XML 52 R31.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Accounting for Investments

Basis of Presentation

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

Basis of Consolidation and Accounting for Investments

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, all entities that are wholly-owned by the Company and all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

Investments in the common stock or in-substance common stock of entities in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial matters of the investee, but does not have a controlling financial interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in the common stock or in-substance common stock of entities in which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial matters of the investee are accounted for using the cost method. Investments in companies that IAC does not control, which are not in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock, are also accounted for using the cost method. The Company evaluates each cost and equity method investment for impairment on a quarterly basis and recognizes an impairment loss if a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. Such impairment evaluations include, but are not limited to: the current business environment, including competition; going concern considerations such as financial condition, the rate at which the investee utilizes cash and the investee's ability to obtain additional financing to achieve its business plan; the need for changes to the investee's existing business model due to changing business and regulatory environments and its ability to successfully implement necessary changes; and comparable valuations. If the Company has not identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of a cost method investment, then the fair value of such cost method investment is not estimated, as it is impracticable to do so.

Accounting Estimates

Management of the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions during the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates, judgments and assumptions impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments including those related to: the fair values of marketable securities and other investments; the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets; the useful lives and recovery of definite-lived intangible assets and property and equipment; the carrying value of accounts receivable, including the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue reserves; the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration; the liabilities for uncertain tax positions; the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets; and the fair value of and forfeiture rates for stock-based awards, among others. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, its forecasts and budgets and other factors that the Company considers relevant.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services are rendered or merchandise is delivered to customers, the fee or price charged is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue is recorded when payments are received in advance of the Company's rendering of services or delivery of merchandise.

Search & Applications

The Search & Applications segment's revenue consists principally of advertising revenue, which is generated primarily through the display of paid listings in response to search queries, as well as from display advertisements appearing on its websites and to a lesser extent, the syndication of search results generated by Ask-branded destination search websites. The Company obtains the substantial majority of its paid listings from third-party providers, primarily Google Inc. ("Google"). Paid listings are priced on a price per click basis and when a user submits a search query and then clicks on a Google paid listing displayed in response to the query, Google bills the advertiser that purchased the paid listing directly and shares a portion of the fee charged to the advertiser with the Company. The Company recognizes paid listing revenue from Google when it delivers the user's click. In cases where the user's click is generated due to the efforts of a third-party distributor, the Company recognizes the amount due from Google as revenue and records the revenue share or other payment obligation to the third-party distributor as traffic acquisition costs.

Search & Applications also generates revenue from subscription fees, which is recognized over the terms of the applicable subscriptions (which range from one to two years) and from sales of apps and in-app purchases, which is recognized at the time of the sale.

The Match Group

Revenue of the dating businesses is derived principally from subscription fees for subscription-based online personals and related services. Subscription fee revenue is recognized over the terms of the applicable subscriptions, which primarily range from one to six months. Deferred revenue at the dating businesses is $117.9 million and $116.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The dating businesses also earn revenue from online advertising, which is recognized when an ad is displayed, and the purchase of add-on or premium features, which is recognized based on usage.

The Princeton Review and Tutor's revenue consists primarily of fees received for in-person and online test preparation classes, access to online test preparation materials and individual tutoring services. Fees from classes and access to online materials are recognized over the period of the course and the period of the online access, respectively. Tutoring fees are generally collected in the form of subscription fees that entitle the subscriber to a certain number of tutoring sessions over a certain period of time. These fees are recognized over the term of the subscription based on usage.

DailyBurn's revenue consists primarily of subscription fee revenue, which is recognized over the terms for the applicable subscriptions, which range from one to twelve months.

Media

Revenue of businesses included in this segment is generated primarily through media production, subscriptions and advertising. Media production revenue is recognized when the production is available for the customer to broadcast or exhibit, subscription fee revenue is recognized over the terms of the applicable subscriptions, which are one month or one year, and advertising revenue is recognized when an ad is displayed or over the period earned.

eCommerce

HomeAdvisor's lead acceptance revenue is generated and recognized when an in-network home service professional is delivered a consumer lead. HomeAdvisor's membership subscription revenue is generated through subscription sales to service professionals and is deferred and recognized over the terms of the memberships, which are one month, three months, or one year. HomeAdvisor's website hosting revenue is deferred and recognized over the period of the hosting agreement.

ShoeBuy's revenue consists of merchandise sales, reduced by incentive discounts and sales returns, and is recognized when delivery to the customer has occurred. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership, which is on the date of shipment. Accruals for returned merchandise are based on historical experience. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenue. The costs associated with shipping goods to customers are recorded as cost of revenue.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments, with maturities of less than 91 days from the date of purchase. Domestically, cash equivalents primarily consist of commercial paper rated A2/P2 or better and AAA rated money market funds. Internationally, cash equivalents primarily consist of AAA rated money market funds and time deposits.

Marketable Securities

At December 31, 2014, marketable securities consist of short-to-medium-term debt securities issued by investment grade corporate issuers and an equity security. The Company invests in marketable debt securities with active secondary or resale markets to ensure portfolio liquidity to fund current operations or satisfy other cash requirements as needed. The Company also invests in marketable equity securities as part of its investment strategy. All marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The specific-identification method is used to determine the cost of securities sold and the amount of unrealized gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.

The Company employs a methodology that considers available evidence in evaluating potential other-than-temporary impairments of its investments. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is determined to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of the amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in current earnings and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

Certain Risks and Concentrations

A substantial portion of the Company's revenue is derived from online advertising, the market for which is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Significant changes in this industry or changes in advertising spending behavior or in customer buying behavior could adversely affect our operating results. Most of the Company's online advertising revenue is attributable to a services agreement with Google, which expires on March 31, 2016. Our services agreement requires that we comply with certain guidelines promulgated by Google. Subject to certain limitations, Google may unilaterally update its policies and guidelines, which could require modifications to, or prohibit and/or render obsolete certain of our products, services and/or business practices, which could be costly to address or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, revenue earned from Google is $1.4 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. This revenue is earned by the businesses comprising the Search & Applications segment. Accounts receivable related to revenue earned from Google totaled $118.7 million and $112.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company's business is subject to certain risks and concentrations including dependence on third-party technology providers, exposure to risks associated with online commerce security and credit card fraud.

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with financial institutions and are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue reserves. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company's previous loss history, the specific customer's ability to pay its obligation to the Company and the condition of the general economy and the customer's industry. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. The Company also maintains allowances to reserve for potential credits issued to customers or other revenue adjustments. The amounts of these reserves are based, in part, on historical experience.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, including significant improvements, are recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.



Asset Category	Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings and leasehold improvements	3 to 39 Years
Computer equipment and capitalized software	2 to 3 Years
Furniture and other equipment	3 to 12 Years

The Company capitalizes certain internal use software costs including external direct costs utilized in developing or obtaining the software and compensation for personnel directly associated with the development of the software. Capitalization of such costs begins when the preliminary project stage is complete and ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. The net book value of capitalized internal use software is $36.9 million and $30.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Business Combinations

The purchase price of each acquisition is attributed to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets that either arise from a contractual or legal right or are separable from goodwill. The fair value of these intangible assets is based on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. The excess purchase price over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets is recorded as goodwill.

In connection with some business combinations, the Company has entered into contingent consideration arrangements that are determined to be part of the purchase price. Each of these arrangements are recorded at its fair value at the time of the acquisition and reflected at current fair value for each subsequent reporting period thereafter until settled. The contingent consideration arrangements are generally based upon earnings performance and/or operating metrics. The Company generally determines the fair value of contingent consideration using probability-weighted analyses over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and, to the extent the arrangement is long-term in nature, applies a discount rate that appropriately captures the risk associated with the obligation. Significant changes in forecasted earnings or operating metrics would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Determining fair value is inherently difficult and subjective and can have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The changes in the remeasured fair value of the contingent consideration arrangements each reporting period are recognized in “General and administrative expense” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. See Note 7 for a discussion of contingent consideration arrangements.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting unit(s) that is expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. The Company assesses goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit or the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value.

There were no material impairment charges recorded in the three year period ended December 31, 2014. At October 1, 2014, the date of our most recent annual impairment assessment, the fair value of the Company's reporting units exceed their carrying values. The fair value of the Search & Applications reporting unit currently exceeds its carrying value by approximately 15%. If operating results vary significantly from anticipated results, future, potentially material, impairments of goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangible assets could occur. To illustrate the magnitude of a potential impairment charge relative to future changes in estimated fair value, had the estimated fair value of Search & Applications been hypothetically lower by 20% as of October 1, 2014, the carrying value of Search & Applications would have exceeded its fair value by approximately $100 million.

The Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, no further assessment of that reporting unit's goodwill is necessary; otherwise, the fair value of the reporting unit has to be determined and if the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded. The Company also has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, the fair value of the asset does not need to be determined; otherwise, the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset has to be determined and if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded.

The Company determines the fair values of its reporting units using both an income approach based on discounted cash flows ("DCF") and a market approach based on a multiple of earnings. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment with respect to several items, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and appropriate discount rates. The expected cash flows used in the DCF analyses are based on the Company's most recent budget and, for years beyond the budget, the Company's estimates, which are based, in part, on forecasted growth rates. The discount rates used in the DCF analyses reflect the risks inherent in the expected future cash flows of the respective reporting units. Assumptions used in the DCF analyses, including the discount rate, are assessed annually based on each reporting unit's current results and forecast, as well as macroeconomic and industry specific factors. The discount rates used in the Company's annual goodwill impairment assessment ranged from 13% to 19% in 2014 and 13% to 25% in 2013.

The Company determines the fair values of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using avoided royalty DCF analyses. Significant judgments inherent in these analyses include the selection of appropriate royalty and discount rates and estimating the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The discount rates used in the DCF analyses reflect the risks inherent in the expected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets. The royalty rates used in the DCF analyses are based upon an estimate of the royalty rates that a market participant would pay to license the Company's trade names and trademarks. Assumptions used in the avoided royalty DCF analyses, including the discount rate and royalty rate, are assessed annually based on the actual and projected cash flows related to the asset, as well as macroeconomic and industry specific factors. The discount rates used in the Company's annual indefinite-lived impairment assessment ranged from 10% to 20% in 2014 and 10% to 18% in 2013, and the royalty rates used ranged from 1% to 9% in both 2014 and 2013.

The Company's reporting units are consistent with its determination of its operating segments. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the Company's method of determining operating and reportable segments.

Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets with Definite Lives

Long-lived assets, which consist of property and equipment and intangible assets with definite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying value is deemed not to be recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is computed either on a straight-line basis or based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the asset will be realized.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company categorizes its financial instruments measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:


•	Level 1: Observable inputs obtained from independent sources, such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

•

Level 2: Other inputs, which are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair values of the Company's Level 2 financial assets are primarily obtained from observable market prices for identical underlying securities that may not be actively traded. Certain of these securities may have different market prices from multiple market data sources, in which case an average market price is used.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and require the Company to develop its own assumptions, based on the best information available in the circumstances, about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. See Note 7 for a discussion of fair value measurements made using Level 3 inputs.

The Company's non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, as well as equity and cost method investments, are adjusted to fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized. Such fair value measurements are based predominantly on Level 3 inputs.

Traffic Acquisition Costs

Traffic acquisition costs consist of payments made to partners who distribute our B2B customized browser-based applications, integrate our paid listings into their websites or direct traffic to our websites. These payments include amounts based on revenue share and other arrangements. The Company expenses these payments in the period incurred as a component of cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred (when the advertisement first runs for production costs that are initially capitalized) and represent online marketing, including fees paid to search engines and third parties that distribute our B2C downloadable applications, and offline marketing, which is primarily television advertising. Advertising expense is $971.8 million, $824.1 million and $774.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company capitalizes and amortizes the costs associated with certain distribution arrangements that require it to pay a fee per access point delivered. These access points are generally in the form of downloadable applications associated with our B2C operations. These fees are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the access points to the extent the Company can reasonably estimate a probable future economic benefit and the period over which such benefit will be realized (generally 18 months). Otherwise, the fees are charged to expense as incurred.

Legal Costs

Legal costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company records interest, net of any applicable related income tax benefit, on potential income tax contingencies as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to IAC shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised or equity awards vested resulting in the issuance of common stock that could share in the earnings of the Company.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses

The financial position and operating results of foreign entities whose primary economic environment is based on their local currency are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. These local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange as of the balance sheet date, and local currency revenue and expenses of these operations are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders' equity. Transaction gains and losses resulting from assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of other (expense) income, net.

Translation gains and losses relating to foreign entities that are liquidated or substantially liquidated are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is generally expensed over the requisite service period. See Note 12 for a discussion of the Company's stock-based compensation plans.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests in the consolidated subsidiaries of the Company should ordinarily be reported on the consolidated balance sheet within shareholders' equity, separately from the Company's equity. However, securities that are redeemable at the option of the holder and not solely within the control of the issuer must be classified outside of shareholders' equity. Accordingly, if redemption of the noncontrolling interests is outside the control of the Company, the interests are included outside of shareholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

In connection with the acquisition of certain subsidiaries, management of these businesses has retained an ownership interest. The Company is party to fair value put and call arrangements with respect to these interests. These put and call arrangements allow management of these businesses to require the Company to purchase their interests or allow the Company to acquire such interests at fair value, respectively. The put arrangements do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument as the put agreements do not provide for net settlement. These put and call arrangements become exercisable by the Company and the counter-party at various dates over the next four years. No put and call arrangements were exercised during 2014 and 2012. During 2013, two of these arrangements were exercised. These put arrangements are exercisable by the counter-party outside the control of the Company. Accordingly, to the extent that the fair value of these interests exceeds the value determined by normal noncontrolling interest accounting, the value of such interests is adjusted to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded adjustments of $27.8 million, $40.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, to increase these interests to fair value. Fair value determinations require high levels of judgment and are based on various valuation techniques, including market comparables and discounted cash flow projections.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common standard for all industries. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or cumulative effect approach to adopt ASU No. 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance and has not yet determined whether the adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or the method of adoption.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.