LiveRamp (RAMP) 10-Q 3 Nov 17 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ACXIOM CORP
Entity Central Index Key	733,269
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		79,136,883
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 169,507	$ 170,343
Trade accounts receivable, net	141,285	142,768
Refundable income taxes	9,718	7,098
Other current assets	47,394	48,310
Total current assets	367,904	368,519
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	151,055	155,974
Software, net of accumulated amortization	41,087	47,638
Goodwill	592,845	592,731
Purchased software licenses, net of accumulated amortization	6,765	7,972
Deferred income taxes	12,309	10,261
Other assets, net	44,807	51,443
TOTAL ASSETS	1,216,772	1,234,538
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	2,089	39,819
Trade accounts payable	46,966	40,208
Accrued payroll and related expenses	28,455	53,238
Other accrued expenses	57,914	59,861
Deferred revenue	29,411	37,087
Total current liabilities	164,835	230,213
Long-term debt	228,045	189,241
Deferred income taxes	54,256	58,374
Other liabilities	16,540	17,730
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Common stock	13,478	13,288
Additional paid-in capital	1,197,083	1,154,429
Retained earnings	600,215	602,609
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,410	7,999
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,067,090)	(1,039,345)
Total equity	753,096	738,980
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 1,216,772	$ 1,234,538

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 225,240	$ 217,267	$ 437,754	$ 432,068
Cost of revenue	115,072	120,105	229,032	242,924
Gross profit	110,168	97,162	208,722	189,144
Operating expenses:
Research and development	24,013	19,029	47,576	37,681
Sales and marketing	50,118	37,847	98,558	75,195
General and administrative	31,924	32,866	64,280	60,372
Gains, losses and other items, net	3,660	300	3,562	614
Total operating expenses	109,715	90,042	213,976	173,862
Income from operations	453	7,120	(5,254)	15,282
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(2,524)	(1,689)	(4,866)	(3,501)
Other, net	192	(207)	(480)	100
Total other expense	(2,332)	(1,896)	(5,346)	(3,401)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,879)	5,224	(10,600)	11,881
Income taxes (benefit)	1,457	(1,916)	(5,964)	765
Net earnings (loss)	$ (3,336)	$ 7,140	$ (4,636)	$ 11,116
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in USD per share)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.09	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in USD per share)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.09	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (3,336)	$ 7,140	$ (4,636)	$ 11,116
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	759	(65)	1,411	(1,070)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap	0	91	0	96
Other comprehensive income	759	26	1,411	(974)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,577)	$ 7,166	$ (3,225)	$ 10,142

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - 6 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in Capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Treasury Stock
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017		132,875,373				(54,582,392)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 738,980	$ 13,288	$ 1,154,429	$ 602,609	$ 7,999	$ (1,039,345)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances (in shares)		596,881				(306,841)
Employee stock awards, benefit plans and other issuances	3,695	$ 60	11,604			$ (7,969)
Non-cash stock-based compensation (in shares)		330,951
Non-cash stock-based compensation	30,796	$ 33	30,763
Restricted stock units vested (in shares)		975,014
Restricted stock units vested		$ 97	(97)
Acquisition of treasury stock (in shares)						(860,000)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(19,776)					$ (19,776)
Foreign currency translation	1,411				1,411
Net earnings (loss)	(4,636)			(4,636)
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		134,778,219				(55,749,233)
Balances at Sep. 30, 2017	753,096	$ 13,478	1,197,083	600,215	$ 9,410	$ (1,067,090)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	$ 2,626		$ 384	$ 2,242

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (4,636)	$ 11,116
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	42,519	41,150
Loss (gain) on disposal or impairment of assets	2,411	(629)
Accelerated deferred debt costs	720	0
Deferred income taxes	(3,238)	(6,539)
Non-cash stock compensation expense	30,796	20,504
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	2,616	(1,564)
Other assets	(3,548)	3,679
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(26,842)	(21,780)
Deferred revenue	(8,037)	(9,705)
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,761	36,232
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capitalized software development costs	(7,144)	(7,875)
Capital expenditures	(14,518)	(20,539)
Data acquisition costs	(423)	(267)
Net cash received from disposition	4,000	16,988
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,085)	(11,693)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	230,000	0
Payments of debt	(226,150)	(16,111)
Fees for debt refinancing	(4,001)	0
Sale of common stock, net of stock acquired for withholding taxes	3,695	7,300
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	1,415
Acquisition of treasury stock	(19,776)	(30,542)
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,232)	(37,938)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	720	(821)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(836)	(14,220)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	170,343	189,629
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	169,507	175,409
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	4,762	3,962
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 824	$ 197

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMA

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Acxiom Corporation (“Registrant,” “Acxiom”, we, us or the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”). In the opinion of the Registrant’s management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods included have been made, and the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain note information has been omitted because it has not changed significantly from that reflected in Notes 1 through 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of Item 8 of the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 (“2017 Annual Report”), as filed with the Commission on May 26, 2017. This quarterly report and the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with the 2017 Annual Report. The financial information contained in this quarterly report is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other period or for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements are complex and require management to make judgments and/or significant estimates regarding amounts reported or disclosed in these financial statements. Additionally, the application of certain of these accounting policies is governed by complex accounting principles and their interpretation. A discussion of the Company’s significant accounting principles and their application is included in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Current Year In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business" ("ASU 2017-01"), which amended the existing FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The standard provides additional guidance to assist entities with evaluation of whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoptions permitted. We adopted the standard in the current fiscal year, on a prospective basis, and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" ("ASU 2016-18"). This standard is intended to reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The standard requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted. We adopted the standard during the current fiscal year. Early adoption did not result in any changes to our existing accounting policies, presentation of items in our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, or any changes resulting from the retrospective application to all periods reported. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09") which is intended to improve the accounting for stock-based payment transactions as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. The ASU changes five aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment award transactions that will affect public companies, including: (1) accounting for income taxes; (2) classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows; (3) forfeitures; (4) minimum statutory tax withholding requirements; and (5) classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards depends on our stock price at the date the awards vest or the date of option exercises. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. We adopted ASU No. 2016-09 during the current fiscal year, which required us to reflect any adjustments as of April 1, 2017. We elected to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than estimating expected forfeitures. We recorded the cumulative impact of adoption through an increase in retained earnings of $2.2 million , of which $2.6 million related to deferred tax assets from certain federal and state research tax credit carryforwards attributable to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation that had not been previously recognized, offset by $0.4 million related to elimination of the forfeiture pool. We elected to prospectively adopt the effect on the statement of cash flows and accordingly, did not restate the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2016 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"), as a comprehensive new standard that amends various aspects of existing guidance for leases and requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. The new standard will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with the exception of short-term leases. For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or finance in the income statement. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Lessors will continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing or sales-type leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. In the financial statements in which the ASU is first applied, leases shall be measured and recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented with an adjustment to equity. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued update ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09") and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016 and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively (ASU 2014-09 and the subsequent amendments, collectively, "Topic 606"). Topic 606 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the new guidance is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The guidance defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others. Topic 606 also provides guidance on the recognition of costs related to obtaining customer contracts. The effective date for the Company is the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using either of two methods: (i) retrospective application to each prior reporting period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) retrospective application with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The Company has completed its preliminary assessment of the new standard and is continuing assessment as we complete implementation design activities. We plan to adopt Topic 606 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 pursuant to the aforementioned adoption method (ii), and we do not believe there will be a material impact to our revenues upon adoption. We are continuing to evaluate the impact to our revenues related to our pending adoption of Topic 606 and our preliminary assessments are subject to change. We are also continuing to evaluate the provisions of Topic 606 related to costs of obtaining customer contracts. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of any other recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND S

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Earnings (Loss) Per Share A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) $ (3,336 ) $ 7,140 $ (4,636 ) $ 11,116 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 77,446 78,954 77,459 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.04 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.14 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 77,446 78,954 77,459 Dilutive effect of common stock options, warrants, and restricted stock as computed under the treasury stock method — 1,831 — 1,858 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 79,277 78,954 79,317 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.04 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.14 Due to the net loss incurred by the Company during the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 , the dilutive effect of options, warrants and restricted stock units covering 2.2 million and 2.5 million shares of common stock, respectively, was excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation since the impact on the calculation was anti-dilutive. Additional options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock units that were outstanding during the periods presented but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect was anti-dilutive are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Number of shares outstanding under options, warrants and restricted stock units 1,308 39 324 263 Range of exercise prices for options $32.85 $20.27-$32.85 $32.85 $20.27-$32.85 Stockholders’ Equity On August 29, 2011, the board of directors adopted a common stock repurchase program. That program was subsequently modified and expanded, most recently on July 28, 2016. Under the modified common stock repurchase program, the Company may purchase up to $400.0 million of its common stock through the period ending June 30, 2018 . During the six months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 0.9 million shares of its common stock for $19.8 million . Through September 30, 2017 , the Company had repurchased a total of 17.7 million shares of its stock for $305.5 million , leaving remaining capacity of $94.5 million under the stock repurchase program. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated other comprehensive income accumulated balances of $9.4 million and $8.0 million at September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively, reflect accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: Share-based Compensation Plans The Company has stock option and equity compensation plans for which a total of 34.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance since the inception of the plans. These plans provide that the exercise prices of qualified options will be at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of the grant. Board policy requires that nonqualified options also be priced at or above the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant. At September 30, 2017 , there were a total of 6.2 million shares available for future grants under the plans. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the Board voted to amend the Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan to increase the number of shares available under the plan from 28.4 million shares to 32.9 million shares, bringing the total number of shares reserved for issuance since inception of the plans from 30.0 million shares at March 31, 2017 to 34.5 million shares at September 30, 2017 . That amendment received shareholder approval at the August 8, 2017 annual shareholders' meeting. Stock Option Activity Stock option activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number of exercise price contractual term Intrinsic value shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 3,033,071 $ 13.14 Performance units converted to options 299,641 $ 21.32 Exercised (396,912 ) $ 16.31 $ 4,039 Forfeited or canceled (63,540 ) $ 20.20 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 2,872,260 $ 13.40 6.1 $ 32,439 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 2,174,071 $ 13.65 5.4 $ 24,016 The aggregate intrinsic value at period end represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Acxiom’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price for each in-the-money option) that would have been received by the option holders had option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2017 . This amount changes based upon changes in the fair market value of Acxiom’s common stock. A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2017 was: Options outstanding Options exercisable Range of Weighted-average Weighted-average Weighted-average exercise price Options remaining exercise price Options exercise price per share outstanding contractual life per share exercisable per share $ 0.61 — $ 9.99 746,976 6.8 years $ 1.68 473,841 $ 1.74 $ 10.00 — $ 19.99 1,305,746 5.1 years $ 14.99 1,109,428 $ 14.50 $ 20.00 — $ 24.99 799,986 7.0 years $ 21.29 576,139 $ 21.31 $ 25.00 — $ 32.85 19,552 6.1 years $ 32.85 14,663 $ 32.85 2,872,260 6.1 years $ 13.40 2,174,071 $ 13.65 Total expense related to stock options for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $2.8 million and $3.5 million , respectively. Future expense for these options is expected to be approximately $8.5 million in total over the next four years . Performance Stock Option Unit Activity Performance stock option unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number exercise price contractual term intrinsic value of shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 555,123 $ 21.41 Performance units converted to options (183,322 ) $ 21.41 Forfeited or canceled (11,291 ) $ 21.32 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 360,510 $ 21.41 2.1 $ 1,168 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ — Of the performance stock option units outstanding at March 31, 2017 , 183,322 reached maturity of the relevant performance period at March 31, 2017. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the units vested at an approximate 163% attainment level resulting in issuance of 299,641 stock options having a weighted average exercise price of $21.32 . Total expense related to performance stock option units for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.8 million and $0.3 million , respectively. Future expense for these performance stock option units is expected to be approximately $2.8 million in total over the next four years . Stock Appreciation Right ("SAR") Activity SAR activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number exercise price contractual term intrinsic value of shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 245,404 $ 40.00 Forfeited or canceled (245,404 ) $ 40.00 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ — All of the SAR units outstanding at March 31, 2017 reached maturity of the relevant performance period on March 31, 2017. The units achieved a 100% performance attainment level. However, application of the vesting multiplier resulted in zero shares granted and cancellation of all the units during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Restricted Stock Unit Activity During the six months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company granted time-vesting restricted stock units covering 1,424,678 shares of common stock with a fair value at the date of grant of $37.2 million . Of the restricted stock units granted in the current period, 217,758 vest in equal annual increments over four years , 1,005,876 vest 25% at the one-year anniversary and 75% in equal quarterly increments over the subsequent three years, 174,368 vest 50% at the one -year anniversary and 50% in equal quarterly increments over the following year, and 26,676 vest in one year . Grant date fair value of these units is equal to the quoted market price for the shares on the date of grant. Non-vested time-vesting restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 3,307,577 $ 22.57 2.45 Granted 1,424,678 $ 26.09 Vested (691,507 ) $ 20.44 Forfeited or canceled (196,056 ) $ 22.51 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 3,844,692 $ 24.26 2.59 During the six months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company granted performance-based restricted stock units covering 421,918 shares of common stock having a fair value at the date of grant of $11.3 million . Of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in the current period, 217,784 units - having a fair value at the date of grant of $6.1 million , determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model - vest subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the board of directors (“compensation committee”) and continuous employment through the vesting date. The 217,784 units may vest in a number of shares from zero to 200% of the award, based on the total shareholder return of Acxiom common stock compared to total shareholder return of a group of peer companies (“TSR”) established by the compensation committee for the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020. Of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in the current period, 87,184 units - having a fair value at the date of grant of $2.1 million , based on the quoted market price for the shares on the date of grant - vest over two periods, each being subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee and continuous employment through the vesting date. At the end of the first year, the performance units may vest in a number of shares, from zero to 75% of the initial award. At the end of the second year, the performance units may vest in a number of shares, from zero to 150% of the initial award, less the number of shares awarded at completion of year one. The units will vest based on the attainment of certain growth initiatives for the period from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2019. The remaining 116,950 performance-based restricted stock units granted in the current period - having a fair value at the date of grant of $3.1 million , based on the quoted market price for the shares on the date of grant - vest in three equal tranches, each being subject to attainment of performance criteria established by the compensation committee and continuous employment through the vesting date. Each of the three tranches may vest in a number of shares, from zero to 300% of the initial award, based on the attainment of certain revenue growth and operating margin targets for the years ending March 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Non-vested performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 732,711 $ 20.89 1.13 Granted 421,918 $ 26.70 Additional performance shares 94,775 $ 19.46 Vested (252,760 ) $ 19.46 Forfeited or canceled (13,498 ) $ 18.91 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 983,146 $ 23.64 1.62 Of the performance-based restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2017 , 157,985 related to a performance period ended March 31, 2017. During the quarter ended June 30, 2017, the units vested at a 160% attainment level based on performance results approved by the compensation committee, resulting in issuance of 252,760 shares of common stock, of which 94,775 were the additional performance shares referenced in the table above. Of the performance-based restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2017 , 277,792 will reach maturity of the relevant performance period at March 31, 2018. The units are expected to vest at an approximate 200% attainment level, resulting in issuance of approximately 555,584 shares of common stock, before consideration of the TSR multiplier, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Total expense related to restricted stock for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $18.6 million and $15.4 million , respectively. Future expense for restricted stock units is expected to be approximately $22.6 million for the six months ending March 31, 2018, $33.8 million in fiscal 2019, $23.3 million in fiscal 2020, $11.2 million in fiscal 2021, and $1.5 million in fiscal 2022. Other Performance Unit Activity Other performance-based stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 597,193 $ 4.14 0.30 Vested (24,573 ) $ 2.94 Forfeited or canceled (461,509 ) $ 3.92 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 111,111 $ 5.33 0.50 Of the other performance-based stock units outstanding at March 31, 2017 , 201,464 reached maturity of the relevant performance period on March 31, 2017. The units achieved a 100% performance attainment level. However, application of the share price adjustment factor resulted in zero shares granted and cancellation of all the units during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Of the other performance-based stock units outstanding at March 31, 2017, 284,618 reached maturity of the relevant performance period on June 30, 2017. The units achieved an approximate 9% performance attainment level, resulting in issuance of 24,573 shares of common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Total expense related to other performance units for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million , respectively. Future expense for these performance units is expected to be approximately $0.1 million over the next one year . Consideration Holdback As part of the Company’s acquisition of Arbor in fiscal 2017, $38.3 million of the acquisition consideration otherwise payable with respect to shares of restricted Arbor common stock held by certain key employees was subject to holdback by the Company pursuant to agreements with those employees (each, a “Holdback Agreement”). The consideration holdback vests in 30 equal monthly increments following the date of close, subject to the Arbor key employees' continued employment through each monthly vesting date. At each vesting date, 1/30th of the $38.3 million holdback consideration vests and is settled in shares of Company common stock. The number of shares is based on the then-current market price of the Company common stock. Total expense related to the Holdback Agreement for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $7.7 million .

DISPOSITIONS_

DISPOSITIONS:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:	DISPOSITION: Disposition of Impact email business In fiscal 2017, the Company completed the sale of its Impact email business to Zeta Interactive for total consideration of $22.0 million , including a $4.0 million subordinated promissory note with interest accruing at a rate of 6.0% per annum. The note was paid in full during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The Company also entered into a separate multi-year contract to provide Zeta Interactive with Connectivity and Audience Solutions services. Prior to the disposition, the Impact email business was included in the Marketing Services segment results. The business did not meet the requirements of a discontinued business; therefore, all financial results are included in continuing operations. Revenue and income from operations from the disposed Impact email business are shown below (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues $ — $ 8,056 $ — $ 20,375 Income from operations $ — $ 249 $ — $ 120

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT AS

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS:	OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS: Other current assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Prepaid expenses and other $ 27,995 $ 25,714 Escrow deposit 5,880 5,880 Note receivable — 4,000 Assets of non-qualified retirement plan 13,519 12,716 Other current assets $ 47,394 $ 48,310 Other noncurrent assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Acquired intangible assets, net $ 38,735 $ 43,884 Deferred data acquisition costs 988 1,116 Other miscellaneous noncurrent assets 5,084 6,443 Noncurrent assets $ 44,807 $ 51,443

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES_

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Accrued Expenses [Abstract].
OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES	OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES: Other accrued expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Accrued purchase consideration $ 5,880 $ 5,880 Liabilities of non-qualified retirement plan 13,519 12,716 Other accrued expenses 38,515 41,265 Other accrued expenses $ 57,914 $ 59,861

GOODWILL_

GOODWILL:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL:	GOODWILL: The following table summarizes Goodwill activity, by segment, for the six months ended September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Marketing Services Audience Solutions Connectivity Total Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 118,890 $ 273,448 $ 200,393 $ 592,731 Arbor adjustment — — (21 ) (21 ) Change in foreign currency translation adjustment 94 — 41 135 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 118,984 $ 273,448 $ 200,413 $ 592,845 Goodwill by component included in each segment as of September 30, 2017 was: Marketing Audience Connectivity Total U.S. $ 110,910 $ 273,448 $ 196,812 $ 581,170 APAC 8,074 — 3,601 11,675 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 118,984 $ 273,448 $ 200,413 $ 592,845

LONG-TERM DEBT_

LONG-TERM DEBT:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT:	LONG-TERM DEBT: Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Term loan credit agreement $ — $ 155,000 Revolving credit borrowings 230,000 70,000 Other debt 4,463 5,612 Total long-term debt 234,463 230,612 Less current installments 2,089 39,819 Less deferred debt financing costs 4,329 1,552 Long-term debt, excluding current installments and deferred debt financing costs $ 228,045 $ 189,241 On June 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "restated credit agreement") as part of refinancing its prior credit agreement. On that day, the Company used an initial draw of $230 million to pay off the outstanding $225 million term and revolving loan balances, with interest, along with $4.0 million in fees related to the restated credit agreement. The fees are being amortized over the term of the agreement. The Company's restated credit agreement provides for (1) revolving credit facility borrowings consisting of revolving loans, letters of credit participation, and swing-line loans (the “ revolving loans ”) in an aggregate amount of $600 million and (2) a provision allowing the Company to request an increase of the aggregate amount of the revolving loans in an amount not to exceed $150 million . The restated credit agreement is secured by the accounts receivable of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as by the outstanding stock of certain subsidiaries of the Company. The restated credit agreement contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and default and acceleration provisions. The restated credit agreement matures, and is fully due and payable, on June 20, 2022 and allows for prepayments before maturity. The revolving loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR or at an alternative base rate plus a credit spread. At September 30, 2017 , the revolving loan borrowing bears interest at LIBOR plus a credit spread of 2% . The weighted-average interest rate on revolving credit borrowings at September 30, 2017 was 3.3% . There were no material outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2017 or March 31, 2017. Under the terms of the restated credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain debt-to-cash flow and interest coverage ratios, among other restrictions. At September 30, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions.

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS: Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts, returns and credits of $6.0 million at September 30, 2017 and $6.1 million at March 31, 2017 .

SEGMENT INFORMATION_

SEGMENT INFORMATION:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION:	SEGMENT INFORMATION: The Company reports segment information consistent with the way management internally disaggregates its operations to assess performance and to allocate resources. Revenues and cost of revenue are generally directly attributed to the segments. Certain revenue contracts are allocated among the segments based on the relative value of the underlying products and services. Cost of revenue, excluding non-cash stock compensation expense and purchased intangible asset amortization, is directly charged in most cases and allocated in certain cases based upon proportional usage. Operating expenses, excluding non-cash stock compensation expense and purchased intangible asset amortization, are attributed to the segment groups as follows: • Research and development expenses are primarily directly recorded to each segment group based on identified products supported. • Sales and marketing expenses are primarily directly recorded to each segment group based on products supported and sold. • General and administrative expenses are generally not allocated to the segments unless directly attributable. • Gains, losses and other items, net are not allocated to the segment groups. We do not track our assets by operating segments. Consequently, it is not practical to show assets by operating segment. The following table presents information by business segment (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues: Marketing Services $ 94,042 $ 105,679 $ 185,636 $ 215,394 Audience Solutions 78,814 78,526 154,548 152,270 Connectivity 52,384 33,062 97,570 64,404 Total segment revenues $ 225,240 $ 217,267 $ 437,754 $ 432,068 Gross profit (1) : Marketing Services $ 34,320 $ 34,480 $ 65,678 $ 71,946 Audience Solutions 48,321 47,998 95,531 89,910 Connectivity 35,292 19,843 62,817 37,418 Total segment gross profit $ 117,933 $ 102,321 $ 224,026 $ 199,274 Income from operations (1) : Marketing Services $ 21,874 $ 19,837 $ 41,658 $ 39,982 Audience Solutions 29,497 29,972 58,039 55,068 Connectivity 5,715 1,663 5,667 1,954 Total segment income from operations $ 57,086 $ 51,472 $ 105,364 $ 97,004 (1) Gross profit and Income from operations reflect only the direct and allocable controllable costs of each segment and do not include allocations of corporate expenses (primarily general and administrative expenses) and gains, losses, and other items, net. Additionally, segment Gross profit and Income from operations do not reflect non-cash stock compensation expense and purchased intangible asset amortization. The following table reconciles total segment gross profit to gross profit and total operating segment income from operations to income (loss) from operations (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total segment gross profit $ 117,933 $ 102,321 $ 224,026 $ 199,274 Less: Purchased intangible asset amortization 6,021 3,890 11,987 7,967 Non-cash stock compensation 1,744 1,269 3,317 2,163 Gross profit $ 110,168 $ 97,162 $ 208,722 $ 189,144 Total segment income from operations $ 57,086 $ 51,472 $ 105,364 $ 97,004 Less: Corporate expenses (principally general and administrative) 25,753 26,769 51,720 51,158 Separation and transformation costs included in general and administrative 5,442 1,455 12,561 1,455 Gains, losses and other items, net 3,660 300 3,562 614 Purchased intangible asset amortization 6,021 3,890 11,987 7,967 Non-cash stock compensation 15,757 11,938 30,788 20,528 Income (loss) from operations $ 453 $ 7,120 $ (5,254 ) $ 15,282

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND O

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES:	RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES: The following table summarizes the restructuring activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Associate-related Lease Total March 31, 2017 $ 2,400 $ 4,308 $ 6,708 Restructuring charges and adjustments 1,495 2,067 3,562 Payments (2,586 ) (681 ) (3,267 ) September 30, 2017 $ 1,309 $ 5,694 $ 7,003 The above balances are included in other accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Restructuring Plans In the six months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded a total of $3.6 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The expense included severance and other associate-related charges of $1.5 million , lease accruals and adjustments of $1.0 million , and leasehold improvement write-offs of $1.1 million . The associate-related accruals of $1.5 million relate to the termination of associates in the United States. Of the amount accrued, $0.4 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2018. The lease accruals and adjustments of $1.0 million result from the Company's exit from certain leased office facilities. Of the amount accrued, together with the deferred rent credits of $1.4 million related to the space, $2.4 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . In fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a total of $8.9 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The expense included severance and other associate-related charges of $3.8 million , lease accruals and adjustments of $3.0 million , and leasehold improvement write-offs of $2.1 million . Of the associate-related accruals of $3.8 million , $0.3 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . These costs are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2018. The lease accruals and adjustments of $3.0 million resulted from the Company's exit from certain leased office facilities ( $1.5 million ) and adjustments to estimates related to the fiscal 2015 lease accruals ( $1.5 million ). Of the amount accrued for fiscal 2017 lease accruals, $2.5 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a total of $12.0 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The expense included severance and other associate-related charges of $8.6 million , lease termination charges and accruals of $3.0 million , and leasehold improvement write-offs of $0.4 million . Of the associate-related accruals of $8.6 million , $0.3 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . These amounts are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2018. The lease termination charges and accruals of $3.0 million were fully paid during fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a total of $21.8 million in restructuring charges and adjustments included in gains, losses and other items, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The expense included severance and other associate-related charges of $13.3 million , lease accruals of $6.5 million , and the write-off of leasehold improvements of $2.0 million . Of the associate-related accruals of $13.3 million , $0.3 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . These amounts are expected to be paid out in fiscal 2018. Of the lease accruals of $6.5 million , $0.8 million remained accrued as of September 30, 2017 . With respect to the fiscal 2015, 2017, and 2018 lease accruals described above, the Company intends to sublease the facilities to the extent possible. The liabilities will be satisfied over the remainder of the leased properties' terms, which continue through November 2025. Actual sublease receipts may differ from the estimates originally made by the Company. Any future changes in the estimates or in the actual sublease income could require future adjustments to the liabilities, which would impact net earnings (loss) in the period the adjustment is recorded. Gains, Losses and Other Items Gains, losses and other items for each of the periods presented are as follows (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Restructuring plan charges and adjustments $ 3,660 $ 929 $ 3,562 $ 1,208 Gain on disposition of Impact email business — (629 ) — (629 ) Other — — — 35 $ 3,660 $ 300 $ 3,562 $ 614

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: Legal Matters The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. The Company records accruals for these matters to the extent that management concludes a loss is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. These accruals are reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In management’s opinion, the Company has made appropriate and adequate accruals for these matters, and management believes the probability of a material loss beyond the amounts accrued to be remote. However, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if accruals are not adequate, an adverse outcome could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company maintains insurance coverage above certain limits. There are currently no matters pending against the Company or its subsidiaries for which the potential exposure is considered material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Commitments The Company leases data processing equipment, office furniture and equipment, land and office space under noncancellable operating leases. The Company has a future commitment for lease payments over the next 23 years of $89.3 million . In connection with the Impact email disposition during fiscal 2017, the Company assigned a facility lease to the buyer of the business. The Company guaranteed the facility lease as required by the asset disposition agreement. Should the assignee default, the Company would be required to perform under the terms of the facility lease, which continues through September 2021. At September 30, 2017 , the Company’s maximum potential future rent payments under this guarantee totaled $2.4 million .

INCOME TAXES_

INCOME TAXES:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES:	INCOME TAX: In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company makes its best estimate of the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. The estimated effective income tax rate for the current fiscal year is impacted by nondeductible stock-based compensation, state income taxes, research tax credits, and losses in foreign jurisdictions. State income taxes are influenced by the geographic and legal entity mix of the Company’s U.S. income as well as the diversity of rules among the states. The Company does not record a tax benefit for certain foreign losses due to uncertainty of future utilization. As a result of adopting ASU 2016–09 during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies from stock–based compensation are recognized as income tax benefit and expense in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in the reporting period in which they occur. For the three months and six months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized discrete income tax benefits of $0.5 million and $2.0 million , respectively, related to net excess tax benefits.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUM

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, unbilled and notes receivable, short-term borrowings and trade payables - The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Long-term debt - The interest rate on the revolving credit agreement is adjusted for changes in market rates and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. The estimated fair value of other long-term debt was determined based upon the present value of the expected cash flows considering expected maturities and using interest rates currently available to the Company for long-term borrowings with similar terms. At September 30, 2017 , the estimated fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value. Under applicable accounting standards financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company assigned assets and liabilities to the hierarchy in the accounting standards, which is Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 - significant other observable inputs and Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs. The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Other current assets $ 13,519 $ — $ — $ 13,519 Total assets $ 13,519 $ — $ — $ 13,519

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUM21

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Current Year In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business" ("ASU 2017-01"), which amended the existing FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The standard provides additional guidance to assist entities with evaluation of whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoptions permitted. We adopted the standard in the current fiscal year, on a prospective basis, and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" ("ASU 2016-18"). This standard is intended to reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The standard requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted. We adopted the standard during the current fiscal year. Early adoption did not result in any changes to our existing accounting policies, presentation of items in our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, or any changes resulting from the retrospective application to all periods reported. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09") which is intended to improve the accounting for stock-based payment transactions as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. The ASU changes five aspects of the accounting for stock-based payment award transactions that will affect public companies, including: (1) accounting for income taxes; (2) classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows; (3) forfeitures; (4) minimum statutory tax withholding requirements; and (5) classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards depends on our stock price at the date the awards vest or the date of option exercises. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. We adopted ASU No. 2016-09 during the current fiscal year, which required us to reflect any adjustments as of April 1, 2017. We elected to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than estimating expected forfeitures. We recorded the cumulative impact of adoption through an increase in retained earnings of $2.2 million , of which $2.6 million related to deferred tax assets from certain federal and state research tax credit carryforwards attributable to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation that had not been previously recognized, offset by $0.4 million related to elimination of the forfeiture pool. We elected to prospectively adopt the effect on the statement of cash flows and accordingly, did not restate the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2016 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal 2021 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"), as a comprehensive new standard that amends various aspects of existing guidance for leases and requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. The new standard will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with the exception of short-term leases. For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or finance in the income statement. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Lessors will continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing or sales-type leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. In the financial statements in which the ASU is first applied, leases shall be measured and recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented with an adjustment to equity. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued update ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09") and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016 and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively (ASU 2014-09 and the subsequent amendments, collectively, "Topic 606"). Topic 606 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the new guidance is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The guidance defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others. Topic 606 also provides guidance on the recognition of costs related to obtaining customer contracts. The effective date for the Company is the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using either of two methods: (i) retrospective application to each prior reporting period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) retrospective application with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The Company has completed its preliminary assessment of the new standard and is continuing assessment as we complete implementation design activities. We plan to adopt Topic 606 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 pursuant to the aforementioned adoption method (ii), and we do not believe there will be a material impact to our revenues upon adoption. We are continuing to evaluate the impact to our revenues related to our pending adoption of Topic 606 and our preliminary assessments are subject to change. We are also continuing to evaluate the provisions of Topic 606 related to costs of obtaining customer contracts. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of any other recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND22

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Reconciliation of numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Net earnings (loss) $ (3,336 ) $ 7,140 $ (4,636 ) $ 11,116 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 77,446 78,954 77,459 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.04 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.14 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 77,446 78,954 77,459 Dilutive effect of common stock options, warrants, and restricted stock as computed under the treasury stock method — 1,831 — 1,858 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 79,235 79,277 78,954 79,317 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.04 ) $ 0.09 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.14
Schedule of anti-dilutive options, warrants and restricted stock units excluded from computation of earnings (loss) per share	Additional options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock units that were outstanding during the periods presented but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect was anti-dilutive are shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Number of shares outstanding under options, warrants and restricted stock units 1,308 39 324 263 Range of exercise prices for options $32.85 $20.27-$32.85 $32.85 $20.27-$32.85

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ (Tabl

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of option activity	Stock option activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number of exercise price contractual term Intrinsic value shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 3,033,071 $ 13.14 Performance units converted to options 299,641 $ 21.32 Exercised (396,912 ) $ 16.31 $ 4,039 Forfeited or canceled (63,540 ) $ 20.20 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 2,872,260 $ 13.40 6.1 $ 32,439 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 2,174,071 $ 13.65 5.4 $ 24,016
Summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable	A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2017 was: Options outstanding Options exercisable Range of Weighted-average Weighted-average Weighted-average exercise price Options remaining exercise price Options exercise price per share outstanding contractual life per share exercisable per share $ 0.61 — $ 9.99 746,976 6.8 years $ 1.68 473,841 $ 1.74 $ 10.00 — $ 19.99 1,305,746 5.1 years $ 14.99 1,109,428 $ 14.50 $ 20.00 — $ 24.99 799,986 7.0 years $ 21.29 576,139 $ 21.31 $ 25.00 — $ 32.85 19,552 6.1 years $ 32.85 14,663 $ 32.85 2,872,260 6.1 years $ 13.40 2,174,071 $ 13.65
Schedule of stock appreciation right (SAR) activity	SAR activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number exercise price contractual term intrinsic value of shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 245,404 $ 40.00 Forfeited or canceled (245,404 ) $ 40.00 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ — Performance stock option unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate Number exercise price contractual term intrinsic value of shares per share (in years) (in thousands) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 555,123 $ 21.41 Performance units converted to options (183,322 ) $ 21.41 Forfeited or canceled (11,291 ) $ 21.32 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 360,510 $ 21.41 2.1 $ 1,168 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ —
Schedule of non-vested time-vesting restricted stock unit activity	Non-vested time-vesting restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 3,307,577 $ 22.57 2.45 Granted 1,424,678 $ 26.09 Vested (691,507 ) $ 20.44 Forfeited or canceled (196,056 ) $ 22.51 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 3,844,692 $ 24.26 2.59
Schedule of non-vested performance-based restricted stock units activity	Non-vested performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 732,711 $ 20.89 1.13 Granted 421,918 $ 26.70 Additional performance shares 94,775 $ 19.46 Vested (252,760 ) $ 19.46 Forfeited or canceled (13,498 ) $ 18.91 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 983,146 $ 23.64 1.62
Schedule of other performance unit activity	Other performance-based stock unit activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 was: Weighted-average fair value per Weighted-average Number share at grant remaining contractual of shares date term (in years) Outstanding at March 31, 2017 597,193 $ 4.14 0.30 Vested (24,573 ) $ 2.94 Forfeited or canceled (461,509 ) $ 3.92 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 111,111 $ 5.33 0.50

DISPOSITIONS_ (Tables)

DISPOSITIONS: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of summary results of operations for discontinued operations	Revenue and income from operations from the disposed Impact email business are shown below (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues $ — $ 8,056 $ — $ 20,375 Income from operations $ — $ 249 $ — $ 120

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT 25

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of other current assets	Other current assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Prepaid expenses and other $ 27,995 $ 25,714 Escrow deposit 5,880 5,880 Note receivable — 4,000 Assets of non-qualified retirement plan 13,519 12,716 Other current assets $ 47,394 $ 48,310
Schedule of components of other noncurrent assets	Other noncurrent assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Acquired intangible assets, net $ 38,735 $ 43,884 Deferred data acquisition costs 988 1,116 Other miscellaneous noncurrent assets 5,084 6,443 Noncurrent assets $ 44,807 $ 51,443

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES_ (Tables

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Accrued Expenses [Abstract].
Schedule of other accrued expenses	Other accrued expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Accrued purchase consideration $ 5,880 $ 5,880 Liabilities of non-qualified retirement plan 13,519 12,716 Other accrued expenses 38,515 41,265 Other accrued expenses $ 57,914 $ 59,861

GOODWILL_ (Tables)

GOODWILL: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill by operating segment and activity and by component included in each segment	The following table summarizes Goodwill activity, by segment, for the six months ended September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Marketing Services Audience Solutions Connectivity Total Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 118,890 $ 273,448 $ 200,393 $ 592,731 Arbor adjustment — — (21 ) (21 ) Change in foreign currency translation adjustment 94 — 41 135 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 118,984 $ 273,448 $ 200,413 $ 592,845 Goodwill by component included in each segment as of September 30, 2017 was: Marketing Audience Connectivity Total U.S. $ 110,910 $ 273,448 $ 196,812 $ 581,170 APAC 8,074 — 3,601 11,675 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 118,984 $ 273,448 $ 200,413 $ 592,845

LONG-TERM DEBT_ (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of long-term debt	Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Term loan credit agreement $ — $ 155,000 Revolving credit borrowings 230,000 70,000 Other debt 4,463 5,612 Total long-term debt 234,463 230,612 Less current installments 2,089 39,819 Less deferred debt financing costs 4,329 1,552 Long-term debt, excluding current installments and deferred debt financing costs $ 228,045 $ 189,241

SEGMENT INFORMATION_ (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of information by business segment	The following table presents information by business segment (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues: Marketing Services $ 94,042 $ 105,679 $ 185,636 $ 215,394 Audience Solutions 78,814 78,526 154,548 152,270 Connectivity 52,384 33,062 97,570 64,404 Total segment revenues $ 225,240 $ 217,267 $ 437,754 $ 432,068 Gross profit (1) : Marketing Services $ 34,320 $ 34,480 $ 65,678 $ 71,946 Audience Solutions 48,321 47,998 95,531 89,910 Connectivity 35,292 19,843 62,817 37,418 Total segment gross profit $ 117,933 $ 102,321 $ 224,026 $ 199,274 Income from operations (1) : Marketing Services $ 21,874 $ 19,837 $ 41,658 $ 39,982 Audience Solutions 29,497 29,972 58,039 55,068 Connectivity 5,715 1,663 5,667 1,954 Total segment income from operations $ 57,086 $ 51,472 $ 105,364 $ 97,004 (1) Gross profit and Income from operations reflect only the direct and allocable controllable costs of each segment and do not include allocations of corporate expenses (primarily general and administrative expenses) and gains, losses, and other items, net. Additionally, segment Gross profit and Income from operations do not reflect non-cash stock compensation expense and purchased intangible asset amortization.
Reconciliation of total operating segment gross profit to total gross profit and total operating segment income from operations to loss from operations	The following table reconciles total segment gross profit to gross profit and total operating segment income from operations to income (loss) from operations (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total segment gross profit $ 117,933 $ 102,321 $ 224,026 $ 199,274 Less: Purchased intangible asset amortization 6,021 3,890 11,987 7,967 Non-cash stock compensation 1,744 1,269 3,317 2,163 Gross profit $ 110,168 $ 97,162 $ 208,722 $ 189,144 Total segment income from operations $ 57,086 $ 51,472 $ 105,364 $ 97,004 Less: Corporate expenses (principally general and administrative) 25,753 26,769 51,720 51,158 Separation and transformation costs included in general and administrative 5,442 1,455 12,561 1,455 Gains, losses and other items, net 3,660 300 3,562 614 Purchased intangible asset amortization 6,021 3,890 11,987 7,967 Non-cash stock compensation 15,757 11,938 30,788 20,528 Income (loss) from operations $ 453 $ 7,120 $ (5,254 ) $ 15,282

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND30

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of restructuring activity	The following table summarizes the restructuring activity for the six months ended September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Associate-related Lease Total March 31, 2017 $ 2,400 $ 4,308 $ 6,708 Restructuring charges and adjustments 1,495 2,067 3,562 Payments (2,586 ) (681 ) (3,267 ) September 30, 2017 $ 1,309 $ 5,694 $ 7,003
Schedule of gains, losses and other items	Gains, losses and other items for each of the periods presented are as follows (dollars in thousands): For the three months ended For the six months ended September 30, September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Restructuring plan charges and adjustments $ 3,660 $ 929 $ 3,562 $ 1,208 Gain on disposition of Impact email business — (629 ) — (629 ) Other — — — 35 $ 3,660 $ 300 $ 3,562 $ 614

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR31

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Other current assets $ 13,519 $ — $ — $ 13,519 Total assets $ 13,519 $ — $ — $ 13,519

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUM32

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	$ 2,626
Retained earnings
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	2,242
Additional paid-in Capital
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	384
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Income taxes (benefit)		$ 2,600
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Retained earnings
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	2,200
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Additional paid-in Capital
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	$ 400

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND33

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (3,336)	$ 7,140	$ (4,636)	$ 11,116
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	79,235	77,446	78,954	77,459
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in USD per share)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.09	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	79,235	77,446	78,954	77,459
Dilutive effect of common stock options, warrants, and restricted stock as computed under the treasury stock method (in shares)	0	1,831	0	1,858
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	79,235	79,277	78,954	79,317
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in USD per share)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.09	$ (0.06)	$ 0.14

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND34

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,308	39	324	263
Repurchase of stock (in shares)	900		900
Payments for repurchase of common stock			$ 19,776	$ 30,542
Treasury stock, at cost	$ 1,067,090		1,067,090		$ 1,039,345
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 9,410		$ 9,410		$ 7,999
Stock Options And Warrants And Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	2,200		2,500
Common Stock Repurchase Program
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 400,000		$ 400,000
Repurchase of stock (in shares)	17,700		17,700
Treasury stock, at cost	$ 305,500		$ 305,500
Stock repurchase program, remaining amount	$ 94,500		$ 94,500

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND35

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Anti-dilutive shares (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,308	39	324	263
Stock Options And Warrants And Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	2,200		2,500
Options and Warrants Exercise Price	$ 32.85		$ 32.85
Minimum | Stock Options And Warrants And Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options and Warrants Exercise Price		$ 20.27		$ 20.27
Maximum | Stock Options And Warrants And Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options and Warrants Exercise Price		$ 32.85		$ 32.85

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ (Deta

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock Option Activity - Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the period (in shares)	3,033,071
Granted (in shares)	299,641
Exercised (in shares)	(396,912)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)	(63,540)
Outstanding at end of the period (in shares)	2,872,260
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	2,174,071
Weighted-average exercise price per share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.14
Granted (in dollars per share)	21.32
Exercised (in dollars per share)	16.31
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share)	20.20
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	13.40
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.65
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term	6 years 20 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	5 years 4 months 23 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Exercised	$ 4,039
Outstanding at the end of the period	32,439
Exercisable at the end of the period	$ 24,016
Stock Option and Equity Compensation Plans
Share-based compensation
Total shares reserved for issuance since inception of the stock option and equity compensation plans (in shares)	34,500,000
Shares which remained available for future grants (in shares)	6,200,000
Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based compensation
Shares which remained available for future grants (in shares)		32,900,000	28,400,000
Shares reserved for issuance	34,500,000		30,000,000

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ Stock

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: Stock options outstanding and exercisable (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Options outstanding (in shares)	2,872,260
Options outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 20 days
Options outstanding - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 13.40
Options exercisable (in shares)	2,174,071
Options exercisable - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 13.65
Range of exercise price per share from $0.61 to $9.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price per share, low end of range (in dollars per share)	0.61
Exercise price per share, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 9.99
Options outstanding (in shares)	746,976
Options outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 9 months 5 days
Options outstanding - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.68
Options exercisable (in shares)	473,841
Options exercisable - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74
Range of exercise price per share from $10.00 to $19.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price per share, low end of range (in dollars per share)	10
Exercise price per share, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 19.99
Options outstanding (in shares)	1,305,746
Options outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	5 years 29 days
Options outstanding - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 14.99
Options exercisable (in shares)	1,109,428
Options exercisable - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 14.50
Range of exercise price per share from $20.00 to $24.99
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price per share, low end of range (in dollars per share)	20
Exercise price per share, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 24.99
Options outstanding (in shares)	799,986
Options outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 11 months 22 days
Options outstanding - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 21.29
Options exercisable (in shares)	576,139
Options exercisable - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 21.31
Range of exercise price per share from $25.00 to $32.85
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price per share, low end of range (in dollars per share)	25
Exercise price per share, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 32.85
Options outstanding (in shares)	19,552
Options outstanding - Weighted-average remaining contractual life	6 years 1 month 12 days
Options outstanding - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 32.85
Options exercisable (in shares)	14,663
Options exercisable - Weighted-average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 32.85
Stock options
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2.8	$ 3.5
Share-based compensation not yet recognized	$ 8.5
Period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	4 years

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ Perfo

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: Performance Stock Option Unit Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$ 16.31
Number of shares
Outstanding at beginning of the period (in shares)		3,033,071
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)		(63,540)
Outstanding at end of the period (in shares)	2,872,260	2,872,260		3,033,071
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	2,174,071	2,174,071
Weighted-average exercise price per share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 13.14
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share)		20.20
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.40	13.40		$ 13.14
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.65	$ 13.65
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term		6 years 20 days
Exercisable at the end of the period		5 years 4 months 23 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$ 32,439	$ 32,439
Exercisable at the end of the period	24,016	$ 24,016
Shares Vesting Based On Relevent Performance Period At March 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units reached maturity		183,322
Vesting percentage		163.00%
Options issued (in shares)		299,641
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 18,600	$ 15,400
Restricted stock units | Shares Vesting Based On Relevent Performance Period At March 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units reached maturity				157,985
Vesting percentage		160.00%
Options issued (in shares)		252,760
Restricted stock units | Performance stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued (in shares)		94,775
Performance stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$ 21.32
Share-based compensation expense		$ 800	$ 300
Future expense for performance stock option units	$ 2,800	$ 2,800
Period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense		4 years
Number of shares
Outstanding at beginning of the period (in shares)		555,123
Performance units converted to options (in shares)		(183,322)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)		(11,291)
Outstanding at end of the period (in shares)	360,510	360,510		555,123
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	0	0
Weighted-average exercise price per share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 21.41
Performance units converted to options (in dollars per share)		21.41
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share)		21.32
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 21.41	21.41		$ 21.41
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term		2 years 1 month 22 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	0 years
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$ 1,168	$ 1,168
Exercisable at the end of the period	$ 0	$ 0

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ SAR a

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: SAR activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Weighted-average exercise price per share
Weighted-average exercise price per share, Forfeited or canceled (in dollars per share)		$ 40
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based compensation activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		245,404
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)		(245,404)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	0	0	245,404
Weighted-average exercise price per share
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 40
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 40
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	0 years
Vesting percentage		100.00%
Restricted stock units | Time Based Vesting
Share-based compensation activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		3,307,577
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)		(196,056)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	3,844,692	3,844,692	3,307,577
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)		2 years 7 months 3 days	2 years 5 months 12 days
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted		$ 37.2
Granted (in shares)		1,424,678
Restricted stock units | Partial cliff vest tranche one
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Granted (in shares)		1,005,876
Restricted stock units | Partial cliff vesting tranche two
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Vesting percentage		75.00%
Restricted stock units | Time based vesting in one year anniversary
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Vesting percentage		50.00%
Granted (in shares)		174,368
Vesting period (in years)		1 year
Restricted stock units | Vesting in four years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Granted (in shares)		217,758
Vesting period (in years)		4 years
Restricted stock units | Vesting in one year
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Vesting percentage		50.00%
Granted (in shares)		26,676
Vesting period (in years)		1 year

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ Non v

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: Non vested time vesting restricted stock unit activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)tranche$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Shares Vesting Based On Relevent Performance Period At March 31, 2017
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Number of units reached maturity	183,322
Vesting percentage	163.00%
Options issued (in shares)	299,641
Restricted stock units
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Share-based compensation expense | $	$ 18.6	$ 15.4
Restricted stock units | Time Based Vesting
Non-vested restricted stock unit activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,307,577
Granted (in shares)	1,424,678
Vested (in shares)	(691,507)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)	(196,056)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	3,844,692		3,307,577
Non-vested restricted stock units, Weighted average fair value per share at grant date
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.57
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	26.09
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	20.44
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	22.51
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.26		$ 22.57
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	2 years 7 months 3 days		2 years 5 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Granted (in shares)	1,424,678
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted | $	$ 37.2
Restricted stock units | Performance stock
Non-vested restricted stock unit activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	732,711
Granted (in shares)	421,918
Additional performance shares (in shares)	94,775
Vested (in shares)	(252,760)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)	(13,498)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	983,146		732,711
Non-vested restricted stock units, Weighted average fair value per share at grant date
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.89
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	26.70
Additional performance shares (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	19.46
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	19.46
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	18.91
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 23.64		$ 20.89
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	1 year 7 months 13 days		1 year 1 month 17 days
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Granted (in shares)	421,918
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted | $	$ 11.3
Options issued (in shares)	94,775
Restricted stock units | Shares Vesting Based On Relevant Performance Period At March312018 [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Number of units reached maturity	277,792
Vesting percentage	200.00%
Options issued (in shares)	555,584
Restricted stock units | Performance Shares Vesting Total Shareholder Return
Non-vested restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	217,784
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Granted (in shares)	217,784
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted | $	$ 6.1
Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Two Equal Tranches [Member]
Non-vested restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	87,184
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Granted (in shares)	87,184
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted | $	$ 2.1
Number of tranches | tranche	2
Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Three Equal Tranches [Member]
Non-vested restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	116,950
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Granted (in shares)	116,950
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted | $	$ 3.1
Number of tranches | tranche	3
Restricted stock units | Shares Vesting Based On Relevent Performance Period At March 31, 2017
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Number of units reached maturity			157,985
Vesting percentage	160.00%
Options issued (in shares)	252,760
Restricted stock units | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	$ 22.6
Restricted stock units | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	33.8
Restricted stock units | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	23.3
Restricted stock units | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	11.2
Restricted stock units | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Five
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	$ 1.5
Minimum | Restricted stock units | Performance Shares Vesting Total Shareholder Return
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Minimum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Two Equal Tranches [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Minimum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Two Equal Tranches (Second Tranche) [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Minimum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Three Equal Tranches [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Maximum | Restricted stock units | Performance Shares Vesting Total Shareholder Return
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	200.00%
Maximum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Two Equal Tranches [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	75.00%
Maximum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Two Equal Tranches (Second Tranche) [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	150.00%
Maximum | Restricted stock units | Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Vesting In Three Equal Tranches [Member]
Restricted Stock Unit Activity - Other disclosures
Vesting percentage	300.00%

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION_ Other

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION: Other (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)item$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based compensation
Percentage of Increment	0.0333%
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Holdback consideration transferred | $		$ 38.3
Holdback expenses | $		$ 7.7
Other performance based
Share-based compensation activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		597,193
Vested (in shares)		(24,573)
Forfeited or cancelled (in shares)		(461,509)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	111,111	111,111		597,193
Share-based compensation, Weighted average fair value per share at grant date
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 4.14
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		2.94
Forfeited or cancelled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		3.92
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 5.33	$ 5.33		$ 4.14
Weighted-average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)		5 months 29 days		3 months 18 days
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		24,573
Share-based compensation expense | $		$ 0.2	$ 0.5
Period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense		1 year
Arbor
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Holdback consideration transferred | $		$ 38.3
Number of increments | item		30
Shares Vesting Based On Relevant Performance Period At March 31 2017 | Other performance based
Share-based compensation activity
Vested (in shares)				(201,464)
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				201,464
Vesting percentage				100.00%
Granted (in shares)		0
Shares Vesting Based on relevant performance period at June 30 2017 | Other performance based
Share-based compensation activity
Vested (in shares)		(284,618)
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		284,618
Vesting percentage		9.00%
Options issued (in shares)	24,573
Shares vesting based on relevant performance period at a future period | Other performance based
Share-based Activity - Other disclosures
Future share-based compensation expense expected | $	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

DISPOSITIONS_ Narrative (Detail

DISPOSITIONS: Narrative (Details) - Zeta Interactive - Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses	$ 22
Subordinated promissory note	$ 4
Interest accrual rate (percentage)	6.00%

DISPOSITIONS_ Revenue and incom

DISPOSITIONS: Revenue and income from operations from the disposed business (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 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]
Income from operations	$ (1,879)	$ 5,224	$ (10,600)	$ 11,881
Zeta Interactive | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	0	8,056	0	20,375
Income from operations	$ 0	$ 249	$ 0	$ 120

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT 44

OTHER CURRENT AND NONCURRENT ASSETS: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other	$ 27,995	$ 25,714
Escrow deposit	5,880	5,880
Note receivable	0	4,000
Assets of non-qualified retirement plan	13,519	12,716
Other current assets	47,394	48,310
Other noncurrent assets
Acquired intangible assets, net	38,735	43,884
Deferred data acquisition costs	988	1,116
Other miscellaneous noncurrent assets	5,084	6,443
Noncurrent assets	$ 44,807	$ 51,443

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES_ (Detail

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Accrued Expenses [Abstract].
Accrued purchase consideration	$ 5,880	$ 5,880
Liabilities of non-qualified retirement plan	13,519	12,716
Other accrued expenses	38,515	41,265
Other accrued expenses	$ 57,914	$ 59,861

GOODWILL_ (Details)

GOODWILL: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill
Goodwill at the beginning of year		$ 592,731
Arbor Adjustment	$ (21)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment		135
Goodwill at the end of year	592,845	592,845
U.S.
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	581,170	581,170
APAC
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	11,675	11,675
Marketing Services
Goodwill
Goodwill at the beginning of year		118,890
Arbor Adjustment	0
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment		94
Goodwill at the end of year	118,984	118,984
Marketing Services | U.S.
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	110,910	110,910
Marketing Services | APAC
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	8,074	8,074
Audience Solutions
Goodwill
Goodwill at the beginning of year		273,448
Arbor Adjustment	0
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment		0
Goodwill at the end of year	273,448	273,448
Audience Solutions | U.S.
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	273,448	273,448
Audience Solutions | APAC
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	0	0
Connectivity
Goodwill
Goodwill at the beginning of year		200,393
Arbor Adjustment	(21)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment		41
Goodwill at the end of year	200,413	200,413
Connectivity | U.S.
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	196,812	196,812
Connectivity | APAC
Goodwill
Goodwill at the end of year	$ 3,601	$ 3,601

LONG-TERM DEBT_ Narrative (Deta

LONG-TERM DEBT: Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 20, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of borrowing commitment		$ 600	$ 600
Term loans | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt variable interest rate description			LIBOR
Long-term debt basis spread on variable interest rate (as a percent)		2.00%
Term loans | Alternative Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt variable interest rate description		Alternative base rate
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital leases	$ 230
Repayments on lines of credit			$ 225
Fees related to the restated credit agreement			4
Aggregate amount of borrowing commitment		$ 150	$ 150
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt (as a percent)		3.30%	3.30%
Revolving credit facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt variable interest rate description				LIBOR
Revolving credit facility | Alternative Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt variable interest rate description		Alternative base rate

LONG-TERM DEBT_ (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital leases	$ 234,463	$ 230,612
Less current installments	2,089	39,819
Less deferred debt financing costs	4,329	1,552
Long-term debt, excluding current installments and deferred debt financing costs	228,045	189,241
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital leases	0	155,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital leases	230,000	70,000
Other debt and long-term liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital leases	$ 4,463	$ 5,612

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUN49

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts, returns and credits	$ 6	$ 6.1

SEGMENT INFORMATION_ Segment In

SEGMENT INFORMATION: Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 225,240	$ 217,267	$ 437,754	$ 432,068
Gross Profit	110,168	97,162	208,722	189,144
Operating Income (Loss)	453	7,120	(5,254)	15,282
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	225,240	217,267	437,754	432,068
Gross Profit	117,933	102,321	224,026	199,274
Operating Income (Loss)	57,086	51,472	105,364	97,004
Operating Segments | Marketing Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	94,042	105,679	185,636	215,394
Gross Profit	34,320	34,480	65,678	71,946
Operating Income (Loss)	21,874	19,837	41,658	39,982
Operating Segments | Audience Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	78,814	78,526	154,548	152,270
Gross Profit	48,321	47,998	95,531	89,910
Operating Income (Loss)	29,497	29,972	58,039	55,068
Operating Segments | Connectivity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	52,384	33,062	97,570	64,404
Gross Profit	35,292	19,843	62,817	37,418
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 5,715	$ 1,663	$ 5,667	$ 1,954

SEGMENT INFORMATION_ Total oper

SEGMENT INFORMATION: Total operating segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	$ 110,168	$ 97,162	$ 208,722	$ 189,144
Operating Income (Loss)	453	7,120	(5,254)	15,282
Gains, losses and other items, net	3,660	300	3,562	614
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	117,933	102,321	224,026	199,274
Operating Income (Loss)	57,086	51,472	105,364	97,004
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Purchased intangible asset amortization	6,021	3,890	11,987	7,967
Non-cash stock compensation	1,744	1,269	3,317	2,163
Corporate expenses (principally general and administrative)	25,753	26,769	51,720	51,158
Separation and transformation costs included in general and administrative	5,442	1,455	12,561	1,455
Gains, losses and other items, net	3,660	300	3,562	614
Purchased intangible asset amortization	6,021	3,890	11,987	7,967
Non-cash stock compensation	$ 15,757	$ 11,938	$ 30,788	$ 20,528

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND52

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES: Summary of restructuring activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges and adjustments	$ 3,660	$ 929	$ 3,562	$ 1,208
Continuing operations
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, at the beginning of the period			6,708
Restructuring charges and adjustments			3,562
Payments			(3,267)
Restructuring Reserve, at the end of the period	7,003		7,003
Continuing operations | Associate-related reserves
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, at the beginning of the period			2,400
Restructuring charges and adjustments			1,495
Payments			(2,586)
Restructuring Reserve, at the end of the period	1,309		1,309
Continuing operations | Lease accruals
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, at the beginning of the period			4,308
Restructuring charges and adjustments			2,067
Payments			(681)
Restructuring Reserve, at the end of the period	$ 5,694		$ 5,694

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND53

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES: Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments	$ 3,660	$ 929	$ 3,562	$ 1,208
Deferred rent credit	1,400		1,400
Accrued Rent	2,400		2,400
Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			3,600		$ 8,900
Restructuring Activity2016 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						$ 12,000
Restructuring Activity2015 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							$ 21,800
Employee Severance | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			300		3,800
Employee Severance | Restructuring Activity2016 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						8,600
Employee Severance | Restructuring Activity2015 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							13,300
Termination Of Associates | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			1,000		3,000
Leased office facilities | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments					1,500
Adjustments to estimates related to the fiscal 2015 lease accruals | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments					1,500
Lease agreements | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			2,500
Contract Termination | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							6,500
Contract Termination | Restructuring Activity2016 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						3,000
Contract Termination | Restructuring Activity2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	800		800
Contract Termination | Restructuring Activity2015 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							6,500
Leasehold Improvement Write Offs | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			1,100		$ 2,100
Leasehold Improvement Write Offs | Restructuring Activity2016 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						400
Leasehold Improvement Write Offs | Restructuring Activity2015 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							2,000
UNITED STATES | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			400
UNITED STATES | Employee Severance | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments			1,500
United States Australia Europe And Brazil | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments	300
United States Australia Europe And Brazil | Employee Severance | Restructuring Activity2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						8,600
France | Restructuring Activity2015 | Gains Losses And Other Items Net
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments						$ 3,000
United States Australia China And Europe | Employee Severance | Restructuring Activity2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and adjustments							$ 13,300
Restructuring reserve	$ 300		$ 300

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND54

RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES: Gains, losses and other items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring plan charges and adjustments	$ 3,660	$ 929	$ 3,562	$ 1,208
Gain on disposition of Impact email business	0	(629)	0	(629)
Other	0	0	0	35
Gains, losses and other items, net	$ 3,660	$ 300	$ 3,562	$ 614

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Guarantee Type, Other
Commitments
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 2.4
Continuing operations | Operating lease and licensing agreements
Commitments
Term of future commitment for lease payments under noncancellable operating leases (in years)	23 years
Contractual Obligation	$ 89.3

INCOME TAX_ (Details)

INCOME TAX: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	$ 0.5	$ 2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR57

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair value of assets and liabilities
Other current assets	$ 47,394	$ 48,310
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Total
Fair value of assets and liabilities
Other current assets	13,519
Total assets	13,519
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Total | Level 1
Fair value of assets and liabilities
Other current assets	13,519
Total assets	13,519
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Total | Level 2
Fair value of assets and liabilities
Other current assets	0
Total assets	0
Fair value measurements on recurring basis | Total | Level 3
Fair value of assets and liabilities
Other current assets	0
Total assets	$ 0