SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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

Basis of Consolidation and Accounting for Investments and Equity Securities

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.

Accounting for Investments and Equity Securities

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 and are included in "Long-term investments" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any investments accounted for using the equity method.

Investments in equity securities, other than those of our consolidated subsidiaries and those accounted for under the equity method, are accounted for at fair value or under the measurement alternative of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, following its adoption on January 1, 2018, with any changes to fair value recognized within other income (expense), net each reporting period. Under the measurement alternative, equity investments without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer; value is generally determined based on a market approach as of the transaction date. An investment will be considered identical or similar if it has identical or similar rights to the equity investments held by the Company. The Company reviews its equity securities for impairment each reporting period when there are qualitative factors or events that indicate possible impairment. Factors we consider in making this determination include negative changes in industry and market conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. When indicators of impairment exist, the Company prepares quantitative assessments of the fair value of our equity securities, which require judgment and the use of estimates. When our assessment indicates that the fair value of the security is below the carrying value, the Company writes down the security to its fair value and records the corresponding charge within other income (expense), net. See "Accounting Pronouncements adopted by the Company" below for further information.

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 these estimates.

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to: the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets; the useful lives and recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets and property and equipment; the fair values of marketable debt securities and equity securities without readily determinable fair values; the carrying value of accounts receivable, including the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts; the determination of revenue reserves; the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration arrangements; unrecognized tax benefits; 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 adopted the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method for open contracts as of the date of initial application. See "Accounting Pronouncements adopted by the Company" below for further information.

The Company accounts for a contract with a customer when it has approval and commitment from all parties, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services or goods is transferred to our customers, and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company is contractually due in exchange for those services or goods.

Transaction Price

The objective of determining the transaction price is to estimate the amount of consideration the Company is due in exchange for its services or goods, including amounts that are variable. The Company determines the total transaction price, including an estimate of any variable consideration, at contract inception and reassesses this estimate each reporting period.

The Company excludes from the measurement of transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both (i) imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and (ii) collected from customers. Accordingly, such tax amounts are not included as a component of revenue or cost of revenue.

For contracts that have an original duration of one year or less, the Company uses the practical expedient available under ASU No. 2014-09 applicable to such contracts and does not consider the time value of money.

Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations

The Company’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers, which are directly observable or based on an estimate if not directly observable. For our multiple performance obligation arrangements that include functional intellectual property ("IP"), which comprise the downloadable apps and software of the Applications segment, the Company uses a residual approach to determine standalone selling prices for the functional IP.

Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer

The Company has determined that certain costs, primarily commissions paid to employees pursuant to certain sales incentive programs and mobile app store fees, meet the requirements to be capitalized as a cost of obtaining a contract. Commissions paid to employees pursuant to certain sales incentive programs are amortized over the estimated customer relationship period. The Company calculates the estimated customer relationship period as the average customer life, which is based on historical data. When customer renewals are expected and the renewal commission is not commensurate with the initial commission, the average customer life includes renewal periods. For sales incentive programs where the customer relationship period is one year or less, the Company has elected the practical expedient to expense the costs as incurred. The Company generally capitalizes and amortizes mobile app store fees over the term of the applicable subscription.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized expense of $355.3 million related to the amortization of these costs. The current and non-current contract asset balances at December 31, 2018 are $69.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The current and non-current contract assets are included in "Other current assets" and "Other non-current assets," respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Performance Obligations

As permitted under the practical expedient available under ASU No. 2014-09, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, (ii) contracts with variable consideration that is allocated entirely to unsatisfied performance obligations or to a wholly unsatisfied promise accounted for under the series guidance, and (iii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

Match Group

Match Group revenue is primarily derived directly from users in the form of recurring subscriptions. Subscription revenue is presented net of credits and credit card chargebacks. Subscribers pay in advance, primarily by credit card or through mobile app stores, and, subject to certain conditions identified in our terms and conditions, generally all purchases are final and nonrefundable. Revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period, which generally ranges from one to six months. Revenue is also earned from online advertising, the purchase of à la carte features and offline events. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from the purchase of à la carte features is recognized based on usage. Revenue associated with offline events is recognized when each event occurs.

ANGI Homeservices

ANGI revenue is primarily derived from (i) consumer connection revenue, which comprises fees paid by HomeAdvisor service professionals for consumer matches (regardless of whether the service professional ultimately provides the requested service) and booking fees from completed jobs sourced through the Handy platform, and (ii) membership subscription fees paid by HomeAdvisor service professionals. Consumer connection revenue varies based upon several factors, including the service requested, product experience offered and geographic location of service. The Company’s consumer connection revenue is generated and recognized when an in-network service professional is delivered a consumer match or when a job sourced through the Handy platform is completed. Membership subscription revenue from service professionals is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the applicable subscription period, which is typically one year. Consumer connection revenue is generally billed one week following a consumer match, with payment due upon receipt of invoice or collected when a consumer schedules a job through the Handy platform. The Company maintains revenue reserves for potential credits for services provided by Handy service professionals to consumers.

ANGI revenue is also derived from Angie's List (i) sales of time-based website, mobile and call center advertising to service professionals and (ii) membership subscription fees from consumers. Angie's List service professionals generally pay for advertisements in advance on a monthly or annual basis at the option of the service professional, with the average advertising contract term being approximately one year. Angie's List website, mobile and call center advertising revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term. Revenue from the sale of advertising in the Angie’s List Magazine is recognized in the period in which the publication is distributed. Angie's List prepaid consumer membership subscription fees are recognized as revenue using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period, which is typically one year.

Vimeo

Vimeo revenue is derived primarily from annual and monthly SaaS subscription fees paid by creators for premium capabilities and, to a lesser extent, sales of live streaming hardware, software and professional services. Subscription revenue is recognized over the terms of the applicable subscription period, which are typically one month or one year.

Dotdash

Dotdash revenue consists principally of digital advertising revenue and affiliate commerce commission revenue. Digital advertising revenue is generated primarily through digital display advertisements sold directly and through programmatic advertising networks. Affiliate commerce commission revenue is generated when Dotdash refers users to commerce partner websites resulting in a purchase or transaction.

Applications

Desktop revenue largely consists of advertising revenue generated principally through the display of paid listings in response to search queries. The substantial majority of the paid listings displayed by our Desktop businesses is supplied to us by Google Inc. ("Google") pursuant to our services agreement with Google. Pursuant to this agreement, those of our Desktop businesses that provide search services transmit search queries to Google, which in turn transmits a set of relevant and responsive paid listings back to these businesses for display in search results. This ad-serving process occurs independently of, but concurrently with, the generation of algorithmic search results for the same search queries. Google paid listings are displayed separately from algorithmic search results and are identified as sponsored listings on search results pages. Paid listings are priced on a price per click basis and when a user submits a search query through one of our Desktop businesses 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 us. 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, we recognize the amount due from Google as revenue and record a revenue share or other payment obligation to the third-party distributor as traffic acquisition costs.

To a lesser extent, Desktop revenue also includes fees related to subscription downloadable desktop applications as well as display advertisements. Fees related to subscription downloadable desktop applications are generally recognized over the term of the applicable subscription period, which is primarily one or two years. Fees related to display advertisements are recognized when an advertisement is displayed.

Mosaic Group revenue consists primarily of fees related to subscription downloadable mobile applications distributed through the Apple App and Google Play stores, as well as display advertisements. Fees related to subscription downloadable mobile applications are generally recognized at the time of the sale when the software license is delivered. To the extent updates or maintenance is required or expected, revenue is recognized over the term of the applicable subscription period, which is primarily one or two years. Fees related to display advertisements are recognized when an advertisement is displayed.

Emerging & Other

Revenue of Ask Media Group consists principally of advertising revenue, which is generated primarily through the display of paid listings in response to search queries and display advertisements (sold directly and through programmatic ad sales). The majority of the paid listings displayed are supplied to us by Google in the manner, and pursuant to the services agreement with Google, described above under "Applications."

The Daily Beast revenue consists of advertising revenue, which is generated primarily through display advertisements (sold directly and through programmatic ad sales).

BlueCrew revenue consists of service revenue, which is generated through staffing temporary workers and recognized as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers.

Revenue of College Humor Media and IAC Films is generated primarily through media production and distribution and advertising. Production revenue is recognized when control is transferred to the customer to broadcast or exhibit, and advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed or over the advertising period.

Accounts Receivables, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Reserves

Accounts receivable include amounts billed and currently due from customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of accounts receivable that will not be collected. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history and the specific customer’s ability to pay its obligation. The time between the Company issuance of an invoice and payment due date is not significant; customer payments that are not collected in advance of the transfer of promised services or goods are generally due no later than 30 days from invoice date. The Company also maintains allowances to reserve for potential credits issued to consumers or other revenue adjustments. The amounts of these reserves are based primarily upon historical experience.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of advance payments that are received or are contractually due in advance of the Company's performance. The Company’s deferred revenue is reported on a contract by contract basis at the end of each reporting period. The Company classifies deferred revenue as current when the term of the applicable subscription period or expected completion of our performance obligation is one year or less. The deferred revenue balance at January 1, 2018 is $332.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized $330.2 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2018. The current and non-current deferred revenue balances at December 31, 2018 are $360.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Non-current deferred revenue is included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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 AAA rated government money market funds, treasury discount notes, commercial paper rated A1/P1 or better, time deposits and certificates of deposit. Internationally, cash equivalents primarily consist of AAA rated government money market funds and time deposits.

Investments in Debt Securities

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. Marketable debt securities are adjusted to fair value each quarter, and the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The specific-identification method is used to determine the cost of debt securities sold and the amount of unrealized gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. The Company also invests in non-marketable debt securities as part of its investment strategy. We review our debt securities for impairment each reporting period. The Company recognizes an unrealized loss on debt securities in net earnings when the impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary. Factors we consider in making such determination include the duration, severity and reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery and our intent to sell the debt security. We also consider whether we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and whether the amortized cost basis cannot be recovered because of credit losses. If an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the debt security will be written down to its fair value and the loss will be recognized within other income (expense), net. At December 31, 2018, marketable debt securities consist of treasury discount notes and commercial paper rated A1/P1 or better.

Certain Risks and Concentrations

A meaningful 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 Inc. ("Google").

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, consolidated revenue earned from Google was $825.2 million, $740.7 million and $824.4 million, representing 19%, 22% and 26%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated revenue. A meaningful portion of this revenue is attributable to the service agreement with Google and earned by the Desktop business within the Applications segment and the Ask Media Group within the Emerging & Other segment. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, revenue earned from Google represents 73%, 83% and 87% of Applications revenue and 94%, 96% and 96% of Ask Media Group revenue (and 68%, 48% and 35% of Emerging & Other revenue), respectively. Accounts receivable related to revenue earned from Google totaled $69.1 million and $72.4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The services agreement became effective on April 1, 2016, following the expiration of the previous services agreement, and expires on March 31, 2020. The services agreement requires that the Company comply with certain guidelines promulgated by Google. Google may generally unilaterally update its policies and guidelines without advance notice, which could in turn 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. Google’s policy changes related to its Chrome browser became effective on September 12, 2018 and negatively impacted the distribution of our business-to-consumer ("B2C") desktop products. The impact of these changes on revenue and profits in 2018 were modest as the Company optimized marketing spend in anticipation of the changes. However, we expect these changes to reduce revenue and profits of the Desktop business in the future, which among other reasons led to a $27.7 million impairment of the related indefinite-lived intangible asset in the fourth quarter of 2018. See "Note 21—Subsequent Events (Unaudited)" for a discussion of the Company's amended services agreement with Google entered into on February 11, 2019.

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.

Property and Equipment

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.

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, or, in the case of leasehold improvements, the lease term, if shorter.

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 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 and is assigned to the reporting unit(s) that is expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date.

In connection with certain business combinations, the Company has entered into contingent consideration arrangements that are determined to be part of the purchase price. Each of these arrangements is initially 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 determines the fair value of the contingent consideration arrangements using probability-weighted analyses to determine the amounts of the gross liability, and, if the arrangement is long-term in nature, applying a discount rate that appropriately captures the risk associated with the obligation to determine the net amount reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Significant changes in forecasted earnings or operating metrics would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The changes in the remeasured fair value of the contingent consideration arrangements during each reporting period, including the accretion of the discount, if applicable, are recognized in "General and administrative expense" in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

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.

When 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, a quantitative assessment is performed and the fair value of the reporting unit is determined. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment equal to the excess is recorded.

For the Company's annual goodwill test at October 1, 2018, a qualitative assessment of the MTCH, ANGI, Vimeo, College Humor Media and BlueCrew reporting units' goodwill was performed because the Company concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value of these reporting units was in excess of their respective carrying values. The primary factors that the Company considered in its qualitative assessment for each of these reporting units are described below:


•	MTCH's October 1, 2018 market capitalization of $15.7 billion exceeded its carrying value by approximately $15.1 billion and MTCH's strong operating performance.


•	ANGI's October 1, 2018 market capitalization of $10.7 billion exceeded its carrying value by approximately $9.6 billion and ANGI's strong operating performance.

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The Company performed valuations of the Vimeo, College Humor Media and BlueCrew reporting units during 2018. These valuations were prepared primarily in connection with the issuance and/or settlement of equity grants that are denominated in the equity of these businesses. The valuations were prepared time proximate to, however, not as of, October 1, 2018. The fair value of each of these businesses was in excess of its October 1, 2018 carrying value.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment when it concludes that it is more likely than not that there may be an impairment. For the Company's annual goodwill test at October 1, 2018, the Company quantitatively tested the Desktop and Mosaic Group reporting units (included in the Applications segment). The Company's quantitative test indicated that the fair value of these reporting units are in excess of their respective carrying values; therefore, the goodwill of these reporting units are not impaired. The Company's Dotdash, Ask Media Group and The Daily Beast reporting units have no goodwill.

The aggregate goodwill balance for the reporting units for which the most recent estimate of fair value is less than 110% of their carrying values is approximately $265.1 million.

The fair value of the Company's reporting units (except for MTCH and ANGI described above) is determined using both an income approach based on discounted cash flows ("DCF") and a market approach when it tests goodwill for impairment, either on an interim basis or annual basis as of October 1 each year. The Company uses the same approach in determining the fair value of its businesses in connection with its non-public subsidiary denominated stock-based compensation plans, which can be a significant factor in the decision to apply the qualitative screen. Determining fair value using a DCF analysis 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 forecast and 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 are intended to 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 based on each reporting unit's current results and forecasted future performance, as well as macroeconomic and industry specific factors. The discount rates used in the quantitative test for determining the fair value of the Company's reporting units ranged from 12.5% to 15% in 2018 and 12.5% to 17.5% in 2017. Determining fair value using a market approach considers multiples of financial metrics based on both acquisitions and trading multiples of a selected peer group of companies. From the comparable companies, a representative market multiple is determined which is applied to financial metrics to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. To determine a peer group of companies for our respective reporting units, we considered companies relevant in terms of consumer use, monetization model, margin and growth characteristics, and brand strength operating in their respective sectors. While a primary driver in the determination of the fair values of the Company's reporting units is the estimate of future revenue and profitability, the determination of fair value is based, in part, upon the Company's assessment of macroeconomic factors, industry and competitive dynamics and the strategies of its businesses in response to these factors.

While the Company has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of its indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than their carrying values, the Company's policy is to determine the fair value of each of its indefinite-lived intangible assets annually as of October 1. The Company determines the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets using an avoided royalty DCF valuation analysis. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis 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 are intended to 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 10.5% to 35% in 2018 and 11% to 16% 2017, and the royalty rates used ranged from 0.75% to 8.0% in 2018 and 2% to 7% in 2017.

The aggregate indefinite-lived intangible asset balance for which the most recent estimate of fair value is less than 110% of their carrying values is approximately $131.3 million.

The 2018 annual assessment of goodwill did not identify any impairments. The 2018 annual assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets identified impairment charges of $27.7 million and $1.1 million related to certain Desktop and College Humor Media indefinite-lived trade names, respectively. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge at Desktop was due to Google’s policy changes related to its Chrome browser which became effective on September 12, 2018 and have negatively impacted the distribution of our B2C downloadable desktop products. The impairment charge related to the B2C trade name was identified in our annual impairment assessment as of October 1, 2018 and reflects the projected reduction in profits and revenues and the resultant reduction in the assumed royalty rate from these policy changes. The impairment charges are included in "Amortization of intangibles" in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The 2017 annual assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets did not identify any impairments.

While the 2016 annual assessment did not identify any material impairments, during the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge equal to the entire $275.4 million at IAC Publishing. In connection with the Company's realignment of its reportable segments in the fourth quarter of 2018, $198.3 million and $77.0 million was allocated to the Dotdash and the Emerging & Other reportable segments, respectively, based upon their relative fair values as of October 1, 2018. In addition, amortization of intangibles was further impacted by the inclusion of impairment charges in 2016 of $9.0 million and $2.6 million related to certain Dictionary.com and Dotdash indefinite-lived trade names, respectively. The goodwill impairment charges at IAC Publishing was driven by the impact from the Google contract, traffic trends and monetization challenges and the corresponding impact on the then estimate of fair value. The expected cash flows used in the IAC Publishing DCF analysis were based on the Company's most recent forecast for the second half of 2016 and each of the years in the forecast period, which were updated to include the effects of the Google contract, traffic trends and monetization challenges and the cost savings from our restructuring efforts. For years beyond the forecast period, the Company's estimated cash flows were based on forecasted growth rates. The discount rate used in the DCF analysis reflected the risks inherent in the expected future cash flows of the IAC Publishing reporting unit. Determining fair value using a market approach considers multiples of financial metrics based on both acquisitions and trading multiples of a selected peer group of companies. From the comparable companies, a representative market multiple was determined which was applied to financial metrics to estimate the fair value of the IAC Publishing reporting unit. To determine a peer group of companies for IAC Publishing, we considered companies relevant in terms of business model, revenue profile, margin and growth characteristics and brand strength. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges related to certain trade names and trademarks and were due to reduced level of revenue and profits, which, in turn, also led to a reduction in the assumed royalty rates for these assets. The royalty rates used to value the trade names that were impaired ranged from 2% to 6% and the discount rate that was used reflected the risks inherent in the expected future cash flows of the trade names and trademarks. The impairment charge is included in "Amortization of intangibles" in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The Company’s operating segments are MTCH, ANGI, Vimeo, Dotdash and Applications, which are also reportable segments, and within its Emerging & Other reportable segment, Ask Media Group, BlueCrew, The Daily Beast, College Humor Media and IAC Films. The Company’s reporting units are consistent with its operating segments, with the exception of Desktop and Mosaic Group, which are separate reporting units within the Applications operating segment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level.

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 market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

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Level 2: Other inputs, which are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted market 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 6—Financial Instruments" 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 are adjusted to fair value only when an impairment is recognized. The Company's financial assets, comprising equity securities without readily determinable fair values, are adjusted to fair value when observable price changes are identified or an impairment is recognized. Such fair value measurements are based predominantly on Level 3 inputs.

Traffic Acquisition Costs

Traffic acquisition costs consist of (i) the amortization of fees paid to Apple and Google related to the distribution and the facilitation of in-app purchases and (ii) payments made to partners who distribute our business-to-business customized browser-based applications and who integrate our paid listings into their 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.

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, social media sites and third parties that distribute our B2C downloadable applications, offline marketing, which is primarily television advertising, and partner-related payments to those who direct traffic to the brands within our MTCH and ANGI segments. Advertising expense is $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 direct-to consumer 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 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 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.

The Company evaluates and accounts for uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. Recognition (step one) occurs when the Company concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustainable upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. De-recognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when the Company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act imposes a new minimum tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") earned by foreign subsidiaries beginning in 2018. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740 No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity may make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred. The Company elects to recognize the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred.

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 income (expense), net. See "Note 17—Consolidated Financial Statement Details" for additional information regarding foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

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

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests in the consolidated subsidiaries of the Company are ordinarily 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, all noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder are presented 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 in the future. Two of these arrangements were exercised during both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and one of these arrangements was exercised during the year ended December 31, 2016. 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded adjustments of $4.1 million, $6.3 million and $7.9 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 Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements adopted by the Company

ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which superseded nearly all previous revenue recognition guidance. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method for open contracts as of the date of initial application. The cumulative effect to the Company's retained earnings at January 1, 2018 was an increase of $40.2 million, of which $3.4 million was related to the noncontrolling interest in ANGI; the adjustment to retained earnings was principally related to the Company’s ANGI and Applications segments.

•

Within ANGI, the effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 is that commissions paid to employees pursuant to certain sales incentive programs, which represent the incremental direct costs of obtaining a service professional contract, are now capitalized and amortized over the estimated life of a service professional (also referred to as the estimated customer relationship period). These costs were expensed as incurred prior to January 1, 2018. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 was the establishment of a current and non-current asset for capitalized sales commissions of $29.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively, and a related deferred tax liability of $8.0 million, resulting in a net increase to retained earnings of $25.9 million on January 1, 2018.

•

Within Applications, the primary effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 is to accelerate the recognition of the portion of the revenue of certain desktop applications sold by SlimWare that qualifies as functional intellectual property ("functional IP") under ASU No. 2014-09. This revenue was previously deferred and recognized over the applicable subscription term. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 for SlimWare was a reduction in deferred revenue of $20.3 million and the establishment of a deferred tax liability of $4.9 million, resulting in a net increase to retained earnings of $15.5 million on January 1, 2018.

The Company's disaggregated revenue disclosures are presented in "Note 12—Segment Information."

The following table presents the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 by segment under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as reported, and ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, for the year ended December 31, 2018.



	Under ASC 606 (as reported)			Under ASC 605			Effect of adoption of ASU No. 2014-09
	(In thousands)
Revenue by segment:
Match Group	$	1,729,850		$	1,729,850		$	—
ANGI Homeservices	1,132,241			1,132,241			—
Vimeo	159,641			160,931			(1,290		)
Dotdash	130,991			130,991			—
Applications	582,287			581,492			795
Emerging & Other	528,250			528,250			—
Inter-segment eliminations	(368		)	(368		)	—
Total	$	4,262,892		$	4,263,387		$	(495	)

Operating costs and expenses by segment:
Match Group	$	1,176,556		$	1,176,556		$	—
ANGI Homeservices	1,068,335			1,073,275			(4,940		)
Vimeo	195,235			196,212			(977		)
Dotdash	112,213			112,213			—
Applications	487,453			484,644			2,809
Emerging & Other	498,286			498,286			—
Corporate	159,675			159,675			—
Total	$	3,697,753		$	3,700,861		$	(3,108	)

Operating income (loss) by segment:
Match Group	$	553,294		$	553,294		$	—
ANGI Homeservices	63,906			58,966			4,940
Vimeo	(35,594		)	(35,281		)	(313		)
Dotdash	18,778			18,778			—
Applications	94,834			96,848			(2,014		)
Emerging & Other	29,964			29,964			—
Corporate	(160,043		)	(160,043		)	—
Total	$	565,139		$	562,526		$	2,613

Net earnings	$	757,747		$	755,741		$	2,006

ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Under ASU No. 2016-01, equity securities, other than those of our consolidated subsidiaries and those accounted for under the equity method, will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations each reporting period. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. There was no cumulative impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 on January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 increases the volatility of the Company's other income (expense), net as a result of the remeasurement of these instruments. For the year ended December 31, 2018, other income (expense), net includes net unrealized gains related to certain equity securities that were adjusted to fair value in the second quarter of 2018 in accordance with ASU No. 2016-01 of $126.4 million. See "Note 6—Financial Instruments" for additional information.

ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires companies to explain the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents are combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 also requires companies to disclose the nature of their restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balances. Additionally, when cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents are presented within different captions on the balance sheet, a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet is required. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 effective January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis, did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet to the total amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows:



	December 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,131,632	$	1,630,809	$	1,329,187	$	1,481,447
Restricted cash included in other current assets	1,633		2,873		20,464		126
Restricted cash included in other assets	420		—		10,548		20,100
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows	$	2,133,685	$	1,633,682	$	1,360,199	$	1,501,673

Restricted cash at December 31, 2018 primarily consists of a cash collateralized letter of credit and a deposit related to corporate credit cards.

Restricted cash at December 31, 2017 primarily supports a letter of credit to a supplier, which was released to the Company in the second quarter of 2018.

Restricted cash at December 31, 2016 primarily included funds held in escrow for the redemption and repurchase of IAC Senior Notes and the MyHammer tender offer. In the first quarter of 2017, the Senior Notes were redeemed and repurchased and the funds held in escrow for the MyHammer tender offer were returned to the Company.

Restricted cash at December 31, 2015 primarily includes the repurchase of IAC Senior Notes.

ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, which clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement that is a services contract to follow the internal-use software guidance of ASC 350-40, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, Internal-use Software. The provisions of ASU No. 2018-15 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The provisions of ASU No. 2018-15 may be adopted prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption or retrospectively. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2018-15 on October 1, 2018 prospectively and the adoption of this standard did not have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, which largely aligns the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments granted to non-employees with the guidance for share-based payments granted to employees. The new guidance supersedes Subtopic 505-50, Equity - Equity-Based payments to Nonemployees. ASU No. 2018-07 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2018-07 effective April 1, 2018 and its adoption did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. The effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2018-07 will be to minimize the volatility of expense related to stock-based awards to non-employees in the future.

Accounting Pronouncement not yet adopted by the Company

ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases and generally requires all leases to be recognized in the statement of financial position. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt the new lease guidance effective January 1, 2019. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides the option of an additional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the new lease guidance at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company expects to implement the transition method option provided by ASU No. 2018-11.

The Company is not a lessor, has no capitalized leases and does not expect to enter into any capitalized leases prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the amount or classification of rent expense in its statement of operations to be affected by the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02. The primary effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 will be the recognition of a right of use asset and related lease liability to reflect the Company's rights and obligations under its operating leases. The Company will also be required to provide the additional disclosures stipulated in ASU No. 2016-02.

The adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 will not have an impact on the leverage calculation set forth in any of the agreements governing the outstanding debt of the Company or its MTCH and ANGI subsidiaries, or our credit agreement or the credit agreement of MTCH and ANGI because, in each circumstance, the leverage calculations are not affected by the lease liability that will be recorded upon adoption of the new standard.

While the Company's evaluation of the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements continues, outlined below is a summary of the status of the Company's progress:


•	the Company has selected a software solution to implement ASU No. 2016-02;


•	the Company has input lease summaries into the software solution;


•	the Company is assessing the other inputs required in connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02; and


•	the Company is developing its accounting policy, procedures and internal controls related to the new standard.

Development of the selected software solution by the third-party vendor is ongoing. While significant progress has been made, certain key deliverables remain, which the Company expects to be delivered in March 2019. The Company's ability to adopt ASU No. 2016-02 in an efficient and effective manner is contingent upon the delivery and testing of these remaining deliverables. The Company has been able to develop a preliminary estimate of the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 through the use of the third-party software solution, supplemented by our user acceptance testing. This preliminary estimate is that a $160 million right of use asset and related lease liability will be recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheet upon adoption. The Company does not expect a material impact on its results of operations or cash flows.

Reclassifications

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