent with any process change that we implement, the design of the internal controls has and will continue to be evaluated for effectiveness as part of our overall assessment of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. We expect that the implementation of this system will further improve our internal controls over financial reporting.

Other than the implementation of a new financial system noted above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We continue to monitor and assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to the pandemic on our internal controls so we can take appropriate actions to minimize any impact on the design and operating effectiveness.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Currently, and from time to time, we are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not currently a party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in the opinion of our management based on consultations with legal counsel, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. See Note 12 of the Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Form 10-K”), which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2020 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors as previously disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A Risk Factors” in our 2020 Form 10-K.

53

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table is a summary of our repurchases of common stock during each of the three months in the quarter ended September 30, 2021:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

2021	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share (1)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 through 31	8,300	$	82.82	—	—
August 1 through 31	183	84.45		—	—
September 1 through 30	2,071	85.38		—	—
Total	10,554	$	84.06	—	—
__________________________

(1) The number of shares purchased consists of shares of common stock tendered by employees to the Company to satisfy the employees' minimum tax withholding obligations arising as a result of vesting of restricted stock grants under the Company’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, which shares were purchased by the Company based on their fair market value on the trading day immediately preceding the vesting date. None of these share purchases were part of a publicly announced program to purchase common stock of the Company.

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.Other Information

None.

54

Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 7, 2021).
3.2	Third Amended and Restated By-Laws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 24, 2013).
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
101.INS	The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104	The cover page from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).

55

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 thereunto duly authorized.

		COSTAR GROUP, INC.
Date:	October 27, 2021	By:	/s/ Scott T. Wheeler
			Scott T. Wheeler Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

56

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Andrew C. Florance, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	October 27, 2021	By:  Andrew C. Florance
		Andrew C. Florance President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Scott T. Wheeler, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	October 27, 2021	By:  Scott T. Wheeler
		Scott T. Wheeler Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CoStar Group, Inc.

1331 L Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

October 27, 2021

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC  20549

Re: Certification Of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, I, Andrew C. Florance, Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group, Inc., hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1) such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

2) the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of CoStar Group, Inc.

By:
	Andrew C. Florance President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to CoStar Group, Inc. and will be retained by CoStar Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

In accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K, this certification is being “furnished” as Exhibit 32.1 to CoStar Group, Inc.'s quarterly report and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CoStar Group, Inc.

1331 L Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

October 27, 2021

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC  20549

Re: Certification Of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, I, Scott T. Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer of CoStar Group, Inc., hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1) such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

2) the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CoStar Group, Inc., for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of CoStar Group, Inc.

By:
	Scott T. Wheeler Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to CoStar Group, Inc. and will be retained by CoStar Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

In accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K, this certification is being “furnished” as Exhibit 32.2 to CoStar Group, Inc.'s quarterly report and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

XML

Cover page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 22, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-24531
Entity Registrant Name	COSTAR GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-2091509
Entity Address, Address Line One	1331 L Street, NW
Entity Address, City or Town	Washington,
Entity Address, State or Province	DC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	20005
City Area Code	(202)
Local Phone Number	346-6500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock ($0.01 par value)
Trading Symbol	CSGP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		394,935,769
Entity Central Index Key	0001057352
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 499,319	$ 425,620	$ 1,437,349	$ 1,214,626
Cost of revenues		92,597	77,865	270,911	230,814
Gross profit		406,722	347,755	1,166,438	983,812
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)		180,055	146,634	483,354	402,202
Software development		53,143	40,732	148,500	121,343
General and administrative		64,671	65,322	186,747	181,598
Customer base amortization		19,121	18,258	55,885	44,677
Total operating expenses		316,990	270,946	874,486	749,820
Income from operations		89,732	76,809	291,952	233,992
Interest expense, net		(7,943)	(7,537)	(23,698)	(9,482)
Other income (expense)		1,546	(338)	2,343	29
Income before income taxes		83,335	68,934	270,597	224,539
Income tax expense		19,031	10,748	70,933	33,200
Net income		$ 64,304	$ 58,186	$ 199,664	$ 191,339
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1]	$ 0.16	$ 0.15	$ 0.51	$ 0.51
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1]	$ 0.16	$ 0.15	$ 0.51	$ 0.50
Weighted-average outstanding shares - basic (in shares) | shares	[1]	392,419	391,586	392,101	377,177
Weighted-average outstanding shares - diluted (in shares) | shares	[1]	394,295	394,013	394,036	379,704
Conversion ratio				10

[1] Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 64,304	$ 58,186	$ 199,664	$ 191,339
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(6,229)	7,535	(4,380)	(4,551)
Unrealized gain on investments	0	0	0	189
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on investments included in net income	0	0	0	541
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,229)	7,535	(4,380)	(3,821)
Total comprehensive income	$ 58,075	$ 65,721	$ 195,284	$ 187,518

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 3,761,587	$ 3,755,912
Accounts receivable	128,700	119,059
Less: Allowance for credit losses	(13,049)	(15,110)
Accounts receivable, net	115,651	103,949
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,599	28,651
Total current assets	3,914,837	3,888,512
Deferred income taxes, net	1,975	4,983
Property and equipment, net	238,866	126,325
Lease right-of-use assets	105,964	108,740
Goodwill	2,293,514	2,235,999
Intangible assets, net	447,900	426,745
Deferred commission costs, net	96,303	93,274
Deposits and other assets	16,971	15,856
Income tax receivable	14,986	14,986
Total assets	7,131,316	6,915,420
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,487	15,732
Accrued wages and commissions	82,905	80,998
Accrued expenses	86,788	110,305
Income taxes payable	11,828	16,316
Lease liabilities	29,878	32,648
Deferred revenue	92,631	74,851
Total current liabilities	321,517	330,850
Long-term debt, net	987,633	986,715
Deferred income taxes, net	83,399	72,991
Income taxes payable	26,188	25,282
Lease and other long-term liabilities	109,156	124,223
Total liabilities	1,527,893	1,540,061
Total stockholders' equity	5,603,423	5,375,359
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 7,131,316	$ 6,915,420

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		USD ($)	Common Stock USD ($) shares		Additional Paid-In Capital USD ($)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income USD ($)	Retained Earnings USD ($)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 | shares	[1]		366,807
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 3,405,593	$ 3,668	[1]	$ 2,470,036	[1]	$ (8,585)	$ 940,474
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		72,793						72,793
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(12,219)					(12,219)
Exercise of stock options (in shares) | shares	[1]		406
Exercise of stock options		9,233	$ 4	[1]	9,229	[1]
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[1]		830
Restricted stock grants		0	$ 8	[1]	(8)	[1]
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[1]		(559)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(30,145)	$ (6)	[1]	(30,139)	[1]
Stock-based compensation expense		15,006			15,006	[1]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[1]		40
Employee stock purchase plan		2,550	$ 1	[1]	2,549	[1]
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020 | shares	[1]		367,524
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020		3,462,811	$ 3,675	[1]	2,466,673	[1]	(20,804)	1,013,267
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 | shares	[1]		366,807
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019		3,405,593	$ 3,668	[1]	2,470,036	[1]	(8,585)	940,474
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		191,339
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(3,821)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020 | shares	[1]		394,405
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020		5,318,058	$ 3,943		4,194,708	[1]	(12,406)	1,131,813
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020 | shares	[1]		367,524
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2020		3,462,811	$ 3,675	[1]	2,466,673	[1]	(20,804)	1,013,267
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		60,360						60,360
Other comprehensive income (loss)		863					863
Exercise of stock options (in shares) | shares	[1]		109
Exercise of stock options		2,924	$ 1	[1]	2,923	[1]
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[1]		107
Restricted stock grants		0	$ 1	[1]	(1)	[1]
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[1]		(172)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(3,509)	$ (2)	[1]	(3,507)	[1]
Stock-based compensation expense		8,609			8,609	[1]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[1]		35
Employee stock purchase plan		2,292			2,292	[1]
Stock issued for equity offerings, net of transaction costs (in shares) | shares	[1]		26,336
Stock issued for equity offerings, net of transaction costs		1,689,971	$ 263	[1]	1,689,708	[1]
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020 | shares	[1]		393,939
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020		5,224,321	$ 3,938	[1]	4,166,697	[1]	(19,941)	1,073,627
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		58,186						58,186
Other comprehensive income (loss)		7,535					7,535
Exercise of stock options (in shares) | shares	[1]		438
Exercise of stock options		9,714	$ 4	[1]	9,710	[1]
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[1]		25
Restricted stock grants		0
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[1]		(25)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(398)			(398)	[1]
Stock-based compensation expense		16,542			16,542	[1]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[1]		28
Employee stock purchase plan		2,158	$ 1	[1]	2,157	[1]
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020 | shares	[1]		394,405
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020		5,318,058	$ 3,943		4,194,708	[1]	(12,406)	1,131,813
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | shares	[2]		394,285
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020		5,375,359	$ 3,943	[2]	4,204,703	[2]	(889)	1,167,602
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		74,212						74,212
Other comprehensive income (loss)		323					323
Exercise of stock options (in shares) | shares	[2]		206
Exercise of stock options		6,341	$ 2	[2]	6,339	[2]
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[2]		766
Restricted stock grants		1	$ 8	[2]	(7)	[2]
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[2]		(358)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(27,667)	$ (4)	[2]	(27,663)	[2]
Stock-based compensation expense		15,264			15,264	[2]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[2]		36
Employee stock purchase plan		3,092			3,092	[2]
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021 | shares	[2]		394,935
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021		5,446,925	$ 3,949	[2]	4,201,728	[2]	(566)	1,241,814
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | shares	[2]		394,285
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020		5,375,359	$ 3,943	[2]	4,204,703	[2]	(889)	1,167,602
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		199,664
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,380)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021 | shares	[2]		394,960
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021		$ 5,603,423	$ 3,947	[2]	4,237,479	[2]	(5,269)	1,367,266
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Conversion ratio		10
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021 | shares	[2]		394,935
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2021		$ 5,446,925	$ 3,949	[2]	4,201,728	[2]	(566)	1,241,814
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		61,148						61,148
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,526					1,526
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[2]		50
Restricted stock grants		0
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[2]		(75)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(738)	$ (1)	[2]	(737)	[2]
Stock-based compensation expense		14,811			14,811	[2]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[2]		41
Employee stock purchase plan		3,555			3,555	[2]
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021 | shares	[2]		394,951
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021		5,527,227	$ 3,948	[2]	4,219,357	[2]	960	1,302,962
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		64,304						64,304
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(6,229)					(6,229)
Restricted stock grants (in shares) | shares	[2]		35
Restricted stock grants		0
Restricted stock grants surrendered (in shares) | shares	[2]		(61)
Restricted stock grants surrendered		(901)	$ (1)	[2]	(900)	[2]
Stock-based compensation expense		16,021			16,021	[2]
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | shares	[2]		35
Employee stock purchase plan		3,001			3,001	[2]
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021 | shares	[2]		394,960
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2021		$ 5,603,423	$ 3,947	[2]	$ 4,237,479	[2]	$ (5,269)	$ 1,367,266

[1] Prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

[2] Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 199,664	$ 191,339
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	102,390	83,911
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	46,728	45,017
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	1,742	1,082
Non-cash lease expense	21,118	18,801
Stock-based compensation expense	46,988	40,783
Deferred income taxes, net	16,255	6,812
Credit loss expense	7,797	21,395
Other operating activities, net	10	(12)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(17,715)	(34,131)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(18,820)	4,145
Deferred commissions	(49,798)	(48,704)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(27,912)	47,341
Lease liabilities	(23,596)	(21,247)
Income taxes payable	(3,583)	(9,838)
Deferred revenue	15,800	7,123
Other assets	2,150	1,521
Net cash provided by operating activities	319,218	355,338
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale and settlement of investments	0	10,259
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and other assets	245	0
Purchase of Richmond assets and other intangibles	(123,623)	0
Purchases of property and equipment and other assets	(21,533)	(42,137)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(152,594)	(192,002)
Net cash used in investing activities	(297,505)	(223,880)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	1,744,210
Payments of debt issuance costs	0	(15,747)
Payments of long-term debt	0	(745,000)
Repurchase of restricted stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations	(29,306)	(34,051)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	0	1,689,971
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	15,025	28,169
Other financing activities	(57)	(1,650)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(14,338)	2,665,902
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,700)	(286)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	5,675	2,797,074
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period	3,755,912	1,070,731
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period	3,761,587	3,867,805
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid	31,030	5,948
Income taxes paid	58,234	36,475
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Consideration owed for acquisitions	376	0
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 660	$ 393

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ORGANIZATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION

CoStar Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “CoStar Group”) provides information, analytics, online marketplace and auction services to the commercial real estate and related business community through its comprehensive, proprietary database of commercial real estate information and related tools. The Company provides online marketplaces for commercial real estate, apartment rentals, lands for sale and businesses for sale, and its services are typically distributed to its clients under subscription-based license agreements that renew automatically, a majority of which have a term of at least one year. The Company operates within two operating segments, North America, which includes the United States ("U.S.") and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

On June 24, 2020, the Company acquired Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Ten-X"), which operate an online auction platform for commercial real estate. On October 26, 2020, the Company acquired Emporis GmbH, a Germany-based provider of international commercial real estate data and images. On December 22, 2020, the Company acquired Homesnap, Inc. (“Homesnap”), which operates an online mobile software platform for residential real estate agents and brokers. On May 24, 2021, the Company acquired Homes.com ("Homes.com"), a residential real estate advertising and marketing services company primarily operating through its property listing and marketing portal, Homes.com. See Notes 5 and 8 to the accompanying Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these acquisitions.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Accounting policies are consistent for each operating segment.

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, its comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, its changes in stockholders' equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Common Stock Split

At the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June 2021, upon the recommendation of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company's stockholders approved the adoption of the Company's Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which increased the total number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 60 million to 1.2 billion. The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation became effective on June 7, 2021. On June 7, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a ten-for-one stock split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. Each stockholder of record on June 17, 2021 received a dividend of nine additional shares of common stock for each then-held share, distributed after close of trading on June 25, 2021. The par value of the Company's common stock remained $0.01 per share. All applicable share and per-share amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the stock split.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for credit losses, the useful lives and recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, accounting for business combinations, stock-based compensation, estimating the Company's incremental borrowing rate for its leases, and contingencies, among others. The Company bases these estimates on historical and anticipated results, trends and various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and recorded revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company derives revenues primarily by (i) providing access to its proprietary database of commercial real estate information and (ii) providing online marketplaces for professional property management companies, property owners, brokers and landlords, in each case, typically through a fixed monthly fee for its subscription-based services. The Company's subscription-based services consist primarily of information, analytics and online marketplace services offered over the Internet to commercial real estate industry and related professionals. Subscription contract rates are based on the number of sites, number of users, organization size, the client’s business focus, geography, the number and types of services to which a client subscribes, the number of properties a client advertises and the prominence and placement of a client's advertised properties in the search results. The Company’s subscription-based license agreements typically renew automatically, and a majority have a term of at least one year.

The Company also provides (i) market research, portfolio and debt analysis, management and reporting capabilities, (ii) real estate and lease management solutions, including lease administration and abstraction services, to commercial customers, real estate investors, and lenders via the Company’s other service offerings, (iii) benchmarking and analytics for the hospitality industry through STR, LLC and STR Global, Ltd. (together with STR, LLC, referred to as “STR”), (iv) an online auction platform for commercial real estate through Ten-X, LLC and its subsidiaries, which were acquired in June 2020, (v) an online and mobile software platform that provides applications to manage residential real estate agent workflow through Homesnap, which was acquired in December 2020, and (vi) advertising and marketing services for residential properties through Homes.com which was acquired in May 2021. See Note 5 for details of the Homes.com, Homesnap and Ten-X acquisitions.

The Company analyzes contracts to determine the appropriate revenue recognition using the following steps: (i) identification of contracts with customers, (ii) identification of distinct performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determination of contract transaction price, (iv) allocation of contract transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) determination of revenue recognition based on timing of satisfaction of the performance obligations.

The Company recognizes revenues upon the satisfaction of its performance obligation(s) (upon transfer of control of promised services to its customers) in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenues from subscription-based services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues from transaction-based services are recognized when the promised product or services are delivered, which is at the time of a successful closing of the sale of the property for Ten-X revenues.

In limited circumstances, the Company's contracts with customers include promises to transfer multiple services, such as contracts for its subscription-based services and professional services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct, which involves the determination of the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation.

Deferred revenue results from amounts billed in advance to customers or cash received from customers in advance of the Company's fulfillment of its performance obligation(s) and is recognized as those obligations are satisfied.

Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration for satisfied performance obligations that become a receivable when the conditions are satisfied. Contract assets are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing.

Certain sales commissions are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions incurred for obtaining new contracts are deferred and then amortized as selling and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that the Company has determined to be three years. The three-year amortization period was determined based on several factors, including the nature of the technology and proprietary data underlying the services being purchased, customer contract renewal rates and industry competition. Certain commission costs are not capitalized as they do not represent incremental costs of obtaining a contract.

See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's revenue recognition.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues principally consists of salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation expenses and other indirect costs for the Company's researchers who collect and analyze the commercial real estate data that is the basis for the Company's information, analytics and online marketplaces and for employees that support these products. Additionally, cost of revenues includes the cost of data from third-party data sources and costs related to advertising purchased on behalf of customers, credit card and other transaction fees relating to processing customer transactions, which are expensed as incurred, and the amortization of acquired trade names, technology and other intangible assets.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs include digital marketing, television, radio, print and other media advertising. Advertising costs were approximately $97 million and $79 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $252 million and $202 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Foreign Currency

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency for the majority of its operations is the local currency, with the exception of certain international locations of STR for which the functional currency is the British Pound. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Currency gains and losses on the translation of intercompany loans made to foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term investment nature are also included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations using the average exchange rates in effect during the period. The Company recognized net foreign currency gains of $0.5 million and losses of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and net foreign currency gains of $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in other income (expense) on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(5,269)	$	(889)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(5,269)	$	(889)

There were no amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold its long-term variable debt instruments with an auction reset feature, referred to as auction rate securities ("ARS") and reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss a realized loss of $0.5 million to earnings which is included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the basis reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during the year in which the Company expects differences to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against assets, including net operating losses, if the Company determines it is more likely than not that some portion or all of an asset may not be realized. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recognized in income tax expense.

See Note 11 for additional information regarding income taxes.

Net Income Per Share

Net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period on a basic and diluted basis.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Numerator:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	392,419		391,586		392,101		377,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units(1)	1,876		2,427		1,935		2,527
Denominator for diluted net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	394,295		394,013		394,036		379,704
Net income per share — basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.51
Net income per share — diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.50
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested stock-based awards which include restricted stock awards that vest over a specific service period, restricted stock awards with a performance and a market condition, restricted stock units and awards of matching restricted stock units ("Matching RSUs") awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan. Shares underlying unvested restricted stock awards that vest based on a performance and a market condition that have not been achieved as of the end of the period are not included in the computation of basic or diluted net income per share. Diluted net income per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except when the inclusion of the potentially dilutive securities would have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table summarizes the shares underlying the unvested performance-based restricted stock and anti-dilutive securities excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021	2020
Performance-based restricted stock awards(1)	718	794	718	794
Anti-dilutive securities(1)	192	367	433	708
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation

Equity instruments issued in exchange for services performed by officers, employees, and directors of the Company are accounted for using a fair-value based method and the fair value of such equity instruments is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For stock-based awards that vest over a specific service period, compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. For equity instruments that vest based on achievement of both a performance and market condition, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the expected achievement of the related performance condition at the end of each reporting period. If the Company's initial estimates of the achievement of the performance conditions change, the related stock-based compensation expense and timing may fluctuate from period to period based on those estimates. If the performance conditions are not met, no stock-based compensation expense will be recognized, and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense will be reversed. For awards with both a performance and a market condition, the Company estimates the fair value of each equity instrument granted on the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of achieving the market condition to calculate the fair value of the awards.

Stock-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued under equity incentive plans, stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Deferred Stock Units (“DSUs”) and Matching RSUs awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan included in the Company’s results of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,835	$	3,007	$	8,283	$	8,009
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	1,620		2,091		4,644		5,886
Software development	3,316		2,821		9,289		7,635
General and administrative	8,528		8,811		24,772		19,907
Total stock-based compensation expense(1)	$	16,299	$	16,730	$	46,988	$	41,437
__________________________

(1) Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes $0.7 million of expense related to the cash settlement of stock options in connection with the acquisition of Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. See Note 5 for details of the acquisition.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,761,587	$	3,693,813
Restricted cash:
RentPath termination fee held in escrow under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement	—		58,750
Other restricted cash related to acquisitions	—		3,349
Total restricted cash	—		62,099
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	3,761,587	$	3,755,912

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to cover its current expected credit losses ("CECL") on its trade receivables and contract assets arising from the failure of customers to make contractual payments. The Company estimates credit losses expected over the life of its trade receivables and contract assets based on historical information combined with current conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While the Company uses various credit quality metrics, it primarily monitors collectability by reviewing the duration of collection pursuits on its delinquent trade receivables and historical write off trends. Based on the Company’s experience, the customer's delinquency status is the strongest indicator of the credit quality of the underlying trade receivables, which is analyzed periodically. The Company’s policy is to write-off trade receivables when they are deemed uncollectible. A majority of the Company's trade receivables are less than 365 days outstanding.

Under the CECL impairment model, the Company develops and documents its allowance for credit losses on its trade receivables based on its portfolio segments. The determination of portfolio segments is based primarily on the qualitative consideration of the nature of the Company’s business operations and the characteristics of the underlying trade receivables, as follows:

•CoStar Portfolio Segment - The CoStar portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables based on geographical location: North America and International.

•Information Services Portfolio Segment - The Information Services portfolio segment consists of four classes of trade receivables: Real Estate Manager; Information Services, North America; STR, US; and STR, International.

•Multifamily Portfolio Segment - The Multifamily portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•LoopNet Portfolio Segment - The LoopNet portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•Other Marketplaces Portfolio Segment - The Other Marketplaces portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables: Ten-X and other marketplaces.

The majority of Residential revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable. Residential accounts receivable and the related allowance for credit losses are not material.

See Note 4 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for allowance for credit losses.

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement contains a lease and the classification of a lease, if applicable, is made at lease commencement, at which time the Company also measures and recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset, representing the Company’s right to use the underlying asset, and a lease liability, representing the Company’s obligation to make lease payments under the terms of the arrangement. For the purposes of recognizing ROU assets and lease liabilities associated with the Company’s leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to not recognize a ROU asset or lease liability for short-term leases, which are leases with a term of twelve months or less. The lease term is defined as the noncancelable portion of the lease term, plus any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.

In determining the amount of lease payments used in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, the Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Consideration deemed part of the lease payments used to measure ROU assets and lease liabilities generally includes fixed payments and variable payments based on either an index or a rate, offset by lease incentives. The ROU asset also includes any lease prepayments. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable. Therefore, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The determination of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate requires judgment and is determined at lease commencement, or as of January 1, 2019 for operating leases in existence upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842. The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement.

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases are generally recognized as a single ratable lease cost over the lease term.

See Note 7 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for leases.

Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment by each reporting unit on October 1 of each year or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not recover the carrying value of the asset. The Company may first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or elect to bypass such assessment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or the Company elects to bypass such assessment, the Company then determines the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method for term debt and on a straight-line basis for revolving debt. The Company made a policy election to classify deferred issuance costs on the revolving credit facility as a long-term asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. Upon a refinancing or amendment, previously capitalized debt issuance costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. If the Company determines that there has not been a substantial modification of the related debt, any previously capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the new debt instrument.

See Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company's accounting for its outstanding debt, revolving credit facility, and related issuance costs.

Business Combinations

The Company allocates the purchase consideration related to business combinations to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase consideration is determined based on the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred and equity interests issued, after considering any transactions that are separate from the business combination. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent liabilities. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customer bases, acquired technology and acquired trade names and other intangible assets, useful lives, royalty rates and discount rates. Any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

For a given acquisition, the Company may identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date and may extend its review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether the Company includes these contingencies as a part of the fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and, if so, determine their estimated fair value.

If the Company cannot reasonably determine the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) by the end of the measurement period, which is generally the case given the nature of such matters, the Company will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (i) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been assumed at the acquisition date and (ii) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in the Company's estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.

In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. The Company reevaluates these items based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to its preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill, provided that the Company is within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect the Company's provision for income taxes in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and could have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS    

Disaggregated Revenue

The Company provides information, analytics and online marketplace services to the commercial real estate industry and related professionals. Revenues by operating segment and type of service consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	174,071	$	9,194	$	183,265	$	158,235	$	7,753	$	165,988
Information Services	29,177		6,749		35,926		26,357		6,817		33,174
Multifamily	171,125		—		171,125		155,184		—		155,184
LoopNet(1)	52,103		424		52,527		44,938		146		45,084
Residential(1)	24,747		—		24,747		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	31,729		—		31,729		26,190		—		26,190
Total revenues	$	482,952	$	16,367	$	499,319	$	410,904	$	14,716	$	425,620
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	505,470	$	26,958	$	532,428	$	473,363	$	22,634	$	495,997
Information Services	84,959		20,820		105,779		77,069		19,023		96,092
Multifamily	508,629		—		508,629		438,185		—		438,185
LoopNet(1)	151,770		1,082		152,852		131,348		256		131,604
Residential(1)	53,939		—		53,939		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	83,722		—		83,722		52,748		—		52,748
Total revenues	$	1,388,489	$	48,860	$	1,437,349	$	1,172,713	$	41,913	$	1,214,626
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

Deferred Revenue

Changes in revenue for the period were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	77,363
Revenue recognized in the current period from the amounts in the beginning balance	(70,339)
New deferrals, net of amounts recognized in the current period	87,225
Effects of foreign currency	(231)
Balance at September 30, 2021(1)	$	94,018
__________________________

(1) Deferred revenue is comprised of $93 million of current liabilities and $1 million of noncurrent liabilities classified within lease and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. This balance includes $1 million of deferrals recognized in connection with business acquisitions made in 2021. See Note 5 for details.

Contract Assets

The Company had contract assets of $9 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing. Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration for satisfied performance obligations that becomes a receivable when the conditions are satisfied. Current contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and non-current contract assets are included in deposits and other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The revenue recognized from contract assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was not material.

Commissions

Commissions expense is included in selling and marketing expense in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. Commissions expense activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands). The Company determined that no deferred commissions were impaired as of September 30, 2021:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Commissions incurred	$	30,337	$	25,436	$	83,983	$	69,047
Commissions capitalized in the current period	(17,876)		(16,582)		(49,798)		(48,704)
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	15,881		15,355		46,728		45,017
Total commissions expense	$	28,342	$	24,209	$	80,913	$	65,360

Unsatisfied Performance Obligations

Remaining contract consideration for which revenue has not been recognized due to unsatisfied performance obligations was approximately $319 million at September 30, 2021, which the Company expects to recognize over the next five years. This amount does not include contract consideration for contracts with a duration of one year or less.

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ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Credit Loss [Abstract]

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The following table details the activity related to the allowance for credit losses for trade receivables by portfolio segment (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2020	$	5,531	$	2,739	$	4,387	$	1,667	$	786	$	15,110
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses(1), (2)	3,932		(257)		2,167		1,955		—		7,797
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(3,933)		(518)		(3,779)		(1,628)		—		(9,858)
Ending balance at September 30, 2021	$	5,530	$	1,964	$	2,775	$	1,994	$	786	$	13,049
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments. Majority of the Residential portfolio segment revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2019	$	1,264	$	624	$	1,195	$	576	$	889	$	4,548
Current-period provision for expected credit losses(1), (2)	9,616		2,634		6,579		2,482		84		21,395
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(5,457)		(350)		(4,135)		(1,607)		(189)		(11,738)
Ending balance at September 30, 2020	$	5,423	$	2,908	$	3,639	$	1,451	$	784	$	14,205
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments.

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ACQUISITIONS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS

Homes.com

On April 14, 2021, Landmark Media Enterprises, LLC (“Landmark”), Home Group, LLC ("Homes.com") and CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire all of the outstanding equity interests in Homes.com from Landmark for a purchase price of $150 million in cash, subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. The Company's acquisition of Homes.com closed on May 24, 2021. The securities purchase agreement required an initial payment of $148 million, net of working capital adjustments, at the time of closing, with the remainder of the purchase price payable four months following the acquisition date, subject to offset for adjustments to the purchase price after final determination of closing net working capital. These amounts were settled in the third quarter of 2021. Homes.com is a residential real estate advertising and marketing services company primarily operating through its property listing and marketing portal, Homes.com.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: May 24, 2021		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: May 24, 2021
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	—	$	—	$	—
Accounts receivable	1,798		—		1,798
Lease right-of-use assets	371		—		371
Goodwill	86,314		1,818		88,132
Intangible assets	53,400		—		53,400
Deferred tax assets	11,171		—		11,171
Lease liabilities	(371)		—		(371)
Deferred revenue	(1,086)		—		(1,086)
Other assets and liabilities	(1,240)		—		(1,240)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	150,357	$	1,818	$	152,175

The net assets of Homes.com were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The purchase price allocation is preliminary, subject primarily to the Company's assessment of certain tax matters and contingencies. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homes.com acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	32,000	8	Accelerated
Trade name	21,000		15	Straight-line
Technology	400		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	53,400

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Homes.com acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Homes.com operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $88 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment, of which $17 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Homes.com acquisition were not material. In addition, the Company paid $5 million into a cash escrow account for stay bonuses for certain Homes.com employees, to be paid to active employees after the six month period following the acquisition or, if earlier, after the termination of a Homes.com employee's employment without cause or a Homes.com employee's resignation with good reason during the six month period following the acquisition. In the event some or all of those employees are not entitled to their stay bonus, the funds will be remitted to the seller. The Company is recognizing compensation expense for the stay bonus over the six month post-combination period. Upon acquisition, the Company assessed the probability Homes.com would be required to pay certain state tax liabilities and recorded an accrual of $7 million determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, “Contingencies,” as the fair value was not determinable. Landmark has agreed to indemnify the Company for tax liabilities related to periods prior to the acquisition and an indemnification asset was established for $7 million in the purchase price allocation.

Homesnap

On December 22, 2020, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 20, 2020, by and among CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“CRI”), Snapped Halo Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI (“Merger Sub”), and Homesnap, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Homesnap"), Merger Sub was merged with and into Homesnap (the “Homesnap Merger”), with Homesnap surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI. In connection with the Homesnap Merger, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Homesnap for a purchase price of $250 million in cash. Homesnap is an industry-leading online and mobile software platform that provides user-friendly applications to optimize residential real estate agent workflow and reinforce the agent-client relationship. Homesnap has relationships, data, software, and tools for residential real estate professionals that are complementary to CoStar Group’s existing offerings.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: December 22, 2020		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: December 22, 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	10,225	$	—	$	10,225
Accounts receivable	662		—		662
Lease right-of-use assets	3,437		—		3,437
Goodwill	183,016		1,355		184,371
Intangible assets	67,000		—		67,000
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(1,423)		(1,355)		(2,778)
Lease liabilities	(3,375)		—		(3,375)
Deferred revenue	(4,000)		—		(4,000)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,188)		—		(5,188)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	250,354	$	—	$	250,354

The net assets of Homesnap were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The purchase price allocation is preliminary, subject primarily to the Company's assessment of certain contingencies. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins. See Note 8 for measurement period impact on goodwill.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homesnap acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	45,000	10	Accelerated
Trade name	7,000		10	Straight-line
Technology	15,000		6	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	67,000

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Homesnap acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Homesnap's operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $184 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Goodwill recognized is not deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Homesnap acquisition were not material.

Ten-X

On June 24, 2020, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 13, 2020, by and among CoStar Realty Information, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“CRI”), Crescendo Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI (“Merger Sub”), Ten-X Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ten-X Holding"), and Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, solely in its capacity as representative thereunder, Merger Sub was merged with and into Ten-X Holding (the “Merger”), with Ten-X Holding surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRI. In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Ten-X Holding and Ten-X Holding's subsidiaries (collectively, "Ten-X") for a purchase price of $188 million in cash. Ten-X operates an online auction platform for commercial real estate. The Ten-X acquisition is expected to enable the Company to create a new end-to-end commercial real estate platform, combining LoopNet and CoStar's online audience of buyers with Ten-X’s leadership in online auctions for performing and distressed assets.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Final: June 24, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,290
Accounts receivable	131
Lease right-of-use assets	4,945
Goodwill	134,322
Intangible assets	58,000
Lease liabilities	(4,945)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,981)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,047)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	187,715

The net assets of Ten-X were recorded at their estimated fair values. In valuing the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair value estimates were based primarily on future expected cash flows, market rate assumptions for contractual obligations and appropriate discount rates. The estimated fair value of the customer base assets incorporated significant assumptions that had a material impact on the estimated fair value, such as discount rates, projected revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and profit margins. See Note 8 for measurement period impact on goodwill.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Ten-X acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	46,000	6	Accelerated
Technology	11,000		5	Straight-line
Other intangible assets	1,000		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	58,000

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recorded as part of the Ten-X acquisition includes but is not limited to: (i) the expected synergies and other benefits that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with Ten-X's operations; and (ii) any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce. The $134 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition is associated with the Company's North America operating segment. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Goodwill recognized is not deductible for income tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2021, transaction costs associated with the Ten-X acquisition were not material. The Company paid $3 million in incentive compensation to Ten-X employees negotiated as part of the acquisition, and this expense was recognized in the post-combination period during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below summarizes the combined results of operations for the Company, Ten-X and Homesnap as though the companies were combined as of January 1, 2019, and the Company and Homes.com as though the companies were combined as of January 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma financial information for all periods presented includes amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, retention compensation, as referenced above, and the related tax effects, along with certain other accounting effects, but excludes the impacts of any expected operational synergies. The unaudited pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had taken place on January 1, 2019 for Ten-X and Homesnap and January 1, 2020 for Homes.com.

The unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 combine the historical results of the Company, Ten-X, Homesnap and Homes.com for the periods prior to the acquisition date, and the effects of the pro forma adjustments listed above.

The unaudited pro forma financial information, in the aggregate, was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue	$	499,319	$	446,791	$	1,455,316	$	1,280,143
Net income	$	64,303	$	50,821	$	193,595	$	159,330
Net income per share - basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.43
Net income per share - diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.42
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

The impact of the Homes.com acquisition on CoStar Group’s revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was an increase of $8 million and $12 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. The impact of the Homes.com acquisition on CoStar Group’s net income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was a decrease of $7 million and $10 million for the three and nine ended September 30, 2021. The impact of the Ten-X acquisition on CoStar Group’s revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was an increase of $12 million and $12 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The impact of the Ten-X acquisition on CoStar Group’s net income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was a decrease of $5 million and $7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

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INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Investments And Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company's financial assets comprise Level 1 cash equivalents with original maturities of three months or less in the amount of $3.0 billion. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold its ARS investments for $10.3 million and recognized a realized loss of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included in other (expense) income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to the financial instruments listed above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash equivalents, cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and Senior Notes. The carrying value for such financial instruments, other than the Senior Notes, each approximated their fair values as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The estimated fair value of the Company's outstanding Senior Notes using quoted prices from the over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $1.02 billion as of September 30, 2021.

INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company's financial assets comprise Level 1 cash equivalents with original maturities of three months or less in the amount of $3.0 billion. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold its ARS investments for $10.3 million and recognized a realized loss of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included in other (expense) income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to the financial instruments listed above, the Company holds other financial instruments, including cash equivalents, cash deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and Senior Notes. The carrying value for such financial instruments, other than the Senior Notes, each approximated their fair values as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The estimated fair value of the Company's outstanding Senior Notes using quoted prices from the over-the-counter markets, considered Level 2 inputs, was $1.02 billion as of September 30, 2021.

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LEASES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

LEASES

LEASES

The Company has operating leases for its office facilities and data centers, as well as finance leases for office equipment. The Company's leases have remaining terms of less than one year to seven years. The leases contain various renewal and termination options. The period that is subject to an option to extend the lease is included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The period that is subject to an option to terminate the lease is included if it is reasonably certain that the option will not be exercised.

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating lease costs:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,717	$	2,992	$	7,446	$	8,732
Software development	1,910		1,628		4,913		4,412
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	3,452		2,636		8,876		7,725
General and administrative	1,594		1,259		4,369		3,609
Total operating lease costs	$	9,673	$	8,515	$	25,604	$	24,478

The impact of lease costs related to finance leases and short-term leases was not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):

Balance	Balance Sheet Location	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating lease liabilities		$	139,315		$	148,975
Less: imputed interest		(8,779)			(10,998)
Present value of lease liabilities		130,536			137,977
Less: current portion of lease liabilities	Lease liabilities	(29,878)			(32,648)
Long-term lease liabilities	Lease and other long-term liabilities	$	100,658		$	105,329
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years		4.2			4.0
Weighted-average discount rate		2.8		%	3.6		%

Balance sheet information related to finance leases was not material as of September 30, 2021.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases	$	28,082	$	26,924
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	32,107	$	11,124

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GOODWILL

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Goodwill [Abstract]

GOODWILL

GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment consist of the following (in thousands):

	North America		International		Total
Goodwill, December 31, 2019	$	1,738,360	$	143,660	$	1,882,020
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(1)	347,134		1,273		348,407
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		5,572		5,572
Goodwill, December 31, 2020	2,085,494		150,505		2,235,999
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(2)	60,012		—		60,012
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		(2,497)		(2,497)
Goodwill, September 30, 2021	$	2,145,506	$	148,008	$	2,293,514
__________________________

(1) North America goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Ten-X and Homesnap, as well as STR measurement period adjustments to goodwill of $0.3 million. International goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Emporis GmbH of $1.2 million and STR measurement period adjustments of $0.1 million.

(2) North America goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Homes.com, offset by measurement period adjustments of $26 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily related to the measurement of the fair value of Homesnap customer relationships in the first quarter of 2021. See Note 5 for acquisition details.

The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $88 million, $184 million and $134 million in connection with the May 2021 Homes.com, December 2020 Homesnap and June 2020 Ten-X acquisitions, respectively.

No impairments of the Company's goodwill were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands, except amortization period data):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020		Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years)
Acquired technology and data	$	131,729	$	131,551	5
Accumulated amortization	(103,581)		(97,791)
Acquired technology and data, net	28,148		33,760
Acquired customer base	612,092		545,643		10
Accumulated amortization	(351,478)		(296,758)
Acquired customer base, net	260,614		248,885
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets	283,294		249,465		12
Accumulated amortization	(124,156)		(105,365)
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets, net	159,138		144,100
Intangible assets, net	$	447,900	$	426,745

No impairments of the Company's intangible assets were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

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LONG-TERM DEBT

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT        

The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030	$	1,000,000	$	1,000,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025	—		—
Total face amount of long-term debt	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Notes unamortized discount and issuance costs	(12,367)		(13,285)
Long-term debt, net	$	987,633	$	986,715

Senior Notes

On July 1, 2020, the Company issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were sold to a group of financial institutions as initial purchasers who subsequently resold the Senior Notes to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act at a purchase price equal to 99.921% of their principal amount. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears beginning on January 15, 2021. The Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part by the Company (a) at any time prior to April 15, 2030 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus the Applicable Premium (as calculated in accordance with the indenture governing the Senior Notes) as of, and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the principal amount of Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date, and (b) on or after April 15, 2030 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the principal amount of Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company’s obligations under the Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company’s domestic wholly owned subsidiaries and contain covenants and other customary provisions with which the Company was in compliance as of September 30, 2021.

Revolving Credit Facility

On July 1, 2020, the Company also entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the "2020 Credit Agreement"), which amended and restated in its entirety the then-existing credit agreement originally entered into in April 1, 2014 and amended and restated on October 19, 2017 (the “2017 Credit Agreement”). The 2020 Credit Agreement provides for a $750 million revolving credit facility with a term of five years (maturing July 1, 2025) and a letter of credit sublimit of $20 million from a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders and issuing banks. A commitment fee of 0.25% to 0.30% per annum, depending on the Total Leverage Ratio (defined in 2020 Credit Agreement), is payable quarterly in arrears based on the unused revolving commitment.

Subject to certain conditions, on no more than five occasions, the Company may request increases in the amount of revolving commitments and/or the establishment of term commitments under the 2020 Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the 2020 Credit Agreement will bear interest at a floating rate which can be, at the Company’s option, either (a) an alternate base rate plus an applicable rate ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% or (b) a LIBOR or EURIBOR (with a floor of 0.00%) for the specified interest period plus an applicable rate ranging from 1.50% to 2.25%, in each case depending on the Company's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Agreement). As LIBOR may not always be available to the Company as a base interest rate for borrowings under the credit facility, the 2020 Credit Agreement allows the Company and the administrative agent under the 2020 Credit Agreement to amend the 2020 Credit Agreement to replace LIBOR with one or more Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) based rates or another alternative benchmark rate. Funds drawn down on the revolving credit facility pursuant to the 2020 Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2020 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of the Company’s current and future direct or indirect wholly owned restricted domestic subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries, in each case subject to certain exceptions, pursuant to guarantee agreements.

The 2020 Credit Agreement includes covenants, including ones that, subject to certain exceptions, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to (i) merge and consolidate with other companies, (ii) incur indebtedness, (iii) grant liens or security interests on assets, (iv) make investments, acquisitions, loans or advances, (v) pay dividends and (vi) sell or otherwise transfer assets. During any period of time that the Company has obtained and maintained a corporate investment grade rating from at least two designated rating agencies and no Event of Default is continuing, the Company is not subject to certain covenants, such as restrictions on the ability to incur indebtedness (such period, a “Covenant Suspension Period”). As of September 30, 2021, the Company is in a Covenant Suspension Period. The 2020 Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2020 Credit Agreement) not exceeding 4.50 to 1.00. The Company was in compliance with the covenants in the 2020 Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had not drawn any amounts under this facility.

The Company had $4.1 million and $4.9 million of deferred debt issuance costs as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 in connection with the 2020 Credit Agreement. These amounts are included in deposits and other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized interest expense as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest on outstanding borrowings	$	7,000	$	7,000	$	21,000	$	11,509
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	583		574		1,742		1,082
Commitment fees and other	522		492		1,499		1,133
Total interest expense	$	8,105	$	8,066	$	24,241	$	13,724

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INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXESThe income tax provision reflects an effective tax rate of approximately 23% and 16% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively and 26% and 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to a decrease in excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as well as a discrete restructuring gain. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The following summarizes the Company's significant contractual obligations, including related payments due by period, as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Operating lease obligations		Long-term debt principal payments		Long-term interest payments
Remainder of 2021	$	7,889	$	—	$	—
2022	28,817		—		28,000
2023	36,032		—		28,000
2024	32,457		—		28,000
2025	15,704		—		28,000
Thereafter	18,416		1,000,000		140,000
Total	$	139,315	$	1,000,000	$	252,000

Currently, and from time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. In accordance with GAAP, the Company records a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. While it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome may occur as a result of one or more of the Company’s current litigation matters, at this time, management has concluded that the resolutions of these matters are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, future results of operations or liquidity. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.

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SEGMENT REPORTING

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING

Segment Information

The Company manages its business geographically in two operating segments, with the primary areas of measurement and decision-making being North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which primarily includes Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Management relies on an internal management reporting process that provides revenue and operating segment net income before interest expense (income) and other expense (income), loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Management believes that operating segment EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operational performance of the Company’s operating segments. EBITDA is used by management to internally measure operating and management performance, and to evaluate the performance of the business. However, this measure should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, income from operations or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Summarized EBITDA information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
North America	$	119,823	$	107,906	$	385,857	$	322,611
International	2,849		579		5,683		(4,708)
Total EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

The reconciliation of net income to EBITDA consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues	7,209		6,612		21,565		18,671
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses	19,121		18,258		55,885		44,677
Depreciation and other amortization	6,610		6,806		22,138		20,563
Interest expense, net	7,943		7,537		23,698		9,482
Other (income) expense	(1,546)		338		(2,343)		(29)
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		70,933		33,200
EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

Summarized information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Property and equipment, net:
North America	$	237,010	$	123,634
International	1,856		2,691
Total property and equipment, net	$	238,866	$	126,325
Goodwill:
North America	$	2,145,506	$	2,085,494
International	148,008		150,505
Total goodwill	$	2,293,514	$	2,235,999
Assets:
North America	$	6,853,670	$	6,674,974
International	277,646		240,446
Total assets	$	7,131,316	$	6,915,420
Liabilities:
North America	$	1,484,686	$	1,496,894
International	43,207		43,167
Total liabilities	$	1,527,893	$	1,540,061

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PURCHASE OF BUILDING	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PURCHASE OF BUILDING	PURCHASE OF BUILDINGOn January 22, 2021, the Company purchased an office building located in Richmond, Virginia (the "Richmond building"), together with the land and assumed an existing lease for a purchase price of $131 million, inclusive of property taxes, title insurance and other transaction costs. The purchase of the Richmond building was accounted for as an asset acquisition, including an intangible asset for the assumed lease. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the net impact from the lease arrangement is recorded in other (expense) income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and was not material to the Company.

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTSBureauxLocauxOn October 1, 2021, CoStar UK Limited ("CoStar UK"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased from M.A.J.E Marketing & Stratégie and an individual all of the outstanding equity interests in ComReal Info, a French société par actions simplifiéee, for €35 million, $41 million equivalent, in cash subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. Based in Paris, ComReal Info owns and operates BureauxLocaux, a leading commercial real estate digital marketplace in France. The Company used cash on hand to finance the acquisition and expects to record most of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Accounting policies are consistent for each operating segment.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for credit losses, the useful lives and recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, accounting for business combinations, stock-based compensation, estimating the Company's incremental borrowing rate for its leases, and contingencies, among others. The Company bases these estimates on historical and anticipated results, trends and various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and recorded revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company derives revenues primarily by (i) providing access to its proprietary database of commercial real estate information and (ii) providing online marketplaces for professional property management companies, property owners, brokers and landlords, in each case, typically through a fixed monthly fee for its subscription-based services. The Company's subscription-based services consist primarily of information, analytics and online marketplace services offered over the Internet to commercial real estate industry and related professionals. Subscription contract rates are based on the number of sites, number of users, organization size, the client’s business focus, geography, the number and types of services to which a client subscribes, the number of properties a client advertises and the prominence and placement of a client's advertised properties in the search results. The Company’s subscription-based license agreements typically renew automatically, and a majority have a term of at least one year.

The Company also provides (i) market research, portfolio and debt analysis, management and reporting capabilities, (ii) real estate and lease management solutions, including lease administration and abstraction services, to commercial customers, real estate investors, and lenders via the Company’s other service offerings, (iii) benchmarking and analytics for the hospitality industry through STR, LLC and STR Global, Ltd. (together with STR, LLC, referred to as “STR”), (iv) an online auction platform for commercial real estate through Ten-X, LLC and its subsidiaries, which were acquired in June 2020, (v) an online and mobile software platform that provides applications to manage residential real estate agent workflow through Homesnap, which was acquired in December 2020, and (vi) advertising and marketing services for residential properties through Homes.com which was acquired in May 2021. See Note 5 for details of the Homes.com, Homesnap and Ten-X acquisitions.

The Company analyzes contracts to determine the appropriate revenue recognition using the following steps: (i) identification of contracts with customers, (ii) identification of distinct performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determination of contract transaction price, (iv) allocation of contract transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) determination of revenue recognition based on timing of satisfaction of the performance obligations.

The Company recognizes revenues upon the satisfaction of its performance obligation(s) (upon transfer of control of promised services to its customers) in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenues from subscription-based services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues from transaction-based services are recognized when the promised product or services are delivered, which is at the time of a successful closing of the sale of the property for Ten-X revenues.

In limited circumstances, the Company's contracts with customers include promises to transfer multiple services, such as contracts for its subscription-based services and professional services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct, which involves the determination of the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation.

Deferred revenue results from amounts billed in advance to customers or cash received from customers in advance of the Company's fulfillment of its performance obligation(s) and is recognized as those obligations are satisfied.

Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration for satisfied performance obligations that become a receivable when the conditions are satisfied. Contract assets are generated when contractual billing schedules differ from revenue recognition timing.

Certain sales commissions are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions incurred for obtaining new contracts are deferred and then amortized as selling and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that the Company has determined to be three years. The three-year amortization period was determined based on several factors, including the nature of the technology and proprietary data underlying the services being purchased, customer contract renewal rates and industry competition. Certain commission costs are not capitalized as they do not represent incremental costs of obtaining a contract.

See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's revenue recognition.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues principally consists of salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation expenses and other indirect costs for the Company's researchers who collect and analyze the commercial real estate data that is the basis for the Company's information, analytics and online marketplaces and for employees that support these products. Additionally, cost of revenues includes the cost of data from third-party data sources and costs related to advertising purchased on behalf of customers, credit card and other transaction fees relating to processing customer transactions, which are expensed as incurred, and the amortization of acquired trade names, technology and other intangible assets.

Advertising Costs

Advertising CostsThe Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs include digital marketing, television, radio, print and other media advertising.

Foreign Currency

Foreign CurrencyThe Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency for the majority of its operations is the local currency, with the exception of certain international locations of STR for which the functional currency is the British Pound. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Currency gains and losses on the translation of intercompany loans made to foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term investment nature are also included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity are included in other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations using the average exchange rates in effect during the period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the basis reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during the year in which the Company expects differences to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against assets, including net operating losses, if the Company determines it is more likely than not that some portion or all of an asset may not be realized. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recognized in income tax expense.

See Note 11 for additional information regarding income taxes.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share

Net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period on a basic and diluted basis.

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested stock-based awards which include restricted stock awards that vest over a specific service period, restricted stock awards with a performance and a market condition, restricted stock units and awards of matching restricted stock units ("Matching RSUs") awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan. Shares underlying unvested restricted stock awards that vest based on a performance and a market condition that have not been achieved as of the end of the period are not included in the computation of basic or diluted net income per share. Diluted net income per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except when the inclusion of the potentially dilutive securities would have an anti-dilutive effect.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Equity instruments issued in exchange for services performed by officers, employees, and directors of the Company are accounted for using a fair-value based method and the fair value of such equity instruments is recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For stock-based awards that vest over a specific service period, compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. For equity instruments that vest based on achievement of both a performance and market condition, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the expected achievement of the related performance condition at the end of each reporting period. If the Company's initial estimates of the achievement of the performance conditions change, the related stock-based compensation expense and timing may fluctuate from period to period based on those estimates. If the performance conditions are not met, no stock-based compensation expense will be recognized, and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense will be reversed. For awards with both a performance and a market condition, the Company estimates the fair value of each equity instrument granted on the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of achieving the market condition to calculate the fair value of the awards.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to cover its current expected credit losses ("CECL") on its trade receivables and contract assets arising from the failure of customers to make contractual payments. The Company estimates credit losses expected over the life of its trade receivables and contract assets based on historical information combined with current conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While the Company uses various credit quality metrics, it primarily monitors collectability by reviewing the duration of collection pursuits on its delinquent trade receivables and historical write off trends. Based on the Company’s experience, the customer's delinquency status is the strongest indicator of the credit quality of the underlying trade receivables, which is analyzed periodically. The Company’s policy is to write-off trade receivables when they are deemed uncollectible. A majority of the Company's trade receivables are less than 365 days outstanding.

Under the CECL impairment model, the Company develops and documents its allowance for credit losses on its trade receivables based on its portfolio segments. The determination of portfolio segments is based primarily on the qualitative consideration of the nature of the Company’s business operations and the characteristics of the underlying trade receivables, as follows:

•CoStar Portfolio Segment - The CoStar portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables based on geographical location: North America and International.

•Information Services Portfolio Segment - The Information Services portfolio segment consists of four classes of trade receivables: Real Estate Manager; Information Services, North America; STR, US; and STR, International.

•Multifamily Portfolio Segment - The Multifamily portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•LoopNet Portfolio Segment - The LoopNet portfolio segment consists of one class of trade receivables.

•Other Marketplaces Portfolio Segment - The Other Marketplaces portfolio segment consists of two classes of trade receivables: Ten-X and other marketplaces.

The majority of Residential revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable. Residential accounts receivable and the related allowance for credit losses are not material.

See Note 4 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for allowance for credit losses.

Leases

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement contains a lease and the classification of a lease, if applicable, is made at lease commencement, at which time the Company also measures and recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset, representing the Company’s right to use the underlying asset, and a lease liability, representing the Company’s obligation to make lease payments under the terms of the arrangement. For the purposes of recognizing ROU assets and lease liabilities associated with the Company’s leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to not recognize a ROU asset or lease liability for short-term leases, which are leases with a term of twelve months or less. The lease term is defined as the noncancelable portion of the lease term, plus any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.

In determining the amount of lease payments used in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, the Company has elected the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Consideration deemed part of the lease payments used to measure ROU assets and lease liabilities generally includes fixed payments and variable payments based on either an index or a rate, offset by lease incentives. The ROU asset also includes any lease prepayments. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable. Therefore, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The determination of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate requires judgment and is determined at lease commencement, or as of January 1, 2019 for operating leases in existence upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842. The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement.

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases are generally recognized as a single ratable lease cost over the lease term.

See Note 7 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting for leases.

Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment by each reporting unit on October 1 of each year or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not recover the carrying value of the asset. The Company may first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or elect to bypass such assessment. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or the Company elects to bypass such assessment, the Company then determines the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method for term debt and on a straight-line basis for revolving debt. The Company made a policy election to classify deferred issuance costs on the revolving credit facility as a long-term asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. Upon a refinancing or amendment, previously capitalized debt issuance costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. If the Company determines that there has not been a substantial modification of the related debt, any previously capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the new debt instrument.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations

The Company allocates the purchase consideration related to business combinations to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The purchase consideration is determined based on the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred and equity interests issued, after considering any transactions that are separate from the business combination. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent liabilities. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customer bases, acquired technology and acquired trade names and other intangible assets, useful lives, royalty rates and discount rates. Any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

For a given acquisition, the Company may identify certain pre-acquisition contingencies as of the acquisition date and may extend its review and evaluation of these pre-acquisition contingencies throughout the measurement period in order to obtain sufficient information to assess whether the Company includes these contingencies as a part of the fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and, if so, determine their estimated fair value.

If the Company cannot reasonably determine the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) by the end of the measurement period, which is generally the case given the nature of such matters, the Company will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (i) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been assumed at the acquisition date and (ii) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in the Company's estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.

In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. The Company reevaluates these items based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to its preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill, provided that the Company is within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect the Company's provision for income taxes in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and could have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(5,269)	$	(889)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(5,269)	$	(889)

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Numerator:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	392,419		391,586		392,101		377,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units(1)	1,876		2,427		1,935		2,527
Denominator for diluted net income per share — weighted-average outstanding shares(1)	394,295		394,013		394,036		379,704
Net income per share — basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.51
Net income per share — diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.15	$	0.51	$	0.50
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

The following table summarizes the shares underlying the unvested performance-based restricted stock and anti-dilutive securities excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021	2020
Performance-based restricted stock awards(1)	718	794	718	794
Anti-dilutive securities(1)	192	367	433	708
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021.

Stock-based Compensation Expense for Stock Options and Restricted Stock

Stock-based compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued under equity incentive plans, stock purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Deferred Stock Units (“DSUs”) and Matching RSUs awarded under the Company's Management Stock Purchase Plan included in the Company’s results of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,835	$	3,007	$	8,283	$	8,009
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	1,620		2,091		4,644		5,886
Software development	3,316		2,821		9,289		7,635
General and administrative	8,528		8,811		24,772		19,907
Total stock-based compensation expense(1)	$	16,299	$	16,730	$	46,988	$	41,437
__________________________

(1) Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes $0.7 million of expense related to the cash settlement of stock options in connection with the acquisition of Ten-X Holding Company, Inc. See Note 5 for details of the acquisition.

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,761,587	$	3,693,813
Restricted cash:
RentPath termination fee held in escrow under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement	—		58,750
Other restricted cash related to acquisitions	—		3,349
Total restricted cash	—		62,099
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	3,761,587	$	3,755,912

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,761,587	$	3,693,813
Restricted cash:
RentPath termination fee held in escrow under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement	—		58,750
Other restricted cash related to acquisitions	—		3,349
Total restricted cash	—		62,099
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	3,761,587	$	3,755,912

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenues by operating segment and type of service consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	174,071	$	9,194	$	183,265	$	158,235	$	7,753	$	165,988
Information Services	29,177		6,749		35,926		26,357		6,817		33,174
Multifamily	171,125		—		171,125		155,184		—		155,184
LoopNet(1)	52,103		424		52,527		44,938		146		45,084
Residential(1)	24,747		—		24,747		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	31,729		—		31,729		26,190		—		26,190
Total revenues	$	482,952	$	16,367	$	499,319	$	410,904	$	14,716	$	425,620
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021						2020
	North America		International		Total		North America		International		Total
CoStar	$	505,470	$	26,958	$	532,428	$	473,363	$	22,634	$	495,997
Information Services	84,959		20,820		105,779		77,069		19,023		96,092
Multifamily	508,629		—		508,629		438,185		—		438,185
LoopNet(1)	151,770		1,082		152,852		131,348		256		131,604
Residential(1)	53,939		—		53,939		—		—		—
Other Marketplaces(1)	83,722		—		83,722		52,748		—		52,748
Total revenues	$	1,388,489	$	48,860	$	1,437,349	$	1,172,713	$	41,913	$	1,214,626
__________________________

(1) As of September 30, 2021, Commercial Property and Land revenue has been further disaggregated into LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces.

Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability

Changes in revenue for the period were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	77,363
Revenue recognized in the current period from the amounts in the beginning balance	(70,339)
New deferrals, net of amounts recognized in the current period	87,225
Effects of foreign currency	(231)
Balance at September 30, 2021(1)	$	94,018
__________________________

(1) Deferred revenue is comprised of $93 million of current liabilities and $1 million of noncurrent liabilities classified within lease and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. This balance includes $1 million of deferrals recognized in connection with business acquisitions made in 2021. See Note 5 for details.

Schedule of Commissions Expense

Commissions expense activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands). The Company determined that no deferred commissions were impaired as of September 30, 2021:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Commissions incurred	$	30,337	$	25,436	$	83,983	$	69,047
Commissions capitalized in the current period	(17,876)		(16,582)		(49,798)		(48,704)
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	15,881		15,355		46,728		45,017
Total commissions expense	$	28,342	$	24,209	$	80,913	$	65,360

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ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Credit Loss [Abstract]

Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss

The following table details the activity related to the allowance for credit losses for trade receivables by portfolio segment (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2020	$	5,531	$	2,739	$	4,387	$	1,667	$	786	$	15,110
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses(1), (2)	3,932		(257)		2,167		1,955		—		7,797
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(3,933)		(518)		(3,779)		(1,628)		—		(9,858)
Ending balance at September 30, 2021	$	5,530	$	1,964	$	2,775	$	1,994	$	786	$	13,049
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet, Residential and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments. Majority of the Residential portfolio segment revenue is e-commerce based and does not result in accounts receivable.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	CoStar		Information Services		Multifamily		LoopNet(3)		Other Marketplaces(3)		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2019	$	1,264	$	624	$	1,195	$	576	$	889	$	4,548
Current-period provision for expected credit losses(1), (2)	9,616		2,634		6,579		2,482		84		21,395
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(5,457)		(350)		(4,135)		(1,607)		(189)		(11,738)
Ending balance at September 30, 2020	$	5,423	$	2,908	$	3,639	$	1,451	$	784	$	14,205
__________________________

(1) Credit loss expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Credit loss expense related to contract assets was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

(3) Amounts previously disclosed in the Commercial Property and Land portfolio segment have been further disaggregated into the LoopNet and Other Marketplaces portfolio segments.

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ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: May 24, 2021		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: May 24, 2021
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	—	$	—	$	—
Accounts receivable	1,798		—		1,798
Lease right-of-use assets	371		—		371
Goodwill	86,314		1,818		88,132
Intangible assets	53,400		—		53,400
Deferred tax assets	11,171		—		11,171
Lease liabilities	(371)		—		(371)
Deferred revenue	(1,086)		—		(1,086)
Other assets and liabilities	(1,240)		—		(1,240)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	150,357	$	1,818	$	152,175

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Preliminary: December 22, 2020		Measurement Period Adjustments		Updated Preliminary: December 22, 2020
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	10,225	$	—	$	10,225
Accounts receivable	662		—		662
Lease right-of-use assets	3,437		—		3,437
Goodwill	183,016		1,355		184,371
Intangible assets	67,000		—		67,000
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(1,423)		(1,355)		(2,778)
Lease liabilities	(3,375)		—		(3,375)
Deferred revenue	(4,000)		—		(4,000)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,188)		—		(5,188)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	250,354	$	—	$	250,354

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for acquired assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

	Final: June 24, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,290
Accounts receivable	131
Lease right-of-use assets	4,945
Goodwill	134,322
Intangible assets	58,000
Lease liabilities	(4,945)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,981)
Other assets and liabilities	(5,047)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	$	187,715

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homes.com acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	32,000	8	Accelerated
Trade name	21,000		15	Straight-line
Technology	400		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	53,400

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Homesnap acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	45,000	10	Accelerated
Trade name	7,000		10	Straight-line
Technology	15,000		6	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	67,000

The following table summarizes the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Ten-X acquisition included in the Company's North America operating segment, their related estimated useful lives (in years) and their respective amortization methods (in thousands):

	Estimated Fair Value		Estimated Useful Life	Amortization Method
Customer base	$	46,000	6	Accelerated
Technology	11,000		5	Straight-line
Other intangible assets	1,000		2	Straight-line
Total intangible assets	$	58,000

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information, in the aggregate, was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue	$	499,319	$	446,791	$	1,455,316	$	1,280,143
Net income	$	64,303	$	50,821	$	193,595	$	159,330
Net income per share - basic(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.43
Net income per share - diluted(1)	$	0.16	$	0.13	$	0.49	$	0.42
__________________________

(1) Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

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LEASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Components of Lease Expense

Lease costs related to the Company's operating leases included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating lease costs:	2021		2020		2021		2020
Cost of revenues	$	2,717	$	2,992	$	7,446	$	8,732
Software development	1,910		1,628		4,913		4,412
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)	3,452		2,636		8,876		7,725
General and administrative	1,594		1,259		4,369		3,609
Total operating lease costs	$	9,673	$	8,515	$	25,604	$	24,478

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):

Balance	Balance Sheet Location	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating lease liabilities		$	139,315		$	148,975
Less: imputed interest		(8,779)			(10,998)
Present value of lease liabilities		130,536			137,977
Less: current portion of lease liabilities	Lease liabilities	(29,878)			(32,648)
Long-term lease liabilities	Lease and other long-term liabilities	$	100,658		$	105,329
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years		4.2			4.0
Weighted-average discount rate		2.8		%	3.6		%

Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information for Leases

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases	$	28,082	$	26,924
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	32,107	$	11,124

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GOODWILL (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Goodwill [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment consist of the following (in thousands):

	North America		International		Total
Goodwill, December 31, 2019	$	1,738,360	$	143,660	$	1,882,020
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(1)	347,134		1,273		348,407
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		5,572		5,572
Goodwill, December 31, 2020	2,085,494		150,505		2,235,999
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments(2)	60,012		—		60,012
Effect of foreign currency translation	—		(2,497)		(2,497)
Goodwill, September 30, 2021	$	2,145,506	$	148,008	$	2,293,514
__________________________

(1) North America goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Ten-X and Homesnap, as well as STR measurement period adjustments to goodwill of $0.3 million. International goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Emporis GmbH of $1.2 million and STR measurement period adjustments of $0.1 million.

(2) North America goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, includes goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of Homes.com, offset by measurement period adjustments of $26 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily related to the measurement of the fair value of Homesnap customer relationships in the first quarter of 2021. See Note 5 for acquisition details.

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands, except amortization period data):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020		Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years)
Acquired technology and data	$	131,729	$	131,551	5
Accumulated amortization	(103,581)		(97,791)
Acquired technology and data, net	28,148		33,760
Acquired customer base	612,092		545,643		10
Accumulated amortization	(351,478)		(296,758)
Acquired customer base, net	260,614		248,885
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets	283,294		249,465		12
Accumulated amortization	(124,156)		(105,365)
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets, net	159,138		144,100
Intangible assets, net	$	447,900	$	426,745

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments

The table below presents the components of outstanding debt (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030	$	1,000,000	$	1,000,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025	—		—
Total face amount of long-term debt	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Notes unamortized discount and issuance costs	(12,367)		(13,285)
Long-term debt, net	$	987,633	$	986,715

Schedule of Interest Expense

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized interest expense as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest on outstanding borrowings	$	7,000	$	7,000	$	21,000	$	11,509
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	583		574		1,742		1,082
Commitment fees and other	522		492		1,499		1,133
Total interest expense	$	8,105	$	8,066	$	24,241	$	13,724

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity

The following summarizes the Company's significant contractual obligations, including related payments due by period, as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Operating lease obligations		Long-term debt principal payments		Long-term interest payments
Remainder of 2021	$	7,889	$	—	$	—
2022	28,817		—		28,000
2023	36,032		—		28,000
2024	32,457		—		28,000
2025	15,704		—		28,000
Thereafter	18,416		1,000,000		140,000
Total	$	139,315	$	1,000,000	$	252,000

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

The following summarizes the Company's significant contractual obligations, including related payments due by period, as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,	Operating lease obligations		Long-term debt principal payments		Long-term interest payments
Remainder of 2021	$	7,889	$	—	$	—
2022	28,817		—		28,000
2023	36,032		—		28,000
2024	32,457		—		28,000
2025	15,704		—		28,000
Thereafter	18,416		1,000,000		140,000
Total	$	139,315	$	1,000,000	$	252,000

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summarized Information by Operating Segment

Summarized EBITDA information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
North America	$	119,823	$	107,906	$	385,857	$	322,611
International	2,849		579		5,683		(4,708)
Total EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA

The reconciliation of net income to EBITDA consists of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	64,304	$	58,186	$	199,664	$	191,339
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues	7,209		6,612		21,565		18,671
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses	19,121		18,258		55,885		44,677
Depreciation and other amortization	6,610		6,806		22,138		20,563
Interest expense, net	7,943		7,537		23,698		9,482
Other (income) expense	(1,546)		338		(2,343)		(29)
Income tax expense	19,031		10,748		70,933		33,200
EBITDA	$	122,672	$	108,485	$	391,540	$	317,903

Summarized Information by Operating Segment, Assets and Liabilities

Summarized information by operating segment consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Property and equipment, net:
North America	$	237,010	$	123,634
International	1,856		2,691
Total property and equipment, net	$	238,866	$	126,325
Goodwill:
North America	$	2,145,506	$	2,085,494
International	148,008		150,505
Total goodwill	$	2,293,514	$	2,235,999
Assets:
North America	$	6,853,670	$	6,674,974
International	277,646		240,446
Total assets	$	7,131,316	$	6,915,420
Liabilities:
North America	$	1,484,686	$	1,496,894
International	43,207		43,167
Total liabilities	$	1,527,893	$	1,540,061

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ORGANIZATION (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 operating_segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Term of subscription-based license agreements	1 year
Number of business segments	2

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, COMMON STOCK SPLIT (Details)		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 07, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 17, 2021 shares
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Conversion ratio	10	10
Additional shares of common stock (in shares)			9

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ADVERTISING COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Term of subscription-based license agreements			1 year
Deferred sales commission, amortization period			3 years
Advertising expense	$ 97	$ 79	$ 252	$ 202

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, FOREIGN CURRENCY AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), realized	$ 500,000	$ (200,000)	$ 100,000	$ 700,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,269,000)		(5,269,000)		$ (889,000)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,269,000)		(5,269,000)		$ (889,000)
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 0		$ 0
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, current period, net of tax				$ 500,000

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
		Jun. 07, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Numerator:
Net income | $			$ 64,304	$ 61,148	$ 74,212	$ 58,186	$ 60,360	$ 72,793	$ 199,664	$ 191,339
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (in shares)	[1]		392,419			391,586			392,101	377,177
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (in shares)			1,876			2,427			1,935	2,527
Denominator for diluted net income per share — weighted average outstanding shares (in shares)	[1]		394,295			394,013			394,036	379,704
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1]		$ 0.16			$ 0.15			$ 0.51	$ 0.51
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	[1]		$ 0.16			$ 0.15			$ 0.51	$ 0.50
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share			192			367			433	708
Conversion ratio		10							10
Performance-based restricted stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share			718			794			718	794

[1] Prior period amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in June 2021. See Note 2 for details.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, STOCK BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 16,299	$ 16,730	$ 46,988	$ 41,437
Ten-X
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based payment arrangement, expensed and capitalized, amount				700
Cost of revenues
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense	2,835	3,007	8,283	8,009
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense	1,620	2,091	4,644	5,886
Software development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense	3,316	2,821	9,289	7,635
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 8,528	$ 8,811	$ 24,772	$ 19,907

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CASH RECONCILIATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Reconciliation [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 3,761,587	$ 3,693,813
Restricted cash	0	62,099
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	3,761,587	3,755,912	$ 3,867,805	$ 1,070,731
RentPath termination fee held in escrow under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement
Cash Reconciliation [Line Items]
Restricted cash	0	58,750
Other restricted cash related to acquisitions
Cash Reconciliation [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 0	$ 3,349

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS, DISAGGREGATED REVENUE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 499,319	$ 425,620	$ 1,437,349	$ 1,214,626
CoStar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	183,265	165,988	532,428	495,997
Information Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	35,926	33,174	105,779	96,092
Multifamily
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	171,125	155,184	508,629	438,185
LoopNet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	52,527	45,084	152,852	131,604
Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	24,747	0	53,939	0
Other Marketplaces
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	31,729	26,190	83,722	52,748
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	482,952	410,904	1,388,489	1,172,713
North America | CoStar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	174,071	158,235	505,470	473,363
North America | Information Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	29,177	26,357	84,959	77,069
North America | Multifamily
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	171,125	155,184	508,629	438,185
North America | LoopNet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	52,103	44,938	151,770	131,348
North America | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	24,747	0	53,939	0
North America | Other Marketplaces
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	31,729	26,190	83,722	52,748
International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	16,367	14,716	48,860	41,913
International | CoStar
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	9,194	7,753	26,958	22,634
International | Information Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	6,749	6,817	20,820	19,023
International | Multifamily
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
International | LoopNet
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	424	146	1,082	256
International | Residential
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
International | Other Marketplaces
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS, CONTRACT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 77,363
Revenue recognized in the current period from the amounts in the beginning balance	(70,339)
New deferrals, net of amounts recognized in the current period	87,225
Effects of foreign currency	(231)
Ending balance	94,018
Current liability	92,631	$ 74,851
Noncurrent liability	1,000
Net deferred liabilty	$ 1,000

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS, CONTRACT ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with customer, asset, gross	$ 9	$ 9

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS, COMMISSIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Commissions incurred	$ 30,337	$ 25,436	$ 83,983	$ 69,047
Commissions capitalized in the current period	(17,876)	(16,582)	(49,798)	(48,704)
Amortization of deferred commissions costs	15,881	15,355	46,728	45,017
Total commissions expense	$ 28,342	$ 24,209	$ 80,913	$ 65,360

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS, UNSATISFIED PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation	$ 319.0
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	5 years

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ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 15,110	$ 4,548
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	7,797	21,395
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(9,858)	(11,738)
Ending balance	13,049	14,205
CoStar
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,531	1,264
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	3,932	9,616
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(3,933)	(5,457)
Ending balance	5,530	5,423
Information Services
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,739	624
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	(257)	2,634
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(518)	(350)
Ending balance	1,964	2,908
Multifamily
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,387	1,195
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	2,167	6,579
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(3,779)	(4,135)
Ending balance	2,775	3,639
LoopNet
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,667	576
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	1,955	2,482
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	(1,628)	(1,607)
Ending balance	1,994	1,451
Other Marketplaces
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	786	889
Current-period provision (releases) for expected credit losses	0	84
Write-offs charged against the allowance, net of recoveries and other	0	(189)
Ending balance	$ 786	$ 784

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ACQUISITIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 24, 2021	Apr. 14, 2021	Dec. 22, 2020	Jun. 24, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, goodwill acquired deduction, amount							$ 17
Homes.com
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price		$ 150
Purchase price, net of adjustments		$ 148
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments	$ 88
Transaction costs					$ 5		5
Accrual amount							7
Indemnification asset					7		7
Increase in revenue					8		12
Decrease in net income					7		10
Homesnap
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price			$ 250
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments			$ 184
Ten-X
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price				$ 188
Transaction costs					$ 3		$ 3
Increase in revenue						$ 12		$ 12
Decrease in net income						$ 5		$ 7
Ten-X | North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments				$ 134

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ACQUISITIONS (Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	May 24, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 22, 2020	Jun. 24, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,293,514		$ 2,235,999			$ 1,882,020
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (1,000)
Homes.com
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 0
Accounts receivable		1,798
Lease right-of-use assets		371
Goodwill		88,132
Intangible assets		53,400
Deferred tax assets		11,171
Lease liabilities		(371)
Deferred revenue		(1,086)
Other assets and liabilities		(1,240)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		152,175
Homes.com | Previously Reported
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		0
Accounts receivable		1,798
Lease right-of-use assets		371
Goodwill		86,314
Intangible assets		53,400
Deferred tax assets		11,171
Lease liabilities		(371)
Deferred revenue		(1,086)
Other assets and liabilities		(1,240)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		150,357
Homes.com | Measurement Period Adjustments
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		1,818
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		$ 1,818
Homesnap
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				$ 10,225
Accounts receivable				662
Lease right-of-use assets				3,437
Goodwill				184,371
Intangible assets				67,000
Deferred tax liabilities				(2,778)
Lease liabilities				(3,375)
Deferred revenue				(4,000)
Other assets and liabilities				(5,188)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired				250,354
Homesnap | Previously Reported
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				10,225
Accounts receivable				662
Lease right-of-use assets				3,437
Goodwill				183,016
Intangible assets				67,000
Deferred tax liabilities				(1,423)
Lease liabilities				(3,375)
Deferred revenue				(4,000)
Other assets and liabilities				(5,188)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired				250,354
Homesnap | Measurement Period Adjustments
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				1,355
Deferred tax liabilities				(1,355)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired				$ 0
Ten-X
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents					$ 3,290
Accounts receivable					131
Lease right-of-use assets					4,945
Goodwill					134,322
Intangible assets					58,000
Deferred tax liabilities					(2,981)
Lease liabilities					(4,945)
Other assets and liabilities					(5,047)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired					$ 187,715

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ACQUISITIONS (Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 24, 2021	Dec. 22, 2020	Jun. 24, 2020
Homes.com
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 53,400
Homes.com | Customer base
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 32,000
Estimated Useful Life	8 years
Homes.com | Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 21,000
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
Homes.com | Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 400
Estimated Useful Life	2 years
Homesnap
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value		$ 67,000
Homesnap | Customer base
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value		$ 45,000
Estimated Useful Life		10 years
Homesnap | Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value		$ 7,000
Estimated Useful Life		10 years
Homesnap | Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value		$ 15,000
Estimated Useful Life		6 years
Ten-X
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			$ 58,000
Ten-X | Customer base
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			$ 46,000
Estimated Useful Life			6 years
Ten-X | Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			$ 11,000
Estimated Useful Life			5 years
Ten-X | Other intangible assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			$ 1,000
Estimated Useful Life			2 years

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ACQUISITIONS (Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 07, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Revenue | $		$ 499,319	$ 446,791	$ 1,455,316	$ 1,280,143
Net income | $		$ 64,303	$ 50,821	$ 193,595	$ 159,330
Net income per share - basic (usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.16	$ 0.13	$ 0.49	$ 0.43
Net income per share - diluted (usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.16	$ 0.13	$ 0.49	$ 0.42
Conversion ratio	10			10

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INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investments			$ 10,300,000
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt outstanding, fair value	1,020,000,000.00	1,020,000,000.00
Cash Equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure	$ 3,000,000,000	$ 3,000,000,000
Auction Rate Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss			$ 500,000

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LEASES (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2021
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of contract	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of contract	7 years

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LEASES (Lease Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating lease costs	$ 9,673	$ 8,515	$ 25,604	$ 24,478
Cost of revenues
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating lease costs	2,717	2,992	7,446	8,732
Software development
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating lease costs	1,910	1,628	4,913	4,412
Selling and marketing (excluding customer base amortization)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating lease costs	3,452	2,636	8,876	7,725
General and administrative
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total operating lease costs	$ 1,594	$ 1,259	$ 4,369	$ 3,609

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LEASES (Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Total	$ 139,315	$ 148,975
Less: imputed interest	(8,779)	(10,998)
Present value of lease liabilities	130,536	137,977
Less: current portion of lease liabilities	(29,878)	(32,648)
Long-term lease liabilities	$ 100,658	$ 105,329
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years
Weighted-average discount rate	2.80%	3.60%
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Lease and other long-term liabilities	Lease and other long-term liabilities

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LEASES (Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in operating leases	$ 28,082	$ 26,924
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$ 32,107	$ 11,124

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GOODWILL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance		$ 2,235,999	$ 1,882,020
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments		60,012	348,407
Effect of foreign currency translation		(2,497)	5,572
Goodwill, ending balance		2,293,514	2,235,999
North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance		2,085,494	1,738,360
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments		60,012	347,134
Effect of foreign currency translation		0	0
Goodwill, ending balance		2,145,506	2,085,494
International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance		150,505	143,660
Acquisitions, including measurement period adjustments		0	1,273
Effect of foreign currency translation		(2,497)	5,572
Goodwill, ending balance		148,008	150,505
Ten-X, Homesnap and STR | North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill increase (decrease)			300
Emporis | International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired			1,200
STR | International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill increase (decrease)			$ 100
Homesnap
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 184,371
Goodwill acquired	$ 184,000
Homesnap | North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill increase (decrease)		$ (26,000)

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GOODWILL (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 24, 2021	Dec. 22, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Homes.com
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	$ 88,000,000
Homesnap
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired		$ 184,000,000

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INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net	$ 447,900,000		$ 447,900,000		$ 426,745,000
Impairment of intangible assets, finite-lived	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Acquired technology and data
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	131,729,000		131,729,000		131,551,000
Accumulated amortization	(103,581,000)		(103,581,000)		(97,791,000)
Intangible assets, net	28,148,000		$ 28,148,000		33,760,000
Weighted-average amortization period			5 years
Acquired customer base
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	612,092,000		$ 612,092,000		545,643,000
Accumulated amortization	(351,478,000)		(351,478,000)		(296,758,000)
Intangible assets, net	260,614,000		$ 260,614,000		248,885,000
Weighted-average amortization period			10 years
Acquired trade names and other intangible assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	283,294,000		$ 283,294,000		249,465,000
Accumulated amortization	(124,156,000)		(124,156,000)		(105,365,000)
Intangible assets, net	$ 159,138,000		$ 159,138,000		$ 144,100,000
Weighted-average amortization period			12 years

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jul. 01, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total face amount of long-term debt	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes unamortized discount and issuance costs	(12,367,000)	(13,285,000)
Long-term debt, net	987,633,000	986,715,000
2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			2.80%
Total face amount of long-term debt	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total face amount of long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Narrative) (Details)		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total face amount of long-term debt		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
2.800% Senior Notes due July 15, 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total face amount of long-term debt	$ 1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Stated interest rate	2.80%
Discounted rate par value	99.921%
Redemption price rate	100.00%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total face amount of long-term debt		$ 0	0
Total leverage ratio		4.50
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Other Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs		$ 4,100,000	$ 4,900,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 750,000,000
Term of credit facility	5 years
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.25%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.30%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 20,000,000
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	0.00%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit | Minimum | Alternate Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	0.50%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.50%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit | Maximum | Alternate Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.25%
2020 Credit Agreement, due July 1, 2025 | Letter of Credit | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	2.25%

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 8,105	$ 8,066	$ 24,241	$ 13,724
Amortization of Senior Notes discount and issuance costs	583	574	1,742	1,082
Commitment fees and other	522	492	1,499	1,133
Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 7,000	$ 7,000	$ 21,000	$ 11,509

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INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	23.00%	16.00%	26.00%	15.00%

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating lease obligations
Remainder of 2021	$ 7,889
2022	28,817
2023	36,032
2024	32,457
2025	15,704
Thereafter	18,416
Total	139,315	$ 148,975
Long-term debt principal payments
Remainder of 2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0
Thereafter	1,000,000
Total debt	1,000,000
Long-term interest payments
Remainder of 2021	0
2022	28,000
2023	28,000
2024	28,000
2025	28,000
Thereafter	140,000
Total	$ 252,000

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) operating_segment	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments | operating_segment							2
Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 64,304	$ 61,148	$ 74,212	$ 58,186	$ 60,360	$ 72,793	$ 199,664	$ 191,339
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in cost of revenues	7,209			6,612			21,565	18,671
Amortization of acquired intangible assets in operating expenses	19,121			18,258			55,885	44,677
Depreciation and other amortization	6,610			6,806			22,138	20,563
Interest expense, net	7,943			7,537			23,698	9,482
Other (income) expense	(1,546)			338			(2,343)	(29)
Income tax expense	19,031			10,748			70,933	33,200
EBITDA	122,672			108,485			391,540	317,903
North America
Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss) [Abstract]
EBITDA	119,823			107,906			385,857	322,611
International
Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss) [Abstract]
EBITDA	$ 2,849			$ 579			$ 5,683	$ (4,708)

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SEGMENT REPORTING, ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 238,866	$ 126,325
Total goodwill	2,293,514	2,235,999	$ 1,882,020
Total assets	7,131,316	6,915,420
Total liabilities	1,527,893	1,540,061
North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total goodwill	2,145,506	2,085,494	1,738,360
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total goodwill	148,008	150,505	$ 143,660
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	237,010	123,634
Total goodwill	2,145,506	2,085,494
Total assets	6,853,670	6,674,974
Total liabilities	1,484,686	1,496,894
Operating Segments | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	1,856	2,691
Total goodwill	148,008	150,505
Total assets	277,646	240,446
Total liabilities	$ 43,207	$ 43,167

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PURCHASE OF BUILDING (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 22, 2021 USD ($)
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Purchase of building	$ 131

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - Oct. 01, 2021 € in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Subsequent Event | ComReal Info
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price	$ 41	€ 35