Match 10-Q 9 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 03, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	Match Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,575,189
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,228,514
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		209,919,402
Class C Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Una

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 157,576	$ 253,651
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $775 and $676, respectively	108,659	63,853
Assets of a business held for sale	0	133,272
Other current assets	45,847	39,618
Total current assets	312,082	490,394
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $89,482 and $70,667, respectively	62,934	62,954
Goodwill	1,250,113	1,206,447
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $11,414 and $9,350, respectively	230,670	217,682
Deferred income taxes	245,549	5,286
Long-term investments	62,159	55,355
Other non-current assets	12,018	10,560
TOTAL ASSETS	2,175,525	2,048,678
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	18,311	7,357
Deferred revenue	196,568	161,124
Liabilities of a business held for sale	0	37,058
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	126,001	108,720
Total current liabilities	340,880	314,259
Long-term debt	1,253,998	1,176,493
Income taxes payable	8,382	9,126
Deferred income taxes	29,297	25,339
Other long-term liabilities	14,968	20,877
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,947	6,062
Commitments and contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; authorized 500,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	89,030	490,587
Retained earnings	541,234	182,063
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(108,484)	(176,384)
Total Match Group, Inc. shareholders' equity	522,053	496,522
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	2,175,525	2,048,678
Common Stock
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	63	46
Class B Convertible Common Stock
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	210	210
Class C Common Stock
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Un3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable allowance and reserves	$ 775	$ 676
Property and equipment accumulated depreciation and amortization	89,482	70,667
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	$ 11,414	$ 9,350
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	63,099,199	45,797,402
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	63,099,199	45,797,402
Class B Convertible Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	209,919,402	209,919,402
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	209,919,402	209,919,402
Class C Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenue	$ 343,418	$ 287,530	$ 951,754	$ 823,240
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)	72,044	50,770	193,557	141,516
Selling and marketing expense	94,870	87,889	289,706	281,156
General and administrative expense	49,940	30,014	137,721	104,383
Product development expense	27,008	17,345	73,089	58,438
Depreciation	8,147	7,192	23,619	20,119
Amortization of intangibles	401	3,382	1,208	15,004
Total operating costs and expenses	252,410	196,592	718,900	620,616
Operating income	91,008	90,938	232,854	202,624
Interest expense	(19,548)	(20,850)	(57,570)	(61,872)
Other (expense) income, net	(9,925)	6,034	(25,453)	4,389
Earnings from continuing operations, before tax	61,535	76,122	149,831	145,141
Income tax benefit (provision)	226,236	(19,973)	214,039	(41,615)
Net earnings from continuing operations	287,771	56,149	363,870	103,526
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(85)	555	(4,647)	(5,502)
Net earnings	287,686	56,704	359,223	98,024
Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	2	(294)	(52)	(384)
Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders	$ 287,688	$ 56,410	$ 359,171	$ 97,640
Net earnings per share from continuing operations:
Basic, from continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 1.08	$ 0.22	$ 1.39	$ 0.41
Diluted, from continuing operations (in usd per share)	0.98	0.21	1.22	0.38
Net earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders:
Basic (in usd per share)	1.08	0.22	1.38	0.39
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.98	$ 0.21	$ 1.21	$ 0.36
Stock-based compensation expense by function:
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 19,949	$ 10,718	$ 53,627	$ 40,810
Cost of revenue
Stock-based compensation expense by function:
Stock-based compensation expense	430	378	1,246	1,093
Selling and marketing expense
Stock-based compensation expense by function:
Stock-based compensation expense	1,146	853	3,253	2,555
General and administrative expense
Stock-based compensation expense by function:
Stock-based compensation expense	12,669	7,479	35,740	26,250
Product development expense
Stock-based compensation expense by function:
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 5,704	$ 2,008	$ 13,388	$ 10,912

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings		$ 287,686	$ 56,704	$ 359,223	$ 98,024
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	[1]	33,750	1,086	68,440	7,045
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	[2]	0	0	0	(2,964)
Total other comprehensive income		33,750	1,086	68,440	4,081
Comprehensive income		321,436	57,790	427,663	102,105
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(273)	(359)	(592)	(448)
Comprehensive income attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders		$ 321,163	$ 57,431	$ 427,071	$ 101,657
[1]	The nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income into earnings. See "Note 6—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" for additional information.
[2]	The nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes unrealized gains reclassified out of other comprehensive income into earnings. See "Note 6—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" for additional information.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHARE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Common StockCommon Stock	Common StockClass B Convertible Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015							$ (136,820)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 4,017
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2016							(132,803)
Increase (Decrease) in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Net earnings for period	384
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2016							(133,824)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2016							(132,803)
Increase (Decrease) in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Net earnings for period	294
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2016	496,522		$ 46	$ 210	$ 490,587	$ 182,063	(176,384)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016			45,797	209,919
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings for period	359,171					359,171
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	67,900						67,900
Stock-based compensation expense	39,141				39,141
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based awards, net of withholding taxes	(243,233)		$ 6		(243,239)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based awards, net of withholding taxes (in shares)			6,164
Issuance of common stock to IAC pursuant to the employee matters agreement	(197,555)		$ 11		(197,566)
Issuance of common stock to IAC pursuant to the employee matters agreement (in shares)			11,138
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to fair value	107				107
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	522,053		$ 63	$ 210	89,030	541,234	(108,484)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017			63,099	209,919
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2016	6,062	$ 6,062
Increase (Decrease) in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Net earnings for period	52	52
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		540
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(436)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to fair value		(107)
Other		(164)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	5,947	5,947
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2017							(141,959)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	522,053		$ 63	$ 210	$ 89,030	$ 541,234	$ (108,484)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017			63,099	209,919
Increase (Decrease) in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Net earnings for period	(2)
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 5,947	$ 5,947

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations:
Net earnings from continuing operations	$ 363,870	$ 103,526
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations:
Stock-based compensation expense	53,627	40,810
Depreciation	23,619	20,119
Amortization of intangibles	1,208	15,004
Deferred income taxes	(239,796)	(3,123)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration fair value adjustments	4,397	(2,723)
Other adjustments, net	16,578	(1,706)
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(42,902)	(2,640)
Other assets	(9,001)	(11,741)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities	15,399	5,244
Income taxes payable	11,923	7,166
Deferred revenue	30,717	25,538
Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations	229,639	195,474
Cash flows from investing activities attributable to continuing operations:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(456)
Capital expenditures	(21,638)	(36,983)
Proceeds from the sale of a business, net	96,144	0
Proceeds from sale of a marketable security	0	11,716
Purchase of investments	(9,076)	(500)
Other, net	41	4,600
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities attributable to continuing operations	65,471	(21,623)
Cash flows from financing activities attributable to continuing operations:
Term Loan borrowings	75,000	0
Proceeds from bond offering	0	400,000
Principal payments on Term Loan	0	(410,000)
Debt issuance costs	(1,814)	(5,048)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based awards	57,705	30,246
Cash payments to purchase fully vested equity awards and pay withholding taxes on behalf of employees on net settled stock-based awards	(501,437)	(29,779)
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(436)	(1,129)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration payments	(23,429)	0
Other, net	(165)	(12,181)
Net cash used in financing activities attributable to continuing operations	(394,576)	(27,891)
Total cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	(99,466)	145,960
Net cash used in operating activities attributable to discontinued operations	(6,061)	(643)
Net cash used in investing activities attributable to discontinued operations	(471)	(3,470)
Total cash used in discontinued operations	(6,532)	(4,113)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	9,923	1,134
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(96,075)	142,981
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	253,651	88,173
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 157,576	$ 231,154

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGN

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1—THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Match Group, Inc. is the world's leading provider of dating products. We operate a portfolio of over 45 brands, including Match, Tinder, PlentyOfFish, Meetic, OkCupid, Pairs, Twoo, OurTime, BlackPeopleMeet and LoveScout24, each designed to increase our users' likelihood of finding a romantic connection. Through our portfolio of trusted brands, we provide tailored products to meet the varying preferences of our users. We currently offer our dating products in 42 languages across more than 190 countries. Following the sale of our Non-dating segment in March 2017, Match Group is managed as a portfolio of dating brands and has one operating segment, Dating. Through the brands within our Dating business, we are a leading provider of membership-based and ad-supported dating products servicing North America, Western Europe and many other regions around the world. We provide these services through websites and mobile and web applications that we own and operate. At September 30, 2017 , IAC/InterActiveCorp's ("IAC") ownership interest and voting interest in Match Group were 81.3% and 97.6% , respectively. All references to "Match Group," the "Company," "we," "our," or "us" in this report are to Match Group, Inc. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and reflect, in management's opinion, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . 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. All intercompany transactions and balances between and among the Company, its subsidiaries and the entities comprising Match Group have been eliminated. For the purposes of these financial statements, income taxes have been computed for Match Group on an as if stand-alone, separate tax return basis. 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. 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 value of long-term investments; 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; 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements not yet adopted by the Company In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") 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. ASU No. 2014-09 was subsequently amended during 2015, 2016 and 2017; these amendments provide further revenue recognition guidance related to principal versus agent considerations, performance obligations and licensing, and narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The new standard provides a single principles-based, five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. This five-step model includes (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. More specifically, revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Upon adoption, ASU No. 2014-09 may either be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or using the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. While the Company’s evaluation of the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements continues, it has progressed to the point where we have reached certain determinations. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s assessment of the accounting for mobile app store fees incurred in connection with obtaining members is still preliminary and ongoing. The Company currently capitalizes these costs and amortizes them over the period of the applicable membership periods, which generally range from one to six months. The Company’s initial conclusions in applying ASU No. 2014-09 to these costs were: (1) these costs represent the incremental direct costs of obtaining a membership contract and (2) would, therefore, continue to be capitalized and amortized as incurred. The Company is reassessing this conclusion in light of its finding that there are divergent and evolving interpretations of the correct application of ASU No. 2014-09 to these costs. The total capitalized mobile app store fees were $19.8 million as of September 30, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and does not expect to record a material adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases in "Leases (Topic 840)" 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; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard update will have on its consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncement adopted by the Company In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting , which provides guidance about the changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award for which an entity is required to apply modification accounting in "Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 are to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 during the third quarter of 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill under the previous two-step impairment test to measure a goodwill impairment charge. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 are to be applied using a prospective approach. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. Under ASU No. 2016-15, cash payments not made soon after the acquisition date of a business combination to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for operating activities and financing activities. Cash payments up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability initially recognized at the acquisition date (including measurement-period adjustments) are classified as financing activities; any excess is classified as operating activities. Cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a business combination by an acquirer to settle a contingent consideration liability are classified as cash outflows for investing activities. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payments Accounting . The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to equity awards to employees upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units after January 1, 2017 are (i) reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes, rather than recognized in equity, and (ii) reflected as operating, rather than financing, cash flows in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $263.6 million . Excess tax benefits of $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were reclassified in the consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the current year presentation. Upon adoption, the calculation of fully diluted shares excludes excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds in applying the treasury stock method whereas they previously were included in this calculation; this change increased fully diluted shares by approximately 8.3 million and 2.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company continues to account for forfeitures using an estimated forfeiture rate. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 2—INCOME TAXES Match Group is included within IAC's tax group for purposes of federal and consolidated state income tax return filings. In all periods presented, current income tax provision and deferred income tax benefit have been computed for Match Group on an as if stand-alone, separate return basis. Match Group's payments to IAC for its share of IAC's consolidated federal and state tax return liabilities have been reflected within cash flows from operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows. At the end of each interim period, the Company makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective income tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date earnings or loss. The income tax provision or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items, if applicable, that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effects are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates, tax status, judgment on the realizability of beginning-of-the-year deferred tax assets in future years or the liabilities for uncertain tax positions is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs. The computation of the annual expected effective income tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected pre-tax income (or loss) for the year, projections of the proportion of income (and/or loss) earned and taxed in foreign jurisdictions, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision or benefit for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained or our tax environment changes. To the extent that the expected annual effective income tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in income tax provision in the quarter in which the change occurs. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $226.2 million and $214.0 million , respectively. The income tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 is due primarily to the effect of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Under ASU No. 2016-09, excess tax benefits generated by the exercise, purchase or settlement of stock-based awards of $245.3 million and $263.6 million are recognized as a reduction to the income tax provision rather than as an increase to additional paid-in capital in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded an income tax provision from continuing operations of $20.0 million and $41.6 million , respectively, which represents effective income tax rates of 26% and 29% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is lower than the statutory rate of 35% due principally to foreign income taxed at lower rates and the non-taxable gain on contingent consideration fair value adjustments. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is lower than the statutory rate of 35% due principally to foreign income taxed at lower rates. The Company recognizes interest and, if applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had accrued $1.7 million and $1.5 million , respectively, for the payment of interest. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company has accrued $1.5 million and $1.6 million , respectively, for penalties. Match Group is routinely under audit by federal, state, local and foreign authorities in the area of income tax as a result of previously filed separate company tax returns and consolidated tax returns with IAC. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income and deductions among various tax jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing IAC's federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2012, which includes the operations of Match Group. The statute of limitations for the years 2010 through 2013 has been extended to June 30, 2018. Various other jurisdictions are open to examination for tax years beginning with 2009. Income taxes payable include reserves considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns. Changes to reserves from period to period and differences between amounts paid, if any, upon the resolution of audits and amounts previously provided may be material. Differences between the reserves for income tax contingencies and the amounts owed by the Company are recorded in the period they become known. At both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, were $27.4 million . At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , approximately $18.2 million and $17.7 million , respectively, was included in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions included in IAC's consolidated tax return filings. If unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2017 are subsequently recognized, $24.8 million , net of related deferred tax assets and interest, would reduce income tax expense. The comparable amount as of December 31, 2016 was $25.9 million . The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $14.8 million within twelve months of September 30, 2017 , due to expirations of statutes of limitations. The Company regularly assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets considering all available evidence including, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of prior cumulative losses, forecasts of future taxable income, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, available tax planning and historical experience, to the extent these items are applicable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has a gross deferred tax asset of $257.4 million that the Company expects to fully utilize on a more likely than not basis.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	NOTE 3—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On March 31, 2017, Match Group sold its Non-dating business, which operated under the umbrella of The Princeton Review, to ST Unitas, a global education technology company. We recognized a loss on the sale of the business of $1.2 million , which is reported within discontinued operations. The components of assets and liabilities of a business held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Accounts receivable, net $ 8,677 Other current assets 3,847 Property and equipment, net 6,774 Goodwill 74,396 Intangible assets, net 31,488 Other non-current assets 8,090 Total assets of a business held for sale $ 133,272 Accounts payable $ 3,467 Deferred revenue 22,886 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 8,771 Other long-term liabilities 1,934 Total liabilities of a business held for sale $ 37,058 The key components of (loss) income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Revenue $ — $ 28,917 $ 23,980 $ 79,609 Operating costs and expenses — (28,101 ) (29,601 ) (87,623 ) Operating income (loss) — 816 (5,621 ) (8,014 ) Other (expense) income (168 ) 110 (1,171 ) 65 Income tax benefit (expense) 83 (371 ) 2,145 2,447 (Loss) income from discontinued operations $ (85 ) $ 555 $ (4,647 ) $ (5,502 )

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FIN

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	NOTE 4—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 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 below for a discussion of fair value measurements made using Level 3 inputs. The following tables present the Company's financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2017 Quoted Market Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 40,895 $ — $ — $ 40,895 Time deposits — 5,942 — 5,942 Total $ 40,895 $ 5,942 $ — $ 46,837 Liabilities: Contingent consideration arrangements $ — $ — $ (1,792 ) $ (1,792 ) December 31, 2016 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Measurements (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 85,225 $ — $ — $ 85,225 Liabilities: Contingent consideration arrangements $ — $ — $ (19,418 ) $ (19,418 ) The following tables present the changes in the Company's financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Contingent Consideration Arrangements (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (24,829 ) $ (34,732 ) Total net (losses) gains: Fair value adjustments (59 ) 5,129 Included in other comprehensive loss (333 ) (332 ) Settlements 23,429 — Balance at September 30 $ (1,792 ) $ (29,935 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Contingent Consideration Arrangements (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (19,418 ) $ (28,993 ) Total net (losses) gains: Fair value adjustments (4,397 ) 2,723 Included in other comprehensive loss (1,406 ) (5,613 ) Fair value at date of acquisition — (185 ) Settlements 23,429 — Other — 2,133 Balance at September 30 $ (1,792 ) $ (29,935 ) Contingent consideration arrangements As of September 30, 2017 , there is one contingent consideration arrangement related to a business acquisition. The maximum contingent payment related to this arrangement is $3.0 million and the gross fair value of this arrangement, before the unamortized discount, at September 30, 2017 is $2.1 million . The sole remaining contingent consideration arrangement is based upon earnings performance. Previous contingent consideration arrangements were based upon earnings performance and/or operating metrics. The Company determined the fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement by using probability-weighted analyses to determine the amounts of the gross liability, and, because the arrangement is long-term in nature, applying a discount rate, that appropriately captures the risks associated with the obligation to determine the net amount reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The fair values of the contingent consideration arrangements at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 reflect a 12% discount rate. The fair value of contingent consideration arrangements is sensitive to changes in the forecasts of earnings and changes in discount rates. The Company remeasures the fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement each reporting period, including the accretion of the discount, if applicable, and changes are recognized in “General and administrative expense” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The contingent consideration arrangement liability at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 includes a current portion of $0.6 million and $19.0 million , respectively, and non-current portion of $1.2 million and $0.4 million , respectively, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis The Company's non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, as well as 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. Cost method investments At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying values of the Company's investments accounted for under the cost method totaled $62.2 million and $55.4 million , respectively, and are included in "Long-term investments" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company evaluates each cost 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. 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. During the first quarter of each of 2017 and 2016 , we recognized other-than-temporary impairment charges of $2.3 million and $0.7 million , respectively, related to certain cost method investments as a result of our assessment of the near-term prospects and financial condition of the investees. The fair value measurements of these impairments are based on Level 3 inputs. On October 23, 2017, a cost method investment with a carrying value of $51.1 million was sold for net cash proceeds of $60.2 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $9.1 million , which will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017. Financial instruments measured at fair value only for disclosure purposes The following table presents the carrying value and the fair value of financial instruments measured at fair value only for disclosure purposes. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ (1,253,998 ) $ (1,322,039 ) $ (1,176,493 ) $ (1,244,641 ) The fair value of long-term debt is estimated using market prices or indices for similar liabilities and taking into consideration other factors such as credit quality and maturity, which are Level 3 inputs.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	NOTE 5—LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) 6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (the "2016 Senior Notes"); interest payable each June 1 and December 1, which commenced December 1, 2016 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 6.75% Senior Notes due December 15, 2022 (the "2015 Senior Notes"); interest payable each June 15 and December 15, which commenced June 15, 2016 445,172 445,172 Term Loan due November 16, 2022 (a) 425,000 350,000 Total debt 1,270,172 1,195,172 Less: Unamortized original issue discount and original issue premium, net 4,470 5,245 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs 11,704 13,434 Total long-term debt $ 1,253,998 $ 1,176,493 ______________________ (a) The Term Loan matures on November 16, 2022; provided that, if any of the 2015 Senior Notes remain outstanding on the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of the 2015 Senior Notes, the Term Loan maturity date shall be September 15, 2022, the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of the 2015 Senior Notes. Senior Notes : The 2016 Senior Notes were issued on June 1, 2016. The proceeds of $400 million were used to repay a portion of indebtedness then outstanding under the Term Loan. At any time prior to June 1, 2019, these notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to the sum of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole premium. Thereafter, these notes may be redeemed at redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 2016 Senior Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption date. The 2015 Senior Notes were issued on November 16, 2015, in exchange for a portion of IAC's 4.75% Senior Notes due December 15, 2022 (the "IAC 2012 Senior Notes") (the "Match Exchange Offer"). Promptly following the Match Exchange Offer, the Company and its subsidiaries were designated as unrestricted subsidiaries of IAC for purposes of the indentures governing the IAC 4.875% Senior Notes due November 30, 2018, the IAC 2012 Senior Notes and the IAC Credit Facility. Following this designation, neither Match Group nor any of its subsidiaries guarantee any debt of IAC, or are subject to any of the covenants related to such debt. At any time prior to December 15, 2017, the 2015 Senior Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to the sum of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole premium. Thereafter, these notes may be redeemed at redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 2015 Senior Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption date. The indentures governing the 2016 and 2015 Senior Notes contain covenants that would limit the Company's ability to pay dividends or to make distributions and repurchase or redeem Match Group stock in the event a default has occurred or Match Group's leverage ratio (as defined in the indentures) exceeds 5.0 to 1.0. At September 30, 2017 , there were no limitations pursuant thereto. There are additional covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur indebtedness, make investments, or sell assets in the event the Company is not in compliance with the financial ratio set forth in the indenture, and (ii) incur liens, enter into agreements restricting the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates and consolidate, merge or sell substantially all of their assets. Term Loan and Credit Facility : On November 16, 2015, under a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), the Company borrowed $800 million in the form of a term loan (the "Term Loan"). On March 31, 2016, the Company made a $10 million principal payment on the Term Loan. In addition, on June 1, 2016, the $400 million in proceeds from the 2016 Senior Notes were used to repay a portion of the Term Loan. On December 8, 2016, the Company made an additional $40 million principal payment on the Term Loan and the remaining outstanding balance of $350 million was repriced. On August 14, 2017, the Company borrowed an additional $75 million on the Term Loan and the outstanding balance of $425 million , which is due at maturity, was repriced. The Term Loan provides for additional annual principal payments as part of an excess cash flow sweep provision, the amount of which, if any, is governed by the secured net leverage ratio contained in the Credit Agreement. The Term Loan bears interest, at our option, at a base rate or LIBOR, plus 1.50% or 2.50% , respectively, and in the case of LIBOR, a floor of 0.00% . The interest rate on the Term Loan at September 30, 2017 is 3.81% . Interest payments are due at least quarterly through the term of the loan. The Company has a $500 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that expires on October 7, 2020. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. The annual commitment fee on undrawn funds based on the current leverage ratio is 30 basis points . Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at a base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin, which is determined by reference to a pricing grid based on the Company's consolidated net leverage ratio. The terms of the Credit Facility require the Company to maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio of not more than 5.0 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.5 to 1.0. There are additional covenants under the Credit Facility and the Term Loan that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur indebtedness, pay dividends or make distributions. While the Term Loan remains outstanding, these same covenants under the Credit Agreement are more restrictive than the covenants that are applicable to the Credit Facility. Obligations under the Credit Facility and Term Loan are unconditionally guaranteed by certain Match Group wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, and are also secured by the stock of certain Match Group domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Term Loan and outstanding borrowings, if any, under the Credit Facility rank equally with each other, and have priority over the 2016 and 2015 Senior Notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing the borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	NOTE 6—ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following tables present the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (141,959 ) $ (141,959 ) Other comprehensive income 33,475 33,475 Balance at September 30 $ (108,484 ) $ (108,484 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (133,824 ) $ (133,824 ) Other comprehensive income 1,021 1,021 Balance at September 30 $ (132,803 ) $ (132,803 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (176,384 ) $ (176,384 ) Other comprehensive income 67,186 67,186 Amounts reclassified into earnings 714 714 Net current period other comprehensive income 67,900 67,900 Balance at September 30 $ (108,484 ) $ (108,484 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain on Available-For-Sale Security Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (139,784 ) $ 2,964 $ (136,820 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 6,981 94 7,075 Gain on sale of available-for-sale security reclassified into earnings — (3,058 ) (3,058 ) Net period other comprehensive (loss) income 6,981 (2,964 ) 4,017 Balance at September 30 $ (132,803 ) $ — $ (132,803 ) At both September 30, 2017 and 2016 , there was no tax benefit or provision on the accumulated other comprehensive loss.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE The following tables set forth the computation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Match Group shareholders: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net earnings from continuing operations $ 287,771 $ 287,771 $ 56,149 $ 56,149 Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 2 2 (294 ) (294 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders 287,773 287,773 55,855 55,855 (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (85 ) (85 ) 555 555 Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 287,688 $ 287,688 $ 56,410 $ 56,410 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 267,487 267,487 253,176 253,176 Dilutive securities including subsidiary denominated equity, stock options and RSU awards (a)(b) — 25,573 — 16,848 Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding 267,487 293,060 253,176 270,024 Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings per share from continuing operations $ 1.08 $ 0.98 $ 0.22 $ 0.21 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 1.08 $ 0.98 $ 0.22 $ 0.21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net earnings from continuing operations $ 363,870 $ 363,870 $ 103,526 $ 103,526 Net earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (52 ) (52 ) (384 ) (384 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders 363,818 363,818 103,142 103,142 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (4,647 ) (4,647 ) (5,502 ) (5,502 ) Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 359,171 $ 359,171 $ 97,640 $ 97,640 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 260,876 260,876 250,316 250,316 Dilutive securities including subsidiary denominated equity, stock options and RSU awards (a)(b) — 36,431 — 18,394 Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding 260,876 297,307 250,316 268,710 Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings per share from continuing operations $ 1.39 $ 1.22 $ 0.41 $ 0.38 Loss per share from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 1.38 $ 1.21 $ 0.39 $ 0.36 ______________________ (a) If the effect is dilutive, weighted average common shares outstanding include the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of subsidiary denominated equity and stock options or vesting of restricted stock units ("RSUs"). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , 2.9 million and 4.4 million , potentially dilutive securities, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , 0.8 million and 11.2 million potentially dilutive securities, respectively, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. (b) Market-based awards and performance-based stock options ("PSOs") and units (“PSUs”) are considered contingently issuable shares. Shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs are included in the denominator for earnings per share if (i) the applicable market or performance condition(s) has been met and (ii) the inclusion of the market-based award, PSOs and PSUs is dilutive for the respective reporting periods. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , 4.5 million shares underlying market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs and for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , 7.1 million shares underlying market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the market or performance conditions had not been met.

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMA

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION	NOTE 8—GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION Revenue by geography is based on where the customer is located. Geographic information about revenue and long-lived assets is presented below: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Revenue United States $ 183,727 $ 172,148 $ 532,378 $ 503,951 All other countries 159,691 115,382 419,376 319,289 Total $ 343,418 $ 287,530 $ 951,754 $ 823,240 The United States is the only country whose revenue is greater than 10 percent of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets) United States $ 39,999 $ 41,747 All other countries 22,935 21,207 Total $ 62,934 $ 62,954 The only country, other than the United States, with greater than 10 percent of total long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets), was France with $13.8 million and $14.3 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The following table presents revenue disaggregated by type of service: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Revenue Direct revenue $ 330,098 $ 273,727 $ 917,273 $ 786,176 Indirect revenue 13,320 13,803 34,481 37,064 Total $ 343,418 $ 287,530 $ 951,754 $ 823,240

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 9—CONTINGENCIES In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits. The Company establishes reserves for specific legal matters when it determines that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management has also identified certain other legal matters where we believe an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve is established. Although management currently believes that resolving claims against us, including claims where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, will not have a material impact on the liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of the Company, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management's view of these matters may change in the future. The Company also evaluates other contingent matters, including income and non-income tax contingencies, to assess the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and estimated extent of potential loss. It is possible that an unfavorable outcome of one or more of these lawsuits or other contingencies could have a material impact on the liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of the Company. See " Note 2—Income Taxes " for additional information related to income tax contingencies.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	NOTE 10—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Relationship with IAC In connection with the IPO in November 2015, the Company entered into certain agreements relating to our relationship with IAC after the IPO. These agreements include a master transaction agreement; an investor rights agreement; a tax sharing agreement; a services agreement; an employee matters agreement and a subordinated loan agreement. The Company has entered into certain arrangements with IAC in the ordinary course of business, which have continued post IPO, for: (i) the leasing of office space for certain of our businesses at properties owned by IAC, for which we paid IAC approximately $1.2 million and $3.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $1.1 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and (ii) the subleasing of space in a data center from an IAC subsidiary, for which we paid such IAC subsidiary approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and discontinued subleasing as of December 31, 2016. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company was charged $2.6 million and $7.9 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company was charged $2.9 million and $8.7 million , respectively, by IAC for services rendered pursuant to a services agreement (including the leasing of office space noted above). All such amounts were paid in full by the Company at September 30, 2017 . The employee matters agreement provides, among other things, that: (i) with respect to equity awards denominated in shares of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, IAC may elect to cause such equity awards to be settled in either shares of IAC common stock or Company common stock and, to the extent that shares of IAC common stock are issued in settlement of such equity awards, the Company will reimburse IAC for the cost of such shares of IAC common stock by issuing to IAC additional shares of Company common stock; and (ii) the Company will reimburse IAC for the cost of any IAC equity awards held by the Company’s employees and former employees and that IAC may elect to receive payment either in cash or Company common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , 11.1 million shares of Company common stock were issued to IAC pursuant to the employee matters agreement. This includes 10.6 million shares issued as reimbursement for shares of IAC common stock issued in connection with the exercise and settlement of the Tinder equity plan and 0.5 million shares issued as reimbursement for shares of IAC common stock issued in connection with the exercise and vesting of IAC equity awards held by Company employees.

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI18

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and reflect, in management's opinion, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .
Consolidation	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. All intercompany transactions and balances between and among the Company, its subsidiaries and the entities comprising Match Group have been eliminated. For the purposes of these financial statements, income taxes have been computed for Match Group on an as if stand-alone, separate tax return basis.
Accounting Estimates	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. 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 value of long-term investments; 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; 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements not yet adopted by the Company In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") 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. ASU No. 2014-09 was subsequently amended during 2015, 2016 and 2017; these amendments provide further revenue recognition guidance related to principal versus agent considerations, performance obligations and licensing, and narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The new standard provides a single principles-based, five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. This five-step model includes (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. More specifically, revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Upon adoption, ASU No. 2014-09 may either be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or using the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. While the Company’s evaluation of the impact the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements continues, it has progressed to the point where we have reached certain determinations. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s assessment of the accounting for mobile app store fees incurred in connection with obtaining members is still preliminary and ongoing. The Company currently capitalizes these costs and amortizes them over the period of the applicable membership periods, which generally range from one to six months. The Company’s initial conclusions in applying ASU No. 2014-09 to these costs were: (1) these costs represent the incremental direct costs of obtaining a membership contract and (2) would, therefore, continue to be capitalized and amortized as incurred. The Company is reassessing this conclusion in light of its finding that there are divergent and evolving interpretations of the correct application of ASU No. 2014-09 to these costs. The total capitalized mobile app store fees were $19.8 million as of September 30, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and does not expect to record a material adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases in "Leases (Topic 840)" 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; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard update will have on its consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncement adopted by the Company In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting , which provides guidance about the changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award for which an entity is required to apply modification accounting in "Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 are to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 during the third quarter of 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill under the previous two-step impairment test to measure a goodwill impairment charge. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 are to be applied using a prospective approach. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. Under ASU No. 2016-15, cash payments not made soon after the acquisition date of a business combination to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for operating activities and financing activities. Cash payments up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability initially recognized at the acquisition date (including measurement-period adjustments) are classified as financing activities; any excess is classified as operating activities. Cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a business combination by an acquirer to settle a contingent consideration liability are classified as cash outflows for investing activities. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 on January 1, 2017 and the adoption of this standard update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payments Accounting . The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to equity awards to employees upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units after January 1, 2017 are (i) reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes, rather than recognized in equity, and (ii) reflected as operating, rather than financing, cash flows in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $263.6 million . Excess tax benefits of $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were reclassified in the consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the current year presentation. Upon adoption, the calculation of fully diluted shares excludes excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds in applying the treasury stock method whereas they previously were included in this calculation; this change increased fully diluted shares by approximately 8.3 million and 2.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company continues to account for forfeitures using an estimated forfeiture rate.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	The components of assets and liabilities of a business held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Accounts receivable, net $ 8,677 Other current assets 3,847 Property and equipment, net 6,774 Goodwill 74,396 Intangible assets, net 31,488 Other non-current assets 8,090 Total assets of a business held for sale $ 133,272 Accounts payable $ 3,467 Deferred revenue 22,886 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 8,771 Other long-term liabilities 1,934 Total liabilities of a business held for sale $ 37,058 The key components of (loss) income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Revenue $ — $ 28,917 $ 23,980 $ 79,609 Operating costs and expenses — (28,101 ) (29,601 ) (87,623 ) Operating income (loss) — 816 (5,621 ) (8,014 ) Other (expense) income (168 ) 110 (1,171 ) 65 Income tax benefit (expense) 83 (371 ) 2,145 2,447 (Loss) income from discontinued operations $ (85 ) $ 555 $ (4,647 ) $ (5,502 )

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F20

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following tables present the Company's financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 30, 2017 Quoted Market Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 40,895 $ — $ — $ 40,895 Time deposits — 5,942 — 5,942 Total $ 40,895 $ 5,942 $ — $ 46,837 Liabilities: Contingent consideration arrangements $ — $ — $ (1,792 ) $ (1,792 ) December 31, 2016 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Measurements (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 85,225 $ — $ — $ 85,225 Liabilities: Contingent consideration arrangements $ — $ — $ (19,418 ) $ (19,418 )
Schedule of Changes in Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	The following tables present the changes in the Company's financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Contingent Consideration Arrangements (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (24,829 ) $ (34,732 ) Total net (losses) gains: Fair value adjustments (59 ) 5,129 Included in other comprehensive loss (333 ) (332 ) Settlements 23,429 — Balance at September 30 $ (1,792 ) $ (29,935 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Contingent Consideration Arrangements (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (19,418 ) $ (28,993 ) Total net (losses) gains: Fair value adjustments (4,397 ) 2,723 Included in other comprehensive loss (1,406 ) (5,613 ) Fair value at date of acquisition — (185 ) Settlements 23,429 — Other — 2,133 Balance at September 30 $ (1,792 ) $ (29,935 )
Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following table presents the carrying value and the fair value of financial instruments measured at fair value only for disclosure purposes. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ (1,253,998 ) $ (1,322,039 ) $ (1,176,493 ) $ (1,244,641 )

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) 6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (the "2016 Senior Notes"); interest payable each June 1 and December 1, which commenced December 1, 2016 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 6.75% Senior Notes due December 15, 2022 (the "2015 Senior Notes"); interest payable each June 15 and December 15, which commenced June 15, 2016 445,172 445,172 Term Loan due November 16, 2022 (a) 425,000 350,000 Total debt 1,270,172 1,195,172 Less: Unamortized original issue discount and original issue premium, net 4,470 5,245 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs 11,704 13,434 Total long-term debt $ 1,253,998 $ 1,176,493 ______________________ (a) The Term Loan matures on November 16, 2022; provided that, if any of the 2015 Senior Notes remain outstanding on the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of the 2015 Senior Notes, the Term Loan maturity date shall be September 15, 2022, the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of the 2015 Senior Notes.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI22

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables present the components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (141,959 ) $ (141,959 ) Other comprehensive income 33,475 33,475 Balance at September 30 $ (108,484 ) $ (108,484 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at July 1 $ (133,824 ) $ (133,824 ) Other comprehensive income 1,021 1,021 Balance at September 30 $ (132,803 ) $ (132,803 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (176,384 ) $ (176,384 ) Other comprehensive income 67,186 67,186 Amounts reclassified into earnings 714 714 Net current period other comprehensive income 67,900 67,900 Balance at September 30 $ (108,484 ) $ (108,484 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain on Available-For-Sale Security Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at January 1 $ (139,784 ) $ 2,964 $ (136,820 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 6,981 94 7,075 Gain on sale of available-for-sale security reclassified into earnings — (3,058 ) (3,058 ) Net period other comprehensive (loss) income 6,981 (2,964 ) 4,017 Balance at September 30 $ (132,803 ) $ — $ (132,803 )

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following tables set forth the computation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Match Group shareholders: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net earnings from continuing operations $ 287,771 $ 287,771 $ 56,149 $ 56,149 Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 2 2 (294 ) (294 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders 287,773 287,773 55,855 55,855 (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (85 ) (85 ) 555 555 Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 287,688 $ 287,688 $ 56,410 $ 56,410 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 267,487 267,487 253,176 253,176 Dilutive securities including subsidiary denominated equity, stock options and RSU awards (a)(b) — 25,573 — 16,848 Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding 267,487 293,060 253,176 270,024 Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings per share from continuing operations $ 1.08 $ 0.98 $ 0.22 $ 0.21 (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 1.08 $ 0.98 $ 0.22 $ 0.21 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net earnings from continuing operations $ 363,870 $ 363,870 $ 103,526 $ 103,526 Net earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (52 ) (52 ) (384 ) (384 ) Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders 363,818 363,818 103,142 103,142 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (4,647 ) (4,647 ) (5,502 ) (5,502 ) Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 359,171 $ 359,171 $ 97,640 $ 97,640 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 260,876 260,876 250,316 250,316 Dilutive securities including subsidiary denominated equity, stock options and RSU awards (a)(b) — 36,431 — 18,394 Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding 260,876 297,307 250,316 268,710 Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings per share from continuing operations $ 1.39 $ 1.22 $ 0.41 $ 0.38 Loss per share from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.02 ) Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders $ 1.38 $ 1.21 $ 0.39 $ 0.36 ______________________ (a) If the effect is dilutive, weighted average common shares outstanding include the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of subsidiary denominated equity and stock options or vesting of restricted stock units ("RSUs"). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , 2.9 million and 4.4 million , potentially dilutive securities, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , 0.8 million and 11.2 million potentially dilutive securities, respectively, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. (b) Market-based awards and performance-based stock options ("PSOs") and units (“PSUs”) are considered contingently issuable shares. Shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs are included in the denominator for earnings per share if (i) the applicable market or performance condition(s) has been met and (ii) the inclusion of the market-based award, PSOs and PSUs is dilutive for the respective reporting periods. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , 4.5 million shares underlying market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs and for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , 7.1 million shares underlying market-based awards, PSOs and PSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the market or performance conditions had not been met.

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFOR24

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Geography	Revenue by geography is based on where the customer is located. Geographic information about revenue and long-lived assets is presented below: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In thousands) Revenue United States $ 183,727 $ 172,148 $ 532,378 $ 503,951 All other countries 159,691 115,382 419,376 319,289 Total $ 343,418 $ 287,530 $ 951,754 $ 823,240 The United States is the only country whose revenue is greater than 10 percent of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets) United States $ 39,999 $ 41,747 All other countries 22,935 21,207 Total $ 62,934 $ 62,954

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI25

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)brandsegmentlanguagecountry
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of dating brands (more than) | brand	45
Number of languages where products are available | language	42
Number of countries where products are available (more than) | country	190
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Capitalized mobile app store fees | $	$ 19.8
IAC | Match Group, Inc.
Class of Stock
Percentage of ownership	81.30%
Percentage of voting rights held	97.60%

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SI26

THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently Adopted Standard (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit related to exercise or vesting of equity awards	$ 245,300	$ 263,600
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		$ (394,576)	$ (27,891)
Increase in diluted shares as a result of adoption of new accounting standard (in shares)	8.3	2.7
ASU 2016-09 | Reclassification adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit related to exercise or vesting of equity awards			$ 25,900

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Contingency
Income tax benefit (provision)	$ 226,236	$ (19,973)	$ 214,039	$ (41,615)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise or vesting of equity awards	245,300		263,600
Effective income tax rate		26.00%		29.00%
Statutory rate		35.00%		35.00%
Interest on income taxes accrued	1,700		1,700		$ 1,500
Income tax penalties accrued	1,500		1,500		1,600
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest accrued	27,400		27,400
Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce income tax expense	24,800		24,800		25,900
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits unrelated to Federal income taxes statute of limitations expiring within twelve months of current reporting period	14,800		14,800
Gross deferred tax asset	257,400		257,400
IAC
Income Tax Contingency
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest accrued	$ 18,200		$ 18,200		$ 17,700

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Non-dating | Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on sale of business	$ 1.2

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Asset

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Assets and Liabilities of Business Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total assets of a business held for sale	$ 0	$ 133,272
Total liabilities of a business held for sale	$ 0	37,058
Non-dating | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net		8,677
Other current assets		3,847
Property and equipment, net		6,774
Goodwill		74,396
Intangible assets, net		31,488
Other non-current assets		8,090
Total assets of a business held for sale		133,272
Accounts payable		3,467
Deferred revenue		22,886
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		8,771
Other long-term liabilities		1,934
Total liabilities of a business held for sale		$ 37,058

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Compo

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Components of Income From Discontinued Operations (Details) - Non-dating - Discontinued Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 28,917	$ 23,980	$ 79,609
Operating costs and expenses	0	(28,101)	(29,601)	(87,623)
Operating income (loss)	0	816	(5,621)	(8,014)
Other (expense)	(168)		(1,171)
Other income		110		65
Income tax benefit (expense)	83	(371)	2,145	2,447
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$ (85)	$ 555	$ (4,647)	$ (5,502)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F31

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 23, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)arrangement	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Number of contingent consideration arrangements related to business acquisitions | arrangement				1
Cost Method Investments
Cost method investments				$ 62.2	$ 55.4
Cost method investments, other-than-temporary impairment		$ 2.3	$ 0.7
Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent consideration payments maximum				3
Gross contingent consideration agreement before unamortized discount				$ 2.1
Discount rate				12.00%	12.00%
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent consideration arrangement liability, current				$ 0.6	$ 19
Other long-term liabilities | Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent Consideration Arrangements
Contingent consideration arrangement liability, non-current				$ 1.2	$ 0.4
Subsequent Event
Cost Method Investments
Cost method investments	$ 51.1
Gain on sale of cost method investment	9.1
Subsequent Event | Cost-method Investment
Cost Method Investments
Proceeds from sale of investment	$ 60.2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F32

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value on a Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 46,837
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration arrangements	(1,792)	$ (19,418)
Money market funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	40,895	85,225
Time deposits
Assets:
Cash equivalents	5,942
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	40,895
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration arrangements	0	0
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	40,895	85,225
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Time deposits
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	5,942
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration arrangements	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Time deposits
Assets:
Cash equivalents	5,942
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration arrangements	(1,792)	(19,418)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	$ 0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Time deposits
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F33

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Change in Level 3 Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Contingent Consideration Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Balance at beginning of period	$ (24,829)	$ (34,732)	$ (19,418)	$ (28,993)
Fair value adjustments	(59)	5,129	(4,397)	2,723
Included in other comprehensive loss	(333)	(332)	(1,406)	(5,613)
Fair value at date of acquisition			0	(185)
Settlements	23,429	0	23,429	0
Other			0	2,133
Balance at end of period	$ (1,792)	$ (29,935)	$ (1,792)	$ (29,935)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND F34

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Carrying Value and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Level 3 - Long-term debt - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt, fair value disclosure	$ (1,253,998)	$ (1,176,493)
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Long-term debt, fair value disclosure	$ (1,322,039)	$ (1,244,641)

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of Lo

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Aug. 14, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt
Total debt	$ 1,270,172		$ 1,195,172
Less: Unamortized original issue discount and original issue premium, net	4,470		5,245
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs	11,704		13,434
Total long-term debt	1,253,998		1,176,493
6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (2016 Senior Notes)
Long-term Debt
Senior notes	$ 400,000		400,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
6.75% Senior Notes, due December 15, 2022 (2015 Senior Notes)
Long-term Debt
Senior notes	$ 445,172		445,172
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.75%
Term Loan due November 16, 2022
Long-term Debt
Term loan	$ 425,000	$ 425,000	$ 350,000
Number of days prior to maturity date	91 days

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)	Aug. 14, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 08, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 16, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Long-term Debt
Repayment of debt						$ 0	$ 410,000,000
Term Loan borrowings						75,000,000	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility
Long-term Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity on Credit Facility						500,000,000
Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility						$ 0		$ 0
Annual commitment fee (as a percent)						0.30%
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Long-term Debt
Minimum interest coverage ratio						2.5
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Long-term Debt
Maximum leverage ratio						5
6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (2016 Senior Notes)
Long-term Debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						6.375%
6.75% Senior Notes, due December 15, 2022 (2015 Senior Notes)
Long-term Debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						6.75%
Term Loan due November 16, 2022
Long-term Debt
Term Loan borrowings	$ 75,000,000
Term Loan balance	$ 425,000,000					$ 425,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (2016 Senior Notes)
Long-term Debt
Aggregate principal of debt instrument			$ 400,000,000
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024 (2016 Senior Notes) | Maximum
Long-term Debt
Maximum leverage ratio						5
Senior Notes | 6.75% Senior Notes, due December 15, 2022 (2015 Senior Notes) | Maximum
Long-term Debt
Maximum leverage ratio						5
Senior Notes | 4.75% Senior Notes, due December 15, 2022 | IAC
Long-term Debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					4.75%
Senior Notes | 4.875% Senior Notes, due November 30, 2018 | IAC
Long-term Debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					4.875%
Term Loan | Term Loan due November 16, 2022
Long-term Debt
Aggregate principal of debt instrument					$ 800,000,000
Repayment of debt		$ 40,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Principal amount payable at maturity		$ 350,000,000
Effective interest rate						3.81%
Term Loan | Term Loan due November 16, 2022 | Base Rate | Minimum
Long-term Debt
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)					1.50%
Term Loan | Term Loan due November 16, 2022 | Base Rate | Maximum
Long-term Debt
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)					2.50%
Term Loan | Term Loan due November 16, 2022 | LIBOR
Long-term Debt
Variable rate floor (as a percent)					0.00%

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI37

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of period			$ 496,522,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	$ 33,475,000	$ 1,021,000	67,186,000	$ 7,075,000
Amounts reclassified into earnings			714,000	(3,058,000)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			67,900,000	4,017,000
Balance at end of period	522,053,000		522,053,000
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of period	(141,959,000)	(133,824,000)	(176,384,000)	(139,784,000)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	33,475,000	1,021,000	67,186,000	6,981,000
Amounts reclassified into earnings			714,000	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			67,900,000	6,981,000
Balance at end of period	(108,484,000)	(132,803,000)	(108,484,000)	(132,803,000)
Unrealized Gain on Available-For-Sale Security
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of period				2,964,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications				94,000
Amounts reclassified into earnings				(3,058,000)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)				(2,964,000)
Balance at end of period		0		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of period	(141,959,000)	(133,824,000)	(176,384,000)	(136,820,000)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			67,900,000
Balance at end of period	(108,484,000)	(132,803,000)	(108,484,000)	(132,803,000)
Tax benefit or provision in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computatio

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Numerator: Basic
Net earnings from continuing operations	$ 287,771	$ 56,149	$ 363,870	$ 103,526
Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	2	(294)	(52)	(384)
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders	287,773	55,855	363,818	103,142
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	(85)	555	(4,647)	(5,502)
Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders	287,688	56,410	359,171	97,640
Numerator: Diluted
Net earnings from continuing operations	287,771	56,149	363,870	103,526
Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	2	(294)	(52)	(384)
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders	287,773	55,855	363,818	103,142
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	(85)	555	(4,647)	(5,502)
Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders	$ 287,688	$ 56,410	$ 359,171	$ 97,640
Denominator: Basic
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	267,487	253,176	260,876	250,316
Denominator: Diluted
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	267,487	253,176	260,876	250,316
Dilutive securities including subsidiary denominated equity, stock options and RSU awards (in shares)	25,573	16,848	36,431	18,394
Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	293,060	270,024	297,307	268,710
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings per share from continuing operations, basic (in usd per share)	$ 1.08	$ 0.22	$ 1.39	$ 0.41
Earnings per share from continuing operations, diluted (in usd per share)	0.98	0.21	1.22	0.38
Loss (earnings) per share from discontinued operations, net of tax, basic (in usd per share)	0	0	(0.02)	(0.02)
Loss (earnings) per share from discontinued operations, net of tax, diluted (in usd per share)	0	0	(0.02)	(0.02)
Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders, basic (in usd per share)	1.08	0.22	1.38	0.39
Earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders, diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.98	$ 0.21	$ 1.21	$ 0.36
Stock Options and RSUs
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	2,900	800	4,400	11,200
Market-Based Awards, PSOs, and PSUs
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	4,500	7,100	4,500	7,100

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFOR39

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION - Schedule of Revenue and Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Geography
Revenue	$ 343,418	$ 287,530	$ 951,754	$ 823,240
Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets)	62,934		62,934		$ 62,954
United States
Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Geography
Revenue	183,727	172,148	532,378	503,951
Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets)	39,999		39,999		41,747
All Other Countries
Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Geography
Revenue	159,691	$ 115,382	419,376	$ 319,289
Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets)	22,935		22,935		21,207
Geographic Concentration Risk | Long-lived Assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets) | France
Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Geography
Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and intangible assets)	$ 13,800		$ 13,800		$ 14,300

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFOR40

GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION GEOGRAPHIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION - Schedule of Revenue DIsaggregated by Service (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Direct revenue	$ 330,098	$ 273,727	$ 917,273	$ 786,176
Indirect revenue	13,320	13,803	34,481	37,064
Revenues	$ 343,418	$ 287,530	$ 951,754	$ 823,240

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
IAC | Leased Office Space
Related Party Transaction
Amount of related party transaction	$ 1.2	$ 1.1	$ 3.8	$ 3.1
IAC | Services Agreements
Related Party Transaction
Amount of related party transaction	$ 2.6	2.9	$ 7.9	8.7
IAC | Employee Matters Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Shares issued pursuant to employee matters agreement (in shares)			11.1
Shares issued as reimbursement for IAC shares issued in settlement of equity plan (in shares)			10.6
Shares issued as reimbursement for IAC shares issued in connection with exercise and vesting of equity awards (in shares)			0.5
Subsidiary of IAC | Leased Data Center Space
Related Party Transaction
Amount of related party transaction		$ 0.3		$ 0.9