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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence, do not control, and are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which we do not exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.

Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]

Out-of-Period Adjustment

During the second quarter of 2014, we identified an error which understated a 2013 goodwill impairment charge by $3.9 million ($3.3 million, net of tax) see Note 6 – Goodwill, Net for further discussion. We recorded an out-of-period adjustment to correct the error in the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and reduced basic and diluted net income per share by $0.04 for the year ended December 31, 2014. We assessed the materiality of this error in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99 and SAB No. 108, and concluded the error was not material to the results of operations or financial condition for the prior annual, interim periods or the full year results for fiscal year 2014.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with general accepted accounting policies ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

Cash Equivalents

We consider cash equivalents to be all short-term investments that have an initial maturity of 90 days or less and are not restricted.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are generally due from mortgage originators and servicers, financial institutions, insurers, and other businesses, government and government-sponsored enterprises located throughout the United States and abroad. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the client’s financial condition, and generally, collateral is not required.

The allowance for doubtful accounts for all probable uncollectible receivables is based on a combination of historical data, cash payment trends, specific client issues, write-off trends, general economic conditions and other factors. These factors are continuously monitored by management to arrive at the estimate for the amount of accounts receivable that may be ultimately uncollectible. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific client’s inability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. Management believes the balances for allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are reasonably stated.

Marketable Securities

Debt securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in obligations of various corporations and mortgage-backed securities. Equity securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in marketable common and preferred stock. We classify our publicly traded debt and equity securities as available-for-sale and carry them at fair value with unrealized gains or losses classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our marketable securities consist primarily of investments in preferred stock of $22.3 million and $22.2 million, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Property and equipment includes computer software acquired or developed for internal use and for use with our products. Software development costs include certain payroll-related costs of employees directly associated with developing software and payments to third parties for completed or developing software. We begin capitalizing qualifying software development costs on a project when the preliminary project stage is completed and management has authorized further funding for completion. Capitalization ends once a project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended use. Costs incurred in the planning and post-implementation phases of software developing are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation on buildings and on furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 25 to 40, and 3 to 10 years, respectively. Capitalized software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over useful lives that are consistent with the lease terms.

Capitalized Data and Database Developement Costs, Net

Capitalized Data and Database Development Costs, Net

Capitalized data and database development costs represent our cost to acquire or develop the proprietary databases of information for client use. The costs are capitalized from the time the third party data is acquired until the information is ready for use, assuming both the preliminary project stage is complete and management has authorized funding for the completion of the data project. Property and eviction data costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 20 years.

The carrying value for the flood data zone certification is $55.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Because properly maintained flood zone databases have indefinite lives and do not diminish in value with the passage of time, no provision has been made for depreciation or amortization. We periodically analyze our assets for impairment. This analysis includes, but is not limited to, the effects of obsolescence, duplication, demand and other economic factors. See further discussion in Note 4 – Capitalized Data and Database Development Costs, Net.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is comprised of certificates of deposit that are pledged for various letters of credit secured by the Company. We deem the carrying value to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the nature of these instruments.

Purchase Accounting

The purchase method of accounting requires companies to assign values to assets and liabilities acquired based upon their fair values at the acquisition date. In most instances, there are not readily defined or listed market prices for individual assets and liabilities acquired in connection with a business, including intangible assets. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in many instances requires a high degree of estimation. The valuation of intangible assets, in particular, is very subjective. We generally obtain third-party valuations to assist us in estimating fair values. The use of different valuation techniques and assumptions could change the amounts and useful lives assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired and related amortization expense.

Goodwill

We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for each reporting unit every fourth quarter. In addition, we periodically assess whether events or circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. In assessing the overall carrying value of our goodwill and other intangibles, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include the following: cost factors, financial performance, legal and regulatory factors, entity specific events, industry and market factors, macroeconomic conditions and other considerations.

If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then our impairment testing process may include two additional steps. The first step (“Step 1”) compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its book value. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by using discounted cash flow analysis and market approach valuations. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, then goodwill is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is required. However, if the book value is greater than the fair value, a second step (“Step 2”) must be completed to determine if the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeds the book value of the goodwill.

Step 2 involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which Step 1 indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in Step 1, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. The valuation of goodwill requires assumptions and estimates of many critical factors including revenue growth, cash flows, market multiples and discount rates. Forecasts of future operations are based, in part, on operating results and our expectations as to future market conditions. These types of analysis contain uncertainties because they require us to make assumptions and to apply judgments to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, we may be exposed to an additional impairment loss that could be material.

These tests utilize a variety of valuation techniques, all of which require us to make estimates and judgments. Fair value is determined by employing an expected present value technique, which utilizes multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes and an appropriate discount rate. The use of comparative market multiples compares the reporting unit to other comparable companies (if such comparables are present in the marketplace) based on valuation multiples to arrive at a fair value. We also use certain of these valuation techniques in accounting for business combinations, primarily in the determination of the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. In assessing the fair value, we utilize the results of the valuations and consider the range of fair values determined under all methods and the extent to which the fair value exceeds the book value of the equity. See further discussion in Note 6 – Goodwill, Net.

Other Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of covenants not to compete, client lists and trade names. Each of these intangible assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life ranging from 2 to 20 years and is subject to impairment tests on a periodic basis.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets held and used include investment in affiliates, property and equipment, capitalized software and other intangible assets. Management uses estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest) to measure the recoverability of long-lived assets held and used, at the asset group level, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the impairment loss recorded is the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value.

In addition, we carry long-lived assets held for sale at the lower of cost or market as of the date that certain criteria have been met.

Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues principally from U.S. mortgage originators and servicers with good creditworthiness. Our product and service deliverables are generally comprised of data or other related services. Our revenue arrangements with our clients generally include a work order or written agreement specifying the data products or services to be delivered and related terms of sale including payment amounts and terms. The primary revenue recognition-related judgments we exercise are to determine when all of the following criteria have been met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.

For products or services where delivery occurs at a point in time, we recognize revenue upon delivery. These products or services include sales of tenancy data and analytics, credit solutions for mortgage and automotive industries, under-banked credit services, flood data and services, claims management and default services.

For products or services where delivery occurs over time, we recognize revenue ratably on a subscription basis over the contractual service period once initial delivery has occurred. Generally these service periods range from one to three years. Products or services recognized on a license or subscription basis include information and analytic products, flood database licenses, realtors solutions and lending solutions. For certain of our products or services, clients may also pay us upfront set-up fees, which we defer and recognize into revenue over the longer of the contractual term or expected client relationship period.

Tax service revenues are comprised of periodic loan fees and life-of-loan fees. For periodic loans, we generate monthly fees at a contracted fixed rate for as long as we service the loan. Loans serviced with a one-time, life-of-loan fee are billed once the loan is boarded to our tax servicing system in accordance with a client tax servicing agreement. Life-of-loan fees are then deferred and recognized ratably over the expected service period. The rates applied to recognize revenues assume a 10-year expected life and are adjusted to reflect prepayments. We review the tax service contract portfolio quarterly to determine if there have been material changes in the expected lives, deferred on-boarding costs, expected service period and/or changes in the number and/or timing of prepayments. Accordingly, we may adjust the rates to reflect current trends.

Cost of Services

Cost of services represents direct costs incurred in the creation and delivery of our products and services. Cost of services consists primarily of data acquisition costs, royalty fees, hardware and software expense associated with transaction processing systems, telecommunication and computer network expense and occupancy costs associated with facilities where these functions are performed by employees. Cost of services also includes client service costs, which include personnel costs to collect, maintain and update our proprietary databases, to develop and maintain software application platforms and to provide consumer and client call center support.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, selling costs, restructuring costs, corporate costs, fees for professional and consulting services, advertising costs, uncollectible accounts and other costs of administration such as marketing, human resources, finance, legal and administrative roles.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates we expect to apply in the years in which we expect to recover or settle those temporary differences. We recognize in income the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is more likely than not. We reflect changes in recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions within income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.

We evaluate the need to establish a valuation allowance based upon expected levels of taxable income, future reversals of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. We establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive income/(loss) includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Specifically, foreign currency translation adjustments, amounts related to supplemental benefit plans, unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swap transactions and unrealized gains and losses on investment are recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss).

The following table shows the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:



	2014			2013
Cumulative foreign currency translation	$	(77,460	)	$	(50,787	)
Cumulative supplemental benefit plans	(4,266		)	(568		)
Net unrecognized losses on interest rate swap	(2,335		)	(2,482		)
Net unrealized gains on marketable securities	275			248
Accumulative other comprehensive loss	$	(83,786	)	$	(53,589	)

Share-based Compensation

We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. We used the binomial lattice option-pricing model to estimate the fair value for any options granted after December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2009. For the options granted subsequent to December 31, 2009, we used the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value. We utilize the Monte-Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value for any performance-based restricted stock units (“PBRSUs”) granted. We utilize the straight-line single option method of attributing the value of stock-based compensation expense unless another expense attribution model is required. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in results of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, stock-based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We apply the long-form method for determining the pool of windfall tax benefits.

Currently, our primary means of providing stock-based compensation is granting restricted stock units (“RSUs”), PBRSUs and stock options. The fair value of any grant is based on the market value of our shares on the date of grant and is generally recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Shares granted to certain key employees have graded vesting and have a service and performance requirement and are therefore expensed using the accelerated multiple-option method to record stock-based compensation expense. All other awards have graded vesting and service is the only requirement to vest in the award and are therefore generally expensed using the straight-line single option method to record stock-based compensation expense.

In addition, we have an employee stock purchase plan that allows eligible employees to purchase common stock of the Company at 85.0% of the closing price on the first or last day of each quarter, whichever is lower (which was updated for 2014 from the closing price on the last day of each quarter). We recognize an expense in the amount equal to the estimated fair value of the discount. The 2001 employee stock purchase plan expired in September 2011. Our 2012 employee stock purchase plan was approved by our stockholders at our 2012 annual meeting of stockholders and the first offering period commenced in October 2012.

See Note 13 –Share-based Compensation Plans for additional information related to stock options and restricted stock units.

Foreign Currency

The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are their respective local currencies. The financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars for consolidation as follows: assets and liabilities at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, stockholders’ equity at the historical rates of exchange and income and expense amounts at average rates prevailing throughout the period. Translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ accounts are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss),” a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included within “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and are not material to the results of operations.

Earnings (loss) Per Share

Earnings/(loss) Per Share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) available to our stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive stock options had been exercised and RSUs and PBRSUs were vested. The dilutive effect of stock options and unvested RSUs and PBRSUs is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs and PBRSUs would be used to purchase shares of common stock at the average market price for the period. The assumed proceeds include the purchase price the grantee pays, the hypothetical windfall tax benefit that we receive upon assumed exercise or vesting and the hypothetical average unrecognized compensation expense for the period. We calculate the assumed proceeds from excess tax benefits based on the “as-if” deferred tax assets calculated under stock-based compensation standards.

Escrow Administration Arrangements

Tax Escrow Disbursement Arrangements

We administer tax escrow disbursements as a service to our clients in connection with our tax services business. These deposits are maintained in segregated accounts for the benefit of our clients. These deposits totaled $265.6 million and $317.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Because these deposits are held on behalf of our clients, they are not our funds and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

These deposits generally remain in the accounts for a period of two to five business days, and we invest the funds in highly-rated, liquid investments, such as bank deposit products or AAA-rated money market funds. We earn interest income from these investments and bear the risk of any losses. However, we have not historically incurred any investment losses and do not anticipate incurring any future investment losses. As a result, we do not maintain any reserves for losses in value of these investments.

Under our contracts with our clients, if we make a payment in error or fail to pay a taxing authority when a payment is due, we could be held liable to our clients for all or part of the financial loss they suffer as a result of our act or omission. We maintained claim reserves relating to incorrect disposition of assets of $20.2 million and $21.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.