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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q




ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2011

or

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                             to                            

Commission File No. 001-34063



TREE.COM, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  26-2414818
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

11115 Rushmore Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277
(Address of principal executive offices)

(704) 541-5351
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

        As of August 11, 2011 there were 11,037,670 shares of the Registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding, excluding treasury shares.


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page
Number
 

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

    3  

Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    33  

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    44  

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

    44  

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

       

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

    46  

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

    47  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

    49  

Item 5.

 

Other Information

       

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

    50  

2


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PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements


TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010   2011   2010  
 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
 

Revenue

  $ 17,215   $ 15,116   $ 31,339   $ 34,102  

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

    1,522     1,118     2,871     2,592  
                   
 

Gross margin

    15,693     13,998     28,468     31,510  

Operating expenses

                         
 

Selling and marketing expense

    15,423     11,497     31,054     26,160  
 

General and administrative expense

    5,606     6,328     11,563     12,911  
 

Product development

    861     717     2,150     1,827  
 

Litigation settlements and contingencies

    25         4,525      
 

Restructuring expense

    398     68     491     2,671  
 

Amortization of intangibles

    267     943     574     1,886  
 

Depreciation

    1,225     892     2,404     1,777  
 

Asset impairments

    250         5,257      
                   
   

Total operating expenses

    24,055     20,445     58,018     47,232  
                   
   

Operating loss

    (8,362 )   (6,447 )   (29,550 )   (15,722 )

Other income (expense)

                         
 

Interest income

                7  
 

Interest expense

    (76 )   (166 )   (155 )   (333 )
                   

Total other expense, net

    (76 )   (166 )   (155 )   (326 )
                   

Loss before income taxes

    (8,438 )   (6,613 )   (29,705 )   (16,048 )

Income tax provision

    (37 )   (265 )   (302 )   (808 )
                   

Net loss from continuing operations

    (8,475 )   (6,878 )   (30,007 )   (16,856 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (9,343 )   6,079     (27,306 )   9,911  
                   

Net loss available to common shareholders

  $ (17,818 ) $ (799 ) $ (57,313 ) $ (6,945 )
                   

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    11,014     11,240     10,948     11,039  
                   

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

    11,014     11,240     10,948     11,039  
                   

Net loss per share from continuing operations

                         
 

Basic

  $ (0.77 ) $ (0.61 ) $ (2.74 ) $ (1.53 )
                   
 

Diluted

  $ (0.77 ) $ (0.61 ) $ (2.74 ) $ (1.53 )
                   

Net loss per share available to common shareholders

                         
 

Basic

  $ (1.62 ) $ (0.07 ) $ (5.23 ) $ (0.63 )
                   
 

Diluted

  $ (1.62 ) $ (0.07 ) $ (5.23 ) $ (0.63 )
                   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
 
  (unaudited)
   
 
 
  (In thousands, except
par value and share
amounts)

 

ASSETS:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 34,276   $ 68,819  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

    10,321     8,155  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $146 and $213, respectively

    6,989     3,534  

Prepaid and other current assets

    937     1,159  

Current assets of discontinued operations

    140,177     130,615  
           
 

Total current assets

    192,700     212,282  

Property and equipment, net

    9,340     8,505  

Goodwill

    3,632     3,632  

Intangible assets, net

    40,496     45,419  

Other non-current assets

    116     116  

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

    10,759     12,848  
           
 

Total assets

  $ 257,043   $ 282,802  
           

LIABILITIES:

             

Accounts payable, trade

  $ 15,951   $ 6,485  

Deferred revenue

    81     1,540  

Deferred income taxes

    2,358     2,358  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    22,125     22,912  

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

    135,049     118,038  
           
 

Total current liabilities

    175,564     151,333  

Income taxes payable

    101     96  

Other long-term liabilities

    3,363     3,168  

Deferred income taxes

    14,241     13,962  

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

    18,073     12,422  
           
 

Total liabilities

    211,342     180,981  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

             

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

             

Preferred stock $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding

         

Common stock $.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 12,151,330 and 11,893,468 shares, respectively, and outstanding 11,028,069 and 10,770,207 shares, respectively

    121     118  

Additional paid-in capital

    910,027     908,837  

Accumulated deficit

    (855,915 )   (798,602 )

Treasury stock 1,123,261 shares

    (8,532 )   (8,532 )
           
 

Total shareholders' equity

    45,701     101,821  
           
 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 257,043   $ 282,802  
           

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 
   
  Common Stock    
   
  Treasury Stock  
 
  Total   Number of
Shares
  Amount   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Number of
Shares
  Amount  
 
  (In thousands)
 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

  $ 101,821     11,893   $ 118   $ 908,837   $ (798,602 )   1,123   $ (8,532 )

Comprehensive loss:

                                           
 

Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011

    (57,313 )               (57,313 )        
                                           

Comprehensive loss

    (57,313 )                        

Non-cash compensation

    2,094             2,094              

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes

    (901 )   258     3     (904 )            
                               

Balance as of June 30, 2011

  $ 45,701     12,151   $ 121   $ 910,027   $ (855,915 )   1,123   $ (8,532 )
                               

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  
 
  (In thousands)
 

Cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations:

             

Net loss

  $ (57,313 ) $ (6,945 )

Less (income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    27,306     (9,911 )
           

Net loss from continuing operations

    (30,007 )   (16,856 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities attributable to continuing operations:

             
 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

    111     9  
 

Amortization of intangibles

    574     1,886  
 

Depreciation

    2,404     1,777  
 

Intangible impairment

    4,350      
 

Property and equipment impairment

    907      
 

Non-cash compensation expense

    1,870     1,857  
 

Non-cash restructuring expense

        93  
 

Deferred income taxes

    278     658  
 

Bad debt expense

        92  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

             
 

Accounts receivable

    (3,455 )   959  
 

Prepaid and other current assets

    222     (28 )
 

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

    8,711     (15,575 )
 

Income taxes payable

    (28 )   84  
 

Deferred revenue

    (1,475 )   (134 )
 

Other, net

    209     2,897  
           

Net cash used in operating activities attributable to continuing operations

    (15,329 )   (22,281 )
           

Cash flows from investing activities attributable to continuing operations:

             
 

Capital expenditures

    (4,257 )   (3,010 )
 

Other, net

    (1,466 )   2,187  
           

Net cash used in investing activities attributable to continuing operations

    (5,723 )   (823 )
           

Cash flows from financing activities attributable to continuing operations:

             
 

Issuance of common stock, net of withholding taxes

    (901 )   (381 )
 

Purchase of treasury stock

        (3,431 )
 

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

    (700 )   150  
           

Net cash used in financing activities attributable to continuing operations

    (1,601 )   (3,662 )
           

Total cash used in continuing operations

    (22,653 )   (26,766 )
           

Net cash used in operating activities attributable to discontinued operations

    (16,337 )   (8,479 )

Net cash used in investing activities attributable to discontinued operations

    (9,185 )   (557 )

Net cash provided by financing activities attributable to discontinued operations

    13,632     12,586  
           

Total cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

    (11,890 )   3,550  
           

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (34,543 )   (23,216 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    68,819     86,093  
           

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 34,276   $ 62,877  
           

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION

Company Overview

        Tree.com, Inc. ("we," "Tree.com" or the "Company") is the parent of LendingTree, LLC, which owns several brands and businesses that provide information, tools, advice, products and services for critical transactions in our customers' lives. Our family of brands includes: LendingTree.com®, GetSmart.com®, RealEstate.com®, DegreeTree.comSM, HealthTree.comSM, LendingTreeAutos.com, DoneRight.com®, and InsuranceTree.comSM. Together, these brands serve as an ally for consumers who are looking to comparison shop for loans, real estate and other services from multiple businesses and professionals that will compete for their business.

Segment Reporting

        The overall concept that Tree.com employs in determining its reportable segments and related financial information is to present them in a manner consistent with how the chief operating decision maker and executive management view the Tree.com businesses, how the businesses are organized as to segment management, and the focus of the Tree.com businesses with regards to the types of products or services offered or the target market.

        Through the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we operated in two reportable business segments: LendingTree Loans and Exchanges. The LendingTree Loans segment originates, processes, approves and funds various residential real estate loans through Home Loan Center, Inc. dba LendingTree Loans ("HLC"). The HLC and LendingTree Loans brand names are collectively referred to in these consolidated financial statements as "LendingTree Loans." The Exchanges segment consists of online lead generation networks and call centers that connect consumers and service providers principally in the lending, real estate, higher education, home services, insurance and automobile marketplaces.

        In connection with entering into an agreement in the second quarter of 2011 that provides for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans segment to Discover Bank that is discussed below and in Note 6, the Company re-evaluated its reporting segments based on the continuing operations of the Company. We have determined that our continuing operations are now one reportable segment, which represents the previous "Exchanges" segment.

        Tree.com maintains operations solely in the United States.

Discontinued Operations

        The businesses of RealEstate.com, REALTORS® and LendingTree Loans are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The notes accompanying these consolidated financial statements reflect our continuing operations and, unless otherwise noted, exclude information related to the discontinued operations.

        On March 10, 2011, management of the Company made the decision and finalized a plan to close all of the field offices of the proprietary full service real estate brokerage business known as RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. The Company exited all markets by March 31, 2011.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION (Continued)

        On May 12, 2011, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Discover Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services. The asset purchase agreement provides for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business to Discover Bank.

        Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Discover Bank has agreed to pay approximately $55.9 million in cash for the assets, subject to certain adjustments as described in the asset purchase agreement. $35.9 million is due upon the closing of the transaction and $10 million is due on each of the first and second anniversaries of the closing, subject to certain conditions as described in the asset purchase agreement, including maintenance of the LendingTree Exchange and certain financial and operational metrics associated with the LendingTree Exchange business.

        Discover Bank generally will not assume liabilities of the LendingTree Loans business that arose before the closing date, except for certain liabilities directly related to assets included in the purchase. A portion of the initial purchase price payment will be held in escrow pending the discharge of certain liabilities that will remain with us.

        The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and loan repurchase proposals for Discover Bank and the approval of our stockholders. A special meeting of stockholders to approve the transaction and certain other related matters is scheduled for August 26, 2011. Our board of directors has unanimously recommended that our stockholders approve the transaction. Douglas Lebda, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who beneficially owns approximately 20% of our outstanding shares, a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation which owns approximately 25% of our outstanding shares, and various funds managed by Second Curve, LLC, which own less than 5% of our outstanding shares, have entered into voting and support agreements with Discover Bank which obligate them to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011.

        The asset purchase agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnification obligations of the parties.

        The asset purchase agreement also includes covenants of us and Discover Bank. Subject to certain exceptions stated in the asset purchase agreement, we have agreed to operate the LendingTree Loans business in the ordinary course and to maintain certain operational and financial metrics until the closing of the transaction. Our covenants include requirements to maintain personnel in our LendingTree Loans business, to maintain certain quality thresholds for our loan pipeline, to maintain warehouse line capacity and compliance with our warehouse lending agreement, and subject to certain exceptions, not to introduce new loan products without Discover Bank's consent. If the requirements of these covenants are not met, Discover Bank has the option to terminate the asset purchase agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, we have also agreed not to solicit or initiate discussion with third parties regarding other proposals to acquire the assets of the LendingTree Loans business or substantial equity interests in our company, and to certain restrictions on our ability to respond to or accept any such proposals.

        The asset purchase agreement also includes customary termination provisions, including that each of our company and Discover Bank may terminate the asset purchase agreement if the other party has materially breached any representation, warranty or covenant contained in the asset purchase agreement and failed to cure such breach, if our stockholders do not approve the transaction or if the

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION (Continued)


closing has not occurred within 150 days from the signing (subject to certain extensions for up to 150 additional days). Discover Bank may terminate the asset purchase agreement if our board of directors determines, after considering any modified proposals from Discover Bank, to change its recommendation to our stockholders because a failure to do so would constitute a breach of its fiduciary duties, or if we materially breach our non-solicitation obligations or our obligation to hold a meeting of our stockholders to approve the transaction. If the asset purchase agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including due to a change of recommendation by our board of directors, we will be required to pay Discover Bank a termination fee of $2.2 million. If Discover Bank does not complete the acquisition as a result of its inability to obtain proposals for loan purchase arrangements that are customary for a bank that is similarly situated to Discover Bank, Discover Bank will be required to pay us a termination fee of $5 million.

        Separate from the asset purchase agreement, Tree.com has also agreed to provide certain marketing related services to Discover Bank in connection with its mortgage origination business for a two-year term commencing on the date of entry into the asset purchase agreement. Discover Bank has also agreed to be a participating lender in the LendingTree Network following the closing of the acquisition.

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 and for the three and six months then ended have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of the Company's management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements, and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position for the periods presented. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011, or any other period. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Estimates

        Tree.com's management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include: valuation allowance for impaired loans held for sale; loan loss obligations; the fair value of loans held for sale and related derivatives; the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets;

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


the determination of income taxes payable and deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; restructuring reserves; contingent consideration related to business combinations; various other allowances, reserves and accruals; and assumptions related to the determination of stock-based compensation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid money market investments.

Restricted Cash

        Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of the following (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Cash in escrow for surety bonds

  $ 6,500   $ 5,030  

Cash in escrow for corporate purchasing card program

    800     800  

Minimum required balances for warehouse lines of credit

    2,625     1,925  

Other

    396     400  
           
 

Total restricted cash and cash equivalents

  $ 10,321   $ 8,155  
           

New Accounting Pronouncements

        On January 21, 2010, the FASB amended and Tree.com adopted the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures, which added new requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of Level 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. The amendment also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This amendment is effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. See Note 6 for further information.

NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

        The balance of goodwill and intangible assets, net is as follows (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Goodwill

  $ 3,632   $ 3,632  
           

Intangible assets with indefinite lives

  $ 39,142   $ 43,242  

Intangible assets with definite lives, net

    1,354     2,177  
           
 

Total intangible assets, net

  $ 40,496   $ 45,419  
           

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

        Intangible assets with indefinite lives relate principally to trade names and trademarks acquired in various acquisitions.

        At June 30, 2011, intangible assets with definite lives relate to the following (in thousands):

 
  Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net   Weighted
Average
Amortization
Life (Years)
 

Purchase agreements

  $ 75,453   $ (75,312 ) $ 141     5.8  

Technology

    27,294     (27,063 )   231     3.1  

Customer lists

    7,318     (6,652 )   666     3.9  

Other

    5,582     (5,266 )   316     5.3  
                     
 

Total

  $ 115,647   $ (114,293 ) $ 1,354        
                     

        At December 31, 2010, intangible assets with definite lives relate to the following (in thousands):

 
  Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net   Weighted
Average
Amortization
Life (Years)
 

Purchase agreements

  $ 75,453   $ (75,288 ) $ 165     5.8  

Technology

    28,191     (27,538 )   653     3.1  

Customer lists

    7,318     (6,622 )   696     3.9  

Other

    5,685     (5,022 )   663     5.3  
                     
 

Total

  $ 116,647   $ (114,470 ) $ 2,177        
                     

        Amortization of intangible assets with definite lives is computed on a straight-line basis and, based on June 30, 2011 balances, such amortization for the next five years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

 
  Amount  

Six months ending December 31, 2011

  $ 317  

Year ending December 31, 2012

    354  

Year ending December 31, 2013

    143  

Year ending December 31, 2014

    84  

Year ending December 31, 2015

    60  

Thereafter

    396  
       
 

Total

  $ 1,354  
       

        In connection with closing all of the field offices of RealEstate.com, REALTORS® as described in Note 1, the Company incurred impairment charges totaling $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2011. Trademark impairment totaled $4.1 million and property and equipment impairment totaled $0.9 million.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 4—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

        The balance of property and equipment, net is as follows (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Computer equipment and capitalized software

  $ 24,712   $ 22,494  

Leasehold improvements

    1,382     1,362  

Furniture and other equipment

    1,450     1,382  

Projects in progress

    1,499     2,780  
           

    29,043     28,018  

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (19,703 )   (19,513 )
           
 

Total property and equipment, net

  $ 9,340   $ 8,505  
           

NOTE 5—ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

        Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Litigation accruals

  $ 4,325   $ 520  

Accrued advertising expense

    4,951     8,714  

Accrued compensation and benefits

    1,063     2,913  

Accrued professional fees

    970     1,166  

Accrued restructuring costs

    838     1,199  

Customer deposits and escrows

    2,198     2,263  

Deferred rent

    388     482  

Other

    7,392     5,655  
           
 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  $ 22,125   $ 22,912  
           

        The other category above reflects an earnout payable related to an acquisition, franchise taxes, self-insured health claims and other miscellaneous accrued expenses.

        An additional $1.0 million and $1.2 million of accrued restructuring liabilities are classified in other long term liabilities at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        On March 10, 2011, management of the Company made the decision and finalized a plan to close all of the field offices of the proprietary full service real estate brokerage business known as RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. The Company exited all markets by March 31, 2011. Accordingly, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

        On May 12, 2011, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Discover Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services, which provides for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business to Discover Bank. The transaction is expected to

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)


close by the end of 2011. The Company has evaluated the facts and circumstances of the pending transaction and the applicable accounting guidance for discontinued operations, and has concluded that the LendingTree Loans business should be reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

        The revenue and net loss for RealEstate.com, REALTORS® that are reported as discontinued operations for the applicable periods were as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Revenue

  $ 837   $ 4,031  
           

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ 201   $ (737 )

Income tax benefit

        102  
           

Net income (loss)

  $ 201   $ (635 )
           

 

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Revenue

  $ 2,629   $ 7,318  
           

Loss before income taxes

  $ (10,459 ) $ (1,914 )

Income tax provision

         
           

Net loss

  $ (10,459 ) $ (1,914 )
           

        Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2011 includes goodwill disposal charges totaling $8.0 million and restructuring charges totaling $2.0 million. The amount of goodwill allocated to discontinued operations and subsequently disposed of was based on the relative fair values prior to disposition of the business disposed of and the business retained.

        The revenue and net income (loss) for LendingTree Loans that are reported as discontinued operations for the applicable periods were as follows (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Revenue

  $ 25,382   $ 26,649  
           

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ (9,544 ) $ 6,714  

Income tax provision

         
           

Net income (loss)

  $ (9,544 ) $ 6,714  
           

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Revenue

  $ 44,632   $ 52,387  
           

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ (16,847 ) $ 11,825  

Income tax provision

         
           

Net income (loss)

  $ (16,847 ) $ 11,825  
           

        Net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 includes restructuring charges totaling $3.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

        The assets and liabilities of RealEstate.com, REALTORS® that are reported as discontinued operations as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Current assets

  $ 151   $ 219  
           

Property and equipment

        1,215  

Goodwill

        7,967  

Other non-current assets

    177     186  
           
 

Non-current assets

    177     9,368  
           

Current liabilities

    723     1,031  

Non-current liabilities

    165     288  
           

Net assets (liabilities)

  $ (560 ) $ 8,268  
           

        The assets and liabilities of LendingTree Loans that are reported as discontinued operations as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Loans held for sale

  $ 126,978   $ 116,681  

Other current assets

    13,048     13,715  
           
 

Current assets

    140,026     130,396  
           

Property and equipment

    3,794     3,074  

Goodwill

    5,637      

Other non-current assets

    1,151     406  
           
 

Non-current assets

    10,582     3,480  
           

Warehouse lines of credit

    114,255     100,623  

Other current liabilities

    20,071     16,384  
           
 

Current liabilities

    134,326     117,007  
           

Non-current liabilities

    17,908     12,134  
           

Net assets (liabilities)

  $ (1,626 ) $ 4,735  
           

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

Significant Assets and Liabilities of LendingTree Loans

        Upon closing of the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business to Discover Bank, LendingTree Loans will cease to originate consumer loans and will no longer have additional borrowings available under the warehouse lines of credit. The remaining operations will be wound down over the next quarter following the closing of the transaction. These wind-down activities include selling the balance of loans held for sale to investors, which historically has occurred within thirty days of funding, and repaying and then terminating the lines of credit. Additionally, the liability for losses on previously sold loans will remain with LendingTree Loans. Below is a discussion of these significant items.

        LendingTree Loans originates all of its residential real estate loans with the intent to sell them in the secondary market. Loans held for sale consist primarily of residential first mortgage loans that are secured by residential real estate throughout the United States.

        The following table represents the loans held for sale by type of loan as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ amounts in thousands):

 
  June 30, 2011   December 31,
2010
 
 
  Amount   %   Amount   %  

Conforming

  $ 95,426     75 % $ 86,451     74 %

FHA and Alt-A

    26,733     21 %   20,431     18 %

Jumbo

    4,339     3 %   9,129     8 %

Subprime

    406     1 %   580     %

Home equity

    74     %   90     %
                   

Total

  $ 126,978     100 % $ 116,681     100 %
                   

        The following presents the difference between the aggregate principal balance of loans on nonaccrual status for which the fair value option has been elected and for loans measured at lower of cost or market valuation as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  As of June 30, 2011  
 
  Loans on
Nonaccrual—
Measured at
Fair Value
  Loans on
Nonaccrual—
Measured at
LOCOM
  Total Loans on
Nonaccrual
 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance

  $ 1,348   $ 1,890   $ 3,238  

Difference between fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance

    (487 )       (487 )

Lower of cost or market valuation allowance

        (1,301 )   (1,301 )

Deferred loan fees, net of costs

        (8 )   (8 )
               

Loans on nonaccrual

  $ 861   $ 581   $ 1,442  
               

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

 
  As of December 31, 2010  
 
  Loans on
Nonaccrual—
Measured at
Fair Value
  Loans on
Nonaccrual—
Measured at
LOCOM
  Total Loans on
Nonaccrual
 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance

  $ 1,380   $ 2,290   $ 3,670  

Difference between fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance

    (496 )       (496 )

Lower of cost or market valuation allowance

        (1,508 )   (1,508 )

Deferred loan fees, net of costs

        (9 )   (9 )
               

Loans on nonaccrual

  $ 884   $ 773   $ 1,657  
               

        Included within the loans on nonaccrual status are repurchased loans with a net book value of $0.2 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans did not repurchase any loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, LendingTree Loans repurchased one loan with a balance of $0.3 million.

        Tree.com categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the assumptions used in pricing the asset or liability into the following three levels:

        LendingTree Loans enters into commitments with consumers to originate loans at a specified interest rate (interest rate lock commitments—"IRLCs"). Tree.com reports IRLCs as derivative instruments at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded in discontinued operations. IRLCs for loans to be sold to investors using a mandatory or assignment of trade ("AOT") method are hedged using "to be announced mortgage-backed securities" ("TBA MBS") and are valued using quantitative risk models. The IRLCs derive their base value from an underlying loan type with similar characteristics using the TBA MBS market which is actively quoted and easily validated through external sources. The most significant data inputs used in this valuation include, but are not limited to, loan type, underlying loan amount, note rate, loan program, and expected sale date of the loan. IRLCs for loans sold to investors on a best efforts basis are hedged using best efforts forward delivery commitments and are valued on an individual loan basis using a proprietary database program. These valuations are based on investor pricing tables stratified by product, note rate and term. The valuation

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

is adjusted at the loan level to consider the servicing release premium and loan pricing adjustments specific to each loan. The Company applies an anticipated loan funding probability based on its own experience to value IRLCs, which results in the classification of these derivatives as Level 3. The value of the underlying loan and the anticipated loan funding probability are the most significant assumptions affecting the valuation of IRLCs. There were no significant changes to the methods and assumptions for valuing IRLCs in the period ended June 30, 2011. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there were $321.3 million and $216.6 million, respectively, of IRLCs notional value outstanding.

        Loans held for sale measured at fair value and sold to investors using a mandatory or AOT method are also hedged using TBA MBS and valued using quantitative risk models. The valuation is based on the loan amount, note rate, loan program, and expected sale date of the loan. Loans held for sale measured at fair value and sold to investors on a best efforts basis are hedged using best efforts forward delivery commitments and are valued using a proprietary database program. The best efforts valuations are based on daily investor pricing tables stratified by product, note rate and term. These valuations are adjusted at the loan level to consider the servicing release premium and loan pricing adjustments specific to each loan. Loans held for sale, excluding impaired loans, are classified as Level 2. Loans held for sale measured at fair value that become impaired are transferred from Level 2 to Level 3, as the estimate of fair value is based on the Company's experience considering lien position and current status of the loan. There were no significant changes to the method and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of impaired loans in the period ended June 30, 2011. LendingTree Loans recognizes interest income separately from other changes in fair value.

        Under LendingTree Loans' risk management policy, LendingTree Loans economically hedges the changes in fair value of IRLCs and loans held for sale caused by changes in interest rates by using TBA MBS and entering into best efforts forward delivery commitments. These hedging instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current earnings as a component of revenue from the origination and sale of loans. There were no significant changes to the methods and assumptions for valuing hedging instruments in the period ended June 30, 2011. TBA MBS used to hedge both IRLCs and loans are valued using quantitative risk models based primarily on inputs related to characteristics of the MBS stratified by product, coupon, and settlement date. These derivatives are classified as Level 2. Best efforts forward delivery commitments are valued using a proprietary database program using investor pricing tables considering the current base loan price. An anticipated loan funding probability is applied to value best efforts commitments hedging IRLCs, which results in the classification of these contracts as Level 3. The current base loan price and the anticipated loan funding probability are the most significant assumptions affecting the value of the best efforts commitments. The best efforts forward delivery commitments hedging loans held for sale are classified as Level 2, so such contracts are transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 at the time the underlying loan is originated. For the purposes of the tables below, we refer to TBA MBS and best efforts forward delivery commitments collectively as "Forward Delivery Contracts".

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The following presents Tree.com's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  As of June 30, 2011  
 
  Recurring Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
  Quoted Market
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
Fair Value
Measurements
 

Loans held for sale

  $   $ 125,536   $ 861   $ 126,397  

Interest rate lock commitments ("IRLCs")

            6,278     6,278  

Forward delivery contracts

        320     220     540  
                   

Total

  $   $ 125,856   $ 7,359   $ 133,215  
                   

 

 
  As of December 31, 2010  
 
  Recurring Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
  Quoted Market
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
Fair Value
Measurements
 

Loans held for sale

  $   $ 115,024   $ 884   $ 115,908  

Interest rate lock commitments ("IRLCs")

            5,986     5,986  

Forward delivery contracts

        1,001     3     1,004  
                   

Total

  $   $ 116,025   $ 6,873   $ 122,898  
                   

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The following presents the changes in Tree.com's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held for
Sale
 

Balance at April 1, 2011

  $ 5,628   $ 112   $ 962  
 

Transfers into Level 3

            325  
 

Transfers out of Level 3

        70      
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings (realized and unrealized)

    25,226     38     29  
 

Purchases, sales, and settlements

                   
   

Purchases

             
   

Sales

            (283 )
   

Settlements

    (2,555 )       (172 )
 

Transfers of IRLCs to closed loans

    (22,021 )        
               

Balance at June 30, 2011

  $ 6,278   $ 220   $ 861  
               

 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held for
Sale
 

Balance at January 1, 2011

  $ 5,986   $ 3   $ 884  
 

Transfers into Level 3

            660  
 

Transfers out of Level 3

        42      
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings (realized and unrealized)

    41,167     233     (3 )
 

Purchases, sales, and settlements

                   
   

Purchases(a)

    970     (58 )    
   

Sales

            (503 )
   

Settlements

    (5,997 )       (177 )
 

Transfers of IRLCs to closed loans

    (35,848 )        
               

Balance at June 30, 2011

  $ 6,278   $ 220   $ 861  
               

(a)
Purchased in conjunction with the acquisition of certain assets of SurePoint.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2010  
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held for
Sale
 

Balance at April 1, 2010

  $ 5,508   $ 153   $ 776  
 

Transfers into Level 3

            262  
 

Transfers out of Level 3

        100      
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings (realized and unrealized)

    28,735     (273 )   (78 )
 

Purchases, sales, and settlements

             
   

Purchases(a)

             
   

Sales

             
   

Settlements

    (4,002 )       (3 )
 

Transfers of IRLCs to closed loans

    (19,393 )        
               

Balance at June 30, 2010

  $ 10,848   $ (20 ) $ 957  
               

 

 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held for
Sale
 

Balance at January 1, 2010

  $ 3,680   $ 487   $ 777  
 

Transfers into Level 3

            262  
 

Transfers out of Level 3

        126      
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings (realized and unrealized)

    50,068     (633 )   (77 )
 

Purchases, sales, and settlements

             
   

Purchases(a)

             
   

Sales

             
   

Settlements

    (8,716 )       (5 )
 

Transfers of IRLCs to closed loans

    (34,184 )        
               

Balance at June 30, 2010

  $ 10,848   $ (20 ) $ 957  
               

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Table of Contents


TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The following presents the gains (losses) included in earnings for the three and six months ended June 31, 2011 and 2010 relating to Tree.com's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended June 30, 2011
  Six Months
Ended June 30, 2011
 
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held
for Sale
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held
for Sale
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings, which are included in discontinued operations

  $ 25,226   $ 38   $ 29   $ 41,167   $ 233   $ (3 )
                           

Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2011, which are included in discontinued operations

  $ 6,278   $ 220   $ (96 )   6,278   $ 220   $ (95 )
                           

 

 
  Three Months
Ended June 30, 2010
  Six Months
Ended June 30, 2010
 
 
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held
for Sale
  Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
  Forward
Delivery
Contracts
  Loans
Held
for Sale
 

Total net gains (losses) included in earnings, which are included in discontinued operations

  $ 28,735   $ (273 ) $ (78 ) $ 50,068   $ (633 ) $ (77 )
                           

Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010, which are included in discontinued operations

  $ 10,848   $ (20 ) $ (78 ) $ 10,848   $ (20 ) $ (77 )
                           

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the Company's derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010  
 
  Balance Sheet Location   Fair Value   Balance Sheet Location   Fair Value  

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

  Current assets of discontinued operations   $ 6,525   Current assets of discontinued operations   $ 5,991  

Forward Delivery Contracts

  Current assets of discontinued operations     1,183   Current assets of discontinued operations     2,633  

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

  Current liabilities of discontinued operations     (247 ) Current liabilities of discontinued operations     (5 )

Forward Delivery Contracts

  Current liabilities of discontinued operations     (643 ) Current liabilities of discontinued operations     (1,629 )
                   

Total Derivatives

      $ 6,818       $ 6,990  
                   

        The gain/(loss) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for derivatives for the periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was as follows (in thousands):

 
   
  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended  
 
  Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
  June 30,
2011
  June 30,
2010
  June 30,
2011
  June 30,
2010
 

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

  Discontinued operations   $ 25,226   $ 28,735   $ 41,166   $ 50,068  

Forward Delivery Contracts

  Discontinued operations     348     (5,083 )   (556 )   (7,157 )
                       
 

Total

      $ 25,574   $ 23,652   $ 40,610   $ 42,911  
                       

        Tree.com has elected to account for loans held for sale originated on or after January 1, 2008 at fair value. Electing the fair value option allows a better offset of the changes in fair values of the loans and the forward delivery contracts used to economically hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.

        Tree.com did not elect the fair value option on loans held for sale originated prior to January 1, 2008 and on loans that were repurchased from investors on or subsequent to that date. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 20 and 23 such loans, respectively, all of which were impaired, were included in loans held for sale and were carried at the lower of cost or market ("LOCOM") value assessed on an individual loan basis. The market value (or fair value) of these impaired loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, measured on a non-recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), was $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. This fair value measurement is management's best estimate of the market value of such loans and considers the lien position and loan status.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The following presents the difference between the aggregate principal balance of loans held for sale for which the fair value option has been elected and for loans measured at LOCOM as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
  As of June 30, 2011  
 
  Loans Held
for Sale—
Measured at
Fair Value
  Loans Held
for Sale—
Measured at
LOCOM
  Total Loans
Held For
Sale
 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance

  $ 122,654   $ 1,890   $ 124,544  

Difference between fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance

    3,743         3,743  

Lower of cost or market valuation allowance

        (1,301 )   (1,301 )

Deferred loan fees, net of costs

        (8 )   (8 )
               

Loans held for sale

  $ 126,397   $ 581   $ 126,978  
               

 

 
  As of December 31, 2010  
 
  Loans Held
for Sale—
Measured at
Fair Value
  Loans Held
for Sale—
Measured at
LOCOM
  Total Loans
Held For
Sale
 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance

  $ 113,116   $ 2,290   $ 115,406  

Difference between fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance

    2,792         2,792  

Lower of cost or market valuation allowance

        (1,508 )   (1,508 )

Deferred loan fees, net of costs

        (9 )   (9 )
               

Loans held for sale

  $ 115,908   $ 773   $ 116,681  
               

        During the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the change in fair value of loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected was a gain of $0.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and is included as a component of LendingTree Loans revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

        LendingTree Loans sells loans it originates to investors on a servicing released basis so the risk of loss or default by the borrower is generally transferred to the investor. However, LendingTree Loans is required by these investors to make certain representations relating to credit information, loan documentation and collateral. These representations and warranties may extend through the contractual life of the mortgage loan. Subsequent to the sale, if underwriting deficiencies, borrower fraud or documentation defects are discovered in individual mortgage loans, LendingTree Loans may be obligated to repurchase the respective mortgage loan or indemnify the investors for any losses from borrower defaults if such deficiency or defect cannot be cured within the specified period following discovery.

        In the case of early loan payoffs and early defaults on certain loans, LendingTree Loans may be required to repay all or a portion of the premium initially paid by the investor. The estimated

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)


obligation associated with early loan payoffs and early defaults is calculated based on historical loss experience by type of loan.

        The obligation for losses related to the representations and warranties and other provisions discussed above is initially recorded at its estimated fair value, which includes a projection of expected future losses as well as a market based premium. Because LendingTree Loans does not service the loans it sells, it does not maintain nor have access to the current balances and loan performance data with respect to the individual loans previously sold to investors. Accordingly, the Company is unable to determine, with precision, its maximum exposure under its representations and warranties. However, LendingTree Loans utilizes the original loan balance (before it was sold to an investor), historical and projected loss frequency and loss severity ratios by loan type as well as analyses of losses in process to estimate its exposure to losses on loans previously sold. The Company maintains a liability related to this exposure based, in part, on historical and projected loss frequency and loss severity using its loan loss history (adjusted for recent trends in loan loss experience), the original principal amount of the loans previously sold, the year the loans were sold, and loan type. Accordingly, subsequent adjustments to the obligation, if any, are not made based on changes in the fair value of the obligation, which might include an estimated change in losses that may be expected in the future, but are made once further losses are estimated to be both probable and estimable. As such, given current general industry trends in mortgage loans as well as housing prices, market expectations around losses related to the Company's obligations could vary significantly from the obligation recorded as of the balance sheet date or the range estimated below. In estimating its exposure to loan losses, LendingTree Loans segments its loan sales into four segments based on the extent of the documentation provided by the borrower to substantiate income and/or assets (full or limited documentation) and the lien position of the mortgage in the underlying property (first or second position). Each of these segments has a different loss experience with full documentation, first lien position loans generally having the lowest loss ratios and limited documentation, second lien position loans generally having the highest loss ratios.

        The following table represents the loans sold for the period shown and the aggregate loan losses through June 30, 2011:

 
  As of June 30, 2011  
Period of Loan Sales
  Number
of loans
sold
  Original
principal
balance
  Number of
loans with
losses
  Original
principal
balance of
loans with
losses
  Amount of
aggregate
losses
 
 
   
  (in billions)
   
  (in millions)
  (in millions)
 

Six months ended June 30, 2011

    5,300   $ 1.1       $   $  

2010

    12,400     2.8     2     0.6     0.1  

2009

    12,800     2.8     3     0.8     0.1  

2008

    11,000     2.2     22     4.7     1.1  

2007

    36,300     6.1     149     20.2     7.0  

2006

    55,000     7.9     202     23.4     12.7  

2005 and prior years

    86,700     13.0     87     11.7     4.7  
                       

Total

    219,500   $ 35.9     465   $ 61.4   $ 25.7  
                       

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        The pipeline of 158 loan repurchase requests and indemnifications as of June 30, 2011 was considered in determining the appropriate reserve amount. The status of these 158 loans varied from an initial review stage, which may result in a rescission of the request, to in process, where the probability of incurring a loss is high, to indemnification, whereby the Company has agreed to reimburse the purchaser of that loan if and when losses are incurred. The indemnification may have a specific term, thereby limiting the Company's exposure. The original principal amount of these loans is approximately $31.1 million, comprised of approximately 81% full documentation first liens, 2% full documentation second liens, 14% limited documentation first liens, and 3% limited documentation second liens.

        In the fourth quarter of 2009, LendingTree Loans entered into settlement negotiations with two buyers of previously purchased limited documentation loans. The settlement with one buyer was completed in December 2009 and included a payment of $1.9 million related to all second lien loans sold to this buyer, including both full and limited documentation. This amount was not determined on an individual loan basis and is, therefore, not included in the loss amounts disclosed above based on the year such loans were sold. The settlement was included as a charge off to the reserve in 2009. Negotiations with the second buyer were completed in January 2010. This settlement of $4.5 million, which was paid in four equal quarterly installments in 2010, relates to all future losses on limited documentation second lien loans sold to this buyer. LendingTree Loans must also pay an additional amount of up to $0.3 million in conjunction with this settlement since it did not sell a certain volume of loans to this buyer in 2010. This amount is included in the total settlement amount and the estimated settlement payments remaining to be paid. This settlement amount was included as a charge off to the reserve in 2010 and is not included in the table above.

        Based on historical experience, it is anticipated that the Company will continue to receive repurchase requests and incur losses on loans sold in prior years. However, the two settlements discussed above will eliminate future repurchase requests from those buyers for the loan types included in those settlements. As of June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans estimated the range of remaining possible losses due to representations and warranty issues based on the methodology described above, excluding the $0.3 million settlement remaining to be paid in 2011, as $21 million to $30 million. The Company believes that it has adequately reserved for these losses.

        The activity related to loss reserves on previously sold loans for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, is as follows (in thousands):

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 16,984   $ 16,985  

Provisions

    7,562     4,462  

Charge offs to reserves(a)

    (229 )   (6,752 )
           

Balance, end of period

  $ 24,317   $ 14,695  
           

(a)
The six months ended June 30, 2010 includes a charge off for the amount of the $4.5 million loan loss settlement plus a portion of the $0.3 million additional accrual discussed above. The remaining settlement payment due of $0.3 million is tracked as a liability separate from the loan loss reserve (see table below).

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        Based on an analysis of the Company's historical loan loss experience, it has been determined that a portion of the loan losses expected to be made by investors will be made more than twelve months following the initial sale of the underlying loans. Accordingly, the Company has estimated the portion of its loans sold reserve that it anticipates it will be liable for after twelve months and has classified that portion of the reserve as a long-term liability. The liability for losses on previously sold loans is presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 as follows (in thousands):

 
  As of
June 30,
2011
  As of
December 31,
2010
 

Current portion related to settlement above, included in current liabilities of discontinued operations

  $ 300   $ 300  

Other current portion, included in current liabilities of discontinued operations

    8,075     5,459  

Long term portion, included in non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

    16,242     11,525  
           

Total

  $ 24,617   $ 17,284  
           

        Borrowings on warehouse lines of credit were $114.3 million and $100.6 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

        As of June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans had two committed lines of credit totaling $150.0 million of borrowing capacity. LendingTree Loans also has a $25.0 million uncommitted line with one of these lenders. Borrowings under these lines of credit are used to fund, and are secured by, consumer residential loans that are held for sale. Loans under these lines of credit are repaid using proceeds from the sales of loans by LendingTree Loans.

        The $50.0 million first line was scheduled to expire on June 29, 2011, was extended through July 13, 2011, and on July 12, 2011 the Company extended the expiration date to September 1, 2011. On August 11, 2011, the Company again extended the expiration date to the earliest of (i) the closing date of the proposed asset sale transaction with Discover Bank or (ii) October 1, 2011. This line can be cancelled at the option of the lender without default upon sixty days notice. This first line includes an additional uncommitted credit facility of $25.0 million. This first line is also guaranteed by Tree.com, Inc., LendingTree, LLC and LendingTree Holdings Corp. The interest rate under the first line is the 30-day London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or 2.00% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25%. The interest rate under the $25.0 million uncommitted line is the 30-day LIBOR plus 1.50%. LendingTree Loans is also required to sell at least 25% of the loans it originates to the lender under this line or pay a "pair-off fee" of 0.25% on the difference between the required and actual volume of loans sold.

        The $100.0 million second line is scheduled to expire on October 28, 2011. This line is also guaranteed by Tree.com, Inc., LendingTree, LLC and LendingTree Holdings Corp. The interest rate under this line is the 30-day Adjusted LIBOR or 2.0% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25% to 2.5% for loans being sold to the lender and 30-day Adjusted LIBOR or 2.0% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25% for loans not being sold to the lender.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

        Under the terms of these warehouse lines, LendingTree Loans is required to maintain various financial and other covenants. These financial covenants include, but are not limited to, maintaining (i) minimum tangible net worth of $20.0 million, (ii) minimum liquidity, (iii) a minimum current ratio, (iv) a maximum ratio of total liabilities to net worth, (v) a maximum leverage ratio, (vi) pre-tax net income requirements and (vii) a maximum warehouse capacity ratio. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans was in compliance with the covenants under these lines.

        The LendingTree Loans business is highly dependent on the availability of these warehouse lines. Although we believe that our existing lines of credit are adequate for our current operations, reductions in our available credit, or the inability to extend, renew or replace these lines before completion of the pending sale of the operating assets of LendingTree Loans, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Management has determined that it could continue to operate the LendingTree Loans business at a reduced capacity if one, but not both, of the warehouse lines were lost.

NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The following table sets forth the computation of Basic and Diluted earnings per share:

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   2010  
 
  Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted  
 
  (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Numerator:

                         

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (8,475 ) $ (8,475 ) $ (6,878 ) $ (6,878 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (9,343 )   (9,343 )   6,079     6,079  
                   

Net loss available to common shareholders

  $ (17,818 ) $ (17,818 ) $ (799 ) $ (799 )
                   

Denominator:

                         

Weighted average common shares

    11,014     11,014     11,240     11,240  
                   

Loss per Share:

                         

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (0.77 ) $ (0.77 ) $ (0.61 ) $ (0.61 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (0.85 )   (0.85 )   0.54     0.54  
                   

Net loss per common share

  $ (1.62 ) $ (1.62 ) $ (0.07 ) $ (0.07 )
                   

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

 

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   2010  
 
  Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted  
 
  (In thousands, except per share data)
 

Numerator:

                         

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (30,007 ) $ (30,007 ) $ (16,856 ) $ (16,856 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (27,306 )   (27,306 )   9,911     9,911  
                   

Net loss available to common shareholders

  $ (57,313 ) $ (57,313 ) $ (6,945 ) $ (6,945 )
                   

Denominator:

                         

Weighted average common shares

    10,948     10,948     11,039     11,039  
                   

Loss per Share:

                         

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (2.74 ) $ (2.74 ) $ (1.53 ) $ (1.53 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (2.49 )   (2.49 )   0.90     0.90  
                   

Net loss per common share

  $ (5.23 ) $ (5.23 ) $ (0.63 ) $ (0.63 )
                   

        Non-cash compensation expense related to equity awards is included in the following line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
  Three Months
Ended
June 30,
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010   2011   2010  

Cost of revenue

  $ 1   $ 1   $ 3   $ 16  

Selling and marketing expense

    105     41     265     109  

General and administrative expense

    624     813     1,514     1,640  

Product development

    58     38     154     92  
                   

Non-cash compensation expense

  $ 788   $ 893   $ 1,936   $ 1,857  
                   

        The forms of stock-based awards granted to Tree.com employees are principally restricted stock units ("RSUs"), restricted stock and stock options. RSUs are awards in the form of units, denominated in a hypothetical equivalent number of shares of Tree.com common stock and with the value of each award equal to the fair value of Tree.com common stock at the date of grant. RSUs may be settled in cash, stock or both, as determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. Each stock-based award is subject to service-based vesting, where a specific period of continued employment must pass before an award vests. Certain restricted stock awards also include performance-based vesting, where certain performance targets set at the time of grant must be achieved before an award vests. Tree.com recognizes expense for all stock-based awards for which vesting is considered probable. For stock-based awards, the accounting charge is measured at the grant date as the fair value of Tree.com common stock and expensed ratably as non-cash compensation over the vesting term. For performance-based awards, the expense is measured at the grant date as the fair value of Tree.com common stock and expensed as non-cash compensation over the vesting period if the performance targets are considered probable of being achieved.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

        The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations is reduced by estimated forfeitures, as the amount recorded is based on awards ultimately expected to vest. The forfeiture rate is estimated at the grant date based on historical experience and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from the estimated rate.

        A summary of changes in outstanding stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2011 is as follows:

 
  Shares   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
 
   
   
  (In years)
  (In thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2011

    952,669   $ 9.58              

Granted

    153,868     5.89              

Exercised

    (5,162 )   4.14              

Forfeited

    (4,257 )   7.46              

Expired

    (19,324 )   9.38              
                       

Outstanding at June 30, 2011

    1,077,794   $ 9.09     6.4   $ 15  
                   

Options exercisable at June 30, 2011

    300,544   $ 12.12     4.4   $ 15  
                   

        The following table summarizes the information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2011:

 
  Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable  
Range of Exercise Prices
  Outstanding at
June 30, 2011
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Exercisable at
June 30, 2011
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

$.01 to $4.99

    6,871     2.02   $ 2.93     6,871   $ 2.93  

$5.00 to $7.45

    162,589     9.36     5.92     8,721     6.52  

$7.46 to $9.99

    734,896     6.49     8.29     111,514     7.56  

$10.00 to $14.99

    45,387     1.96     12.28     45,387     12.28  

$15.00 to $19.99

    81,388     3.90     15.03     81,388     15.03  

$20.00 to $24.99

    46,663     3.94     20.19     46,663     20.19  
                             

    1,077,794     6.40   $ 9.09     300,544   $ 12.12  
                             

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

        Nonvested RSUs and restricted stock outstanding as of June 30, 2011 and changes during the six months ended June 30, 2011 were as follows:

 
  RSUs   Restricted Stock  
 
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2011

    634,771   $ 7.53     412,500   $ 6.80  

Granted

    344,084     7.19          

Vested

    (232,409 )   7.16     (137,500 )   6.80  

Forfeited

    (94,984 )   7.54          
                   

Nonvested at June 30, 2011

    651,462   $ 7.52     275,000   $ 6.80  
                   

NOTE 8—INCOME TAXES

        For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, Tree.com recorded a tax provision of $0.04 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of (0.4)% and (4.0)%, respectively. The tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, Tree.com recorded a tax provision of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of (1.0)% and (5.0)%, respectively. The tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

        Tree.com's unrecognized tax benefits increased by an immaterial amount in the first six months of 2011. The increase was due to penalty and interest on uncertain tax positions in prior years. Tree.com believes that it is reasonably possible that its remaining unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $0.06 million within twelve months of the current reporting date due to the expiration of state statute of limitations. An estimate of other changes in unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made, but are not expected to be significant.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2011, Tree.com determined that its activity yielded an unusual effective tax rate; therefore, Tree.com utilized the actual year to date effective tax rate for purposes of determining year to date tax expense. This approach is consistent with the six months ended June 30, 2010.

NOTE 9—CONTINGENCIES

        During the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, provisions for litigation settlements and contingencies of $4.5 million and $-0- million, respectively, were recorded in litigation settlements and contingencies in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The balance of the related liability was $4.3 million and $0.5 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

        In the ordinary course of business, Tree.com is a party to various lawsuits. Tree.com establishes reserves for specific legal matters when it determines that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management has also identified certain other legal

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9—CONTINGENCIES (Continued)


matters for which it believes an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve is established. If no reserve is established but the loss contingency is reasonably possible, we disclose the nature of the contingency and the related estimate of possible loss or range of loss if such an estimate can be made. Although management currently believes that an unfavorable resolution of claims against Tree.com, including claims where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, will not have a material impact on the liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of Tree.com, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management's view of these matters may change in the future. It is possible that an unfavorable outcome of one or more of these lawsuits could have a material impact on the liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of Tree.com. Tree.com also evaluates other contingent matters, including tax contingencies, to assess the probability and estimated extent of potential loss.

NOTE 10—RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE

        Restructuring expense in 2011 primarily relates to severance costs for headcount reductions in the corporate infrastructure departments. Restructuring expense in 2010 primarily relates to continuing lease obligations on facilities previously used for call center operations, for which management had a plan to exit at December 31, 2009, but the cease-use date did not occur until January 2010. Costs that relate to ongoing operations are not part of restructuring expense. Restructuring expense by type are as follows (in thousands):

 
  For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
 
  Employee
Termination
Costs
  Continuing
Lease
Obligations
  Asset
Write-offs
  Total  

Restructuring expense

  $ 398   $   $   $ 398  
                   

 

 
  For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2010  
 
  Employee
Termination
Costs
  Continuing
Lease
Obligations
  Asset
Write-offs
  Total  

Restructuring expense

  $ 68   $   $   $ 68  
                   

 

 
  For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
 
  Employee
Termination
Costs
  Continuing
Lease
Obligations
  Asset
Write-offs
  Total  

Restructuring expense

  $ 491   $   $   $ 491  
                   

 

 
  For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
 
  Employee
Termination
Costs
  Continuing
Lease
Obligations
  Asset
Write-offs
  Total  

Restructuring expense

  $ 115   $ 2,463   $ 93   $ 2,671  
                   

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10—RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE (Continued)

        Restructuring expense and payments against liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 
  For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
 
  Employee
Termination
Costs
  Continuing
Lease
Obligations
  Asset
Write-offs
  Total  

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 19   $ 2,339   $   $ 2,358  
 

Restructuring expense

    491             491  
 

Payments

    (325 )   (661 )       (986 )
 

Write-offs

                 
                   

Balance, end of period

  $ 185   $ 1,678   $   $ 1,863  
                   

        At June 30, 2011, restructuring liabilities of $0.9 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $1.0 million are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2010, restructuring liabilities of $1.2 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $1.2 million are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Tree.com does not expect to incur significant additional costs related to the prior restructurings noted above.

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

        This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements also include statements related to our anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategy; anticipated trends and prospects in the various industries in which our businesses operate; new products, services and related strategies; and other similar matters. These forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. The use of words such as "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "intends," "plans" and "believes," among others, generally identify forward-looking statements.

        Actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include those matters discussed in Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors.

        Other unknown or unpredictable factors that could also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations may arise from time to time. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking statements discussed in this report may not prove to be accurate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only reflect the views of Tree.com management as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results or expectations, except as required by law.

Management Overview

        Tree.com is the parent of LendingTree, LLC which owns several brands and businesses that provide information, tools, advice, products and services for critical transactions in our customers' lives. Our family of brands includes: LendingTree.com®, GetSmart.com®, RealEstate.com®, DegreeTree.comSM, HealthTree.comSM, LendingTreeAutos.com, DoneRight.com®, and InsuranceTree.comSM. Together, these brands serve as an ally for consumers who are looking to comparison shop for loans, real estate and other services from multiple businesses and professionals that will compete for their business.

        Through the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we operated in two reportable business segments: LendingTree Loans and Exchanges. The LendingTree Loans segment originates, processes, approves and funds various residential real estate loans through Home Loan Center, Inc. dba LendingTree Loans ("HLC"). The HLC and LendingTree Loans brand names are collectively referred to in these consolidated financial statements as "LendingTree Loans." The Exchanges segment consists of online lead generation networks and call centers that connect consumers and service providers principally in the lending, real estate, higher education, home services, insurance and automobile marketplaces.

        In connection with entering into an agreement in the second quarter of 2011 that provides for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans segment to Discover Bank that is discussed below and in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company re-evaluated its reporting segments based on the continuing operations of the Company. We have determined that our continuing operations are now one reportable segment, which represents the previous "Exchanges" segment.

        Additionally, on March 10, 2011, management of the Company made the decision and finalized a plan to close all of the field offices of the proprietary full service real estate brokerage business known as RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. The Company exited all markets by March 31, 2011.

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        The businesses of RealEstate.com, REALTORS® and LendingTree Loans are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. The following discussion, unless otherwise noted, excludes information related to the discontinued operations.

        From time to time, we may evaluate the potential acquisition of various assets and other businesses that may complement our current services, enhance our capabilities, improve or sustain our competitive position, or otherwise offer growth opportunities. From time to time, we may also consider the potential disposition of certain of our assets, subsidiaries or lines of businesses. We typically publicly announce any material acquisitions or dispositions when a definitive agreement has been reached.

        Interest rate and market risk can be substantial in the mortgage lead generation business. Fluctuations in interest rates drive consumer demand for new mortgages and the level of refinancing activity, which in turn affects lender demand for mortgage leads. Typically, a decline in mortgage interest rates will lead to reduced lender demand for leads, as there are more consumers in the marketplace and lenders receive more organic lead volume. Conversely, an increase in mortgage interest rates will lead to an increase in lender demand for leads, as there are fewer consumers in the marketplace and the overall supply of mortgage leads decreases.

        Mortgage rates hit a recent low of 4.2% in November 2010, but swiftly increased to 5.0% by year-end. Consequently, the number of mortgage leads dropped off significantly at the end of 2010 and in the first quarter of 2011. Mortgage rates then declined in the second quarter of 2011 to a low of 4.5%, which resulted in an increase in the number of mortgage leads generated in the quarter.

        The operations, cash flows and financial position of the Company were negatively impacted by the continued deterioration in the housing market in 2010 and early 2011. In particular, revenue has been negatively impacted by falling home prices and increased foreclosures. While nationwide sales of existing homes have risen in recent months, most of the increase is due to a rise in foreclosure sales and distressed transactions. Overall home prices continued to decline during 2010 and most economic forecasts indicate that conditions are unlikely to improve significantly in 2011. Falling home prices also make it more difficult to make accurate home value appraisals and lenders typically require higher down payments and higher credit scores, which could further restrict the pool of prospective homebuyers.

        As revenues have declined, the Company has focused on expense savings and is taking various initiatives to reduce costs. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company commenced a voluntary severance plan for certain corporate employees. In addition, the Company has taken steps to minimize ineffective marketing costs. The Company is seeking to set expenses consistent with its reduced revenues.

        On May 12, 2011, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "APA") with Discover Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services. The APA provides for the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of HLC to Discover Bank. Under the terms of the APA, Discover Bank will pay approximately $55.9 million in cash for the assets, subject to certain adjustments as described in the APA. $35.9 million is due upon the closing of the transaction and $10 million is due on each of the first and second anniversaries of the closing, subject to certain conditions as described in

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the APA. Discover Bank generally will not assume liabilities of the LendingTree Loans business that arose before the closing date. A portion of the initial purchase price payment will be held in escrow for certain liabilities that will remain with the Company. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including regulatory approvals for Discover Bank and the approval of the Company's stockholders. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2011. Subject to certain exceptions stated in the APA, the Company has agreed to operate the LendingTree Loans business in the ordinary course until the closing of the acquisition.

        Results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2010:    

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Match fees

  $ 16,035   $ 4,306     37 % $ 11,729  

Closed loan fees

    775     (1,751 )   (69 )%   2,526  

Other

    405     (456 )   (53 )%   861  
                     

Total revenue

  $ 17,215   $ 2,099     14 % $ 15,116  
                     

        Match fee revenue in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to more matched requests through Network Lenders. Overall matched requests increased by 10%, from 318,000 in 2010 to 349,000 in 2011. This reflects an increase of 29% in home loan matches and an aggregate decline of 10% in matches for the new consumer vertical areas of higher education, home services, insurance and automobile. Home loan matches were up because of declining interest rates in the quarter and an increase in advertising spend to generate more matched requests. Additionally, revenue from match fees increased and closed loan fees decreased due to a previously announced shift in pricing on home loan related matches to increase the average match fee while eliminating the closed loan fee.

        No single network lender accounts for revenue representing more than 10% of Tree.com's consolidated revenue for any periods presented.

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
   
 

Match fees

  $ 28,662   $ 2,685     10 % $ 25,977  

Closed loan fees

    1,781     (4,503 )   (72 )%   6,284  

Other

    896     (945 )   (51 )%   1,841  
                     

Total revenue

  $ 31,339   $ (2,763 )   (8 )% $ 34,102  
                     

        Revenue in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to more matched requests through Network Lenders. Overall matched requests decreased by 8%, from 725,000 in 2010 to 668,000 in 2011. This reflects a decrease of 5% in home loan matches and an aggregate decline of 1% in matches for the new consumer vertical areas of higher education, home services, insurance and automobile. Additionally, revenue from match fees increased and closed loan fees decreased due to a previously announced shift in pricing on home loan related matches to increase the average match fee while eliminating the closed loan fee.

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        We do not presently record revenue in our Exchanges business for leads provided to Home Loan Center. Instead, we use a cost sharing approach for marketing expenses, whereby the Exchange business and Home Loan Center share the marketing expense on a pro rata basis, based on the quantity of leads received by each. Following completion of the sale to Discover Bank, Discover Bank will pay us for leads generated by the LendingTree Exchange, and that will represent an additional source of revenue, with an associated increase in selling and marketing expenses. We expect revenue from Discover Bank to be accretive to both gross and net margin.

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of revenue

  $ 1,522   $ 404     36 % $ 1,118  

As a percentage of total revenue

    9 %               7 %

        Cost of revenue consists primarily of costs associated with compensation and other employee related costs (including stock-based compensation) related to customer call centers, real estate network support staff, as well as credit scoring fees, consumer incentive costs, and website network hosting and server fees.

        Cost of revenue in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to increases of $0.3 million in credit scoring fees and licensing costs.

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of revenue

  $ 2,871   $ 279     11 % $ 2,592  

As a percentage of total revenue

    9 %               8 %

        Cost of revenue in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to increases of $0.3 million in credit scoring fees and licensing costs.

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Selling and marketing expense

  $ 15,423   $ 3,926     34 % $ 11,497  

As a percentage of total revenue

    90 %               76 %

        Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of advertising and promotional expenditures, fees paid to lead sources and compensation and other employee related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in the sales function. Advertising and promotional expenditures primarily include online marketing, as well as television, print and radio spending. Advertising production costs are expensed in the period the related ad is first run.

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        Advertising expense is the largest component of selling and marketing expense and is comprised of the following:

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Online

  $ 7,795   $ 739     10 % $ 7,056  

Broadcast

    4,290     1,101     35 %   3,189  

Other

    1,628     1,084     199 %   544  
                     

Total advertising expense

  $ 13,713   $ 2,924     27 % $ 10,789  
                     

        The Company increased advertising expense in 2011 in response to an increase in interest rates that began in the fourth quarter of 2010 and continued through the early part of the second quarter of 2011, when rates began to decline again. In a rising interest rate environment, the incentive for consumers to come into the market to refinance is much lower. The 27% increase in advertising expense generated 10% more matched requests. The increase in other advertising is primarily due to an increase in direct mail campaigns in 2011. The increase in 2011 also reflects non-variable expense associated with expanding the marketing team and investing in marketing tools and technologies that began in the first quarter.

        Tree.com anticipates that it will continue to adjust selling and marketing expenditures generally in relation to revenue producing opportunities and that selling and marketing will continue to represent a high percentage of revenue as it continues to promote its brands both online and offline. However, we believe that improvements in marketing efficiencies across several of our marketing channels will eliminate approximately $3 million of expense that was incurred in the second quarter from future quarters.

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Selling and marketing expense

  $ 31,054   $ 4,894     19 % $ 26,160  

As a percentage of total revenue

    99 %               77 %

        Advertising expense is the largest component of selling and marketing expense and is comprised of the following:

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Online

  $ 15,885   $ (870 )   (5 )% $ 16,755  

Broadcast

    9,200     3,057     50 %   6,143  

Other

    2,906     1,344     86 %   1,562  
                     

Total advertising expense

  $ 27,991   $ 3,531     14 % $ 24,460  
                     

        The Company increased advertising expense in 2011 in response to an increase in interest rates that began in the fourth quarter of 2010 and continued through the early part of the second quarter of 2011, when rates began to decline again. In a rising interest rate environment, the incentive for consumers to come into the market to refinance is much lower. The 14% increase in advertising expense generated 8% fewer matched requests, resulting in advertising expense increasing to 89% of revenue compared to 72% for the same period in 2010. The increase in other advertising is primarily due to an increase in direct mail campaigns in 2011.

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  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

General and administrative expense

  $ 5,606   $ (722 )   (11 )% $ 6,328  

As a percentage of total revenue

    33 %               42 %

        General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation and other employee related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in finance, legal, tax, corporate information technology, human resources and executive management functions, as well as facilities and infrastructure costs and fees for professional services.

        General and administrative expense in 2011 decreased compared to the same period for 2010, primarily reflecting a $0.5 million decrease in compensation and other employee-related costs (excluding non-cash compensation) due to lower headcount and a $0.3 million decrease in facilities costs. Also impacting the general and administrative expenses was a $0.7 million reduction of expense related to post acquisition adjustments, which was a result of the change in fair value of the estimated contingent consideration to be paid for business acquisitions that were completed in 2009. These adjustments are shown as a reduction of expense within general and administrative expense, but are excluded from our definition of Adjusted EBITDA. We expect further cost savings in future quarters related to the realignment of costs as we sharpen our focus on fewer verticals.

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

General and administrative expense

  $ 11,563   $ (1,348 )   (10 )% $ 12,911  

As a percentage of total revenue

    37 %               38 %

        General and administrative expense in 2011 decreased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to a $0.9 million reduction in compensation and other employee related costs, excluding non-cash compensation, as a result of lower headcount. Also impacting the general and administrative expenses was a $0.7 million reduction of expense related to the post acquisition adjustments discussed above.

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Product development

  $ 861   $ 144     20 % $ 717  

As a percentage of total revenue

    5 %               5 %

        Product development expense consists primarily of compensation and other employee related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel engaged in product development, which include costs related to the design, development, testing and enhancement of technology that are not capitalized.

        Product development expense in 2011 increased slightly from the same period in 2010 due to reduced capitalization of employee costs.

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  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Product development

  $ 2,150   $ 323     18 % $ 1,827  

As a percentage of total revenue

    7 %               5 %

        Product development expense in 2011 increased slightly from 2010 due to increased temporary labor costs.

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Operating loss

  $ (8,362 ) $ (1,915 )   30 % $ (6,447 )

As a percentage of total revenue

    (49 )%               (43 )%

        Operating loss in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to the increase in selling and marketing expense discussed above.

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Operating loss

  $ (29,550 ) $ (13,828 )   88 % $ (15,722 )

As a percentage of total revenue

    (94 )%               (46 )%

        Operating loss in 2011 increased from the same period in 2010 primarily due to $5.3 million in asset impairments and $4.5 million in litigation settlements and contingency expense recorded in the first quarter of 2011. Operating loss was also negatively impacted by the increase in selling and marketing expense discussed above.

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        Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") is a non-GAAP measure and is defined in "Tree.com's Principles of Financial Reporting". Below is a reconciliation of operating loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, and operating loss to net loss.

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2011   2010   2011   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Operating loss

  $ (8,362 ) $ (6,447 ) $ (29,550 ) $ (15,722 )

Adjustments to reconcile to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

                         
 

Amortization of intangibles

    267     943     574     1,886  
 

Depreciation

    1,225     892     2,404     1,777  
                   

EBITDA from continuing operations

    (6,870 )   (4,612 )   (26,572 )   (12,059 )
 

Restructuring expense

    398     68     491     2,671  
 

Asset impairments

    250         5,257      
 

Loss on disposal of assets

    111     5     111     9  
 

Non-cash compensation

    788     893     1,936     1,857  
 

Litigation settlements and contingencies

    25         4,525      
 

Post acquisition adjustments

    (652 )       (652 )    
                   

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

  $ (5,950 ) $ (3,646 ) $ (14,904 ) $ (7,522 )
                   

Reconciliation to net loss:

                         

Operating loss per above

  $ (8,362 ) $ (6,447 ) $ (29,550 ) $ (15,722 )

Other expense, net

    (76 )   (166 )   (155 )   (326 )
                   

Loss before income taxes

    (8,438 )   (6,613 )   (29,705 )   (16,048 )

Income tax provision

    (37 )   (265 )   (302 )   (808 )
                   

Net loss from continuing operations

    (8,475 )   (6,878 )   (30,007 )   (16,856 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (9,343 )   6,079     (27,306 )   9,911  
                   

Net loss

  $ (17,818 ) $ (799 ) $ (57,313 ) $ (6,945 )
                   

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ (5,950 ) $ (2,304 )   63 % $ (3,646 )

As a percentage of total revenue

    (25 )%               (24 )%

        Adjusted EBITDA in 2011 decreased from the same period in 2010, reflecting the increased selling and marketing expenses as described above, partially offset by an increase in revenue.

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  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2011   $ Change   % Change   2010  
 
   
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ (14,904 ) $ (7,382 )   98 % $ (7,522 )

As a percentage of total revenue

    (48 )%               (22 )%

        Adjusted EBITDA in 2011 decreased from the same period in 2010, reflecting a decrease in revenue for the first quarter of 2011 and an increase in selling and marketing expense as described above.

        For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, Tree.com recorded a tax provision of $0.04 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of (0.4)% and (4.0)%, respectively. The tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, Tree.com recorded a tax provision of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of (1.0)% and (5.0)%, respectively. The tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

        Tree.com's unrecognized tax benefits increased by an immaterial amount in the first six months of 2011. The increase was due to penalty and interest on uncertain tax positions in prior years. Tree.com believes that it is reasonably possible that its remaining unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $0.06 million within twelve months of the current reporting date due to the expiration of state statute of limitations. An estimate of other changes in unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made, but are not expected to be significant.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2011, Tree.com determined that its activity yielded an unusual effective tax rate; therefore, Tree.com utilized the actual year to date effective tax rate for purposes of determining year to date tax expense. This approach is consistent with the six months ended June 30, 2010.

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FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        As of June 30, 2011, Tree.com had $34.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $10.3 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents, compared to $68.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $8.2 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2010.

        Net cash used in operating activities was $15.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to $22.3 million used in operating activities in the same period in 2010. The change from cash used in operating activities in 2010 to cash used by operating activities in 2011 was primarily due to a $13.2 million increase in the net loss from continuing operations and an increase in accounts receivable of $4.4 million, offset by a $24.3 million increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities, which principally related to litigation payments of $12.8 million that were made in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and managing working capital more closely in 2011.

        Net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2011 of $5.7 million primarily resulted from capital expenditures of $4.3 million. Net cash used in investing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2010 of $0.8 million primarily resulted from capital expenditures of $3.0 million, offset by the release of restricted cash of $2.2 million.

        Net cash used in financing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2011 of $1.6 million was primarily due to the vesting of stock to employees (less withholding taxes) and increased restricted cash requirements. Net cash used by financing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2010 of $3.7 million was primarily due to purchases of treasury stock of $3.4 million.

        Upon closing of the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business to Discover Bank, LendingTree Loans will cease to originate consumer loans and will no longer have additional borrowings available under the warehouse lines of credit. The remaining operations will be wound down over the next quarter following the closing of the transaction. These wind-down activities include selling the balance of loans held for sale to investors, which historically has occurred within thirty days of funding, and repaying and then terminating the lines of credit.

        As of June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans had two committed lines of credit totaling $150.0 million of borrowing capacity. LendingTree Loans also has a $25.0 million uncommitted line with one of these lenders. Borrowings under these lines of credit are used to fund, and are secured by, consumer residential loans that are held for sale. Loans under these lines of credit are repaid using proceeds from the sales of loans by LendingTree Loans.

        The $50.0 million first line was scheduled to expire on June 29, 2011, but the Company has extended this expiration date to the earlier of (i) the closing date of the proposed asset sale transaction with Discover Bank or (ii) October 1, 2011. This line can be cancelled at the option of the lender without default upon sixty days notice. This first line includes an additional uncommitted credit facility of $25.0 million. This first line is also guaranteed by Tree.com, Inc., LendingTree, LLC and LendingTree Holdings Corp. The interest rate under the first line is the 30-day London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or 2.00% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25%. The interest rate under the $25.0 million uncommitted line is the 30-day LIBOR plus 1.50%. LendingTree Loans is also required to sell at least 25% of the loans it originates to the lender under this line or pay a "pair-off fee" of 0.25% on the difference between the required and actual volume of loans sold.

        The $100.0 million second line is scheduled to expire on October 28, 2011. This line is also guaranteed by Tree.com, Inc., LendingTree, LLC and LendingTree Holdings Corp. The interest rate under this line is the 30-day Adjusted LIBOR or 2.0% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25% to 2.5% for loans being sold to the lender and 30-day Adjusted LIBOR or 2.0% (whichever is greater) plus 2.25% for loans not being sold to the lender.

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        Under the terms of these warehouse lines, LendingTree Loans is required to maintain various financial and other covenants. These financial covenants include, but are not limited to, maintaining (i) minimum tangible net worth of $20.0 million, (ii) minimum liquidity, (iii) a minimum current ratio, (iv) a maximum ratio of total liabilities to net worth, (v) a maximum leverage ratio, (vi) pre-tax net income requirements and (vii) a maximum warehouse capacity ratio. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans was in compliance with the covenants under these lines.

        The LendingTree Loans business is highly dependent on the availability of these warehouse lines. Although we believe that our existing lines of credit are adequate for our current operations, reductions in our available credit, or the inability to renew or replace these lines, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Management has determined that it could continue to operate the LendingTree Loans business at a reduced capacity if one, but not both, of the warehouse lines were lost. We believe that our sources of liquidity are sufficient to fund our operating needs, including operation of the LendingTree Loans business through a sale to Discover Bank by 2011 year end, and including all debt requirements, commitments and contingencies, and capital and investing commitments for the foreseeable future. However, the operations of our LendingTree Loans business through completion of the transaction with Discover Bank have a significant impact on our liquidity, and the results of such operations are highly dependent on interest rates. If interest rates increase above current levels before completion of a transaction with Discover Bank, or if such transaction is not completed, we may need to take more aggressive actions to manage our working capital, sell certain assets or seek equity or debt financing. We cannot assure you that we would in such situation be able to sell assets or raise equity or debt financing on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Moreover, the asset purchase agreement with Discover Bank contains certain covenants and conditions that may limit our ability to take certain of these actions without the consent of Discover Bank while the sale transaction is pending. Additionally, we anticipate that we will want to make capital and other expenditures in connection with the development and expansion of our overall operations. We intend to use proceeds from the sale of this LendingTree Loans business to fund these expenditures. If such proceeds are not sufficient after payments of transaction-related expenses and amounts held in escrow or otherwise restricted, we may seek equity or debt financing. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Seasonality

        Revenue is subject to the cyclical and seasonal trends of the U.S. housing market. Home sales typically rise during the spring and summer months and decline during the fall and winter months. Refinancing and home equity activity is principally driven by mortgage interest rates as well as real estate values. The broader cyclical trends in the mortgage and real estate markets have upset the usual seasonal trends.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements.


TREE.COM'S PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL REPORTING

        Tree.com reports Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"), and adjusted for certain items discussed below ("Adjusted EBITDA"), as supplemental measures to GAAP. These measures are two of the primary metrics by which Tree.com evaluates the performance of its businesses, on which its internal budgets are based and by which management is compensated. Tree.com believes that investors should have access to the same set of tools that it uses in analyzing its results. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Tree.com

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provides and encourages investors to examine the reconciling adjustments between the GAAP and non-GAAP measure discussed below.

Definition of Tree.com's Non-GAAP Measures

        EBITDA is defined as operating income or loss (which excludes interest expense and taxes) excluding amortization of intangibles and depreciation.

        Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA excluding (1) non-cash compensation expense, (2) non-cash intangible asset impairment charges, (3) gain/loss on disposal of assets, (4) restructuring expenses, (5) litigation settlements and contingencies, (6) pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions or dispositions, and (7) one-time items. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to Tree.com's statement of operations of certain expenses, including depreciation, non-cash compensation and acquisition related accounting. Tree.com endeavors to compensate for the limitations of the non-GAAP measure presented by also providing the comparable GAAP measure with equal or greater prominence and descriptions of the reconciling items, including quantifying such items, to derive the non-GAAP measure.

        Tree.com will include Adjusted EBITDA pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions and dispositions only if it views a particular transaction as significant in size or transformational in nature. For the periods presented in this report, there are no pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions or dispositions included in EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

        Adjusted EBITDA is adjusted for one-time items, if applicable. Items are considered one-time in nature if they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual, and have not occurred in the past two years or are not expected to recur in the next two years, in accordance with SEC rules. For the periods presented in this report, there are no adjustments for one-time items.

        Non-cash compensation expense consists principally of expense associated with the grants of restricted stock units and stock options. These expenses are not paid in cash, and Tree.com will include the related shares in its calculations of fully diluted shares outstanding. Upon vesting of restricted stock units and the exercise of certain stock options, the awards will be settled, at Tree.com's discretion, on a net basis, with Tree.com remitting the required tax withholding amount from its current funds.

        Amortization and impairment of intangibles are non-cash expenses relating primarily to acquisitions. At the time of an acquisition, the intangible assets of the acquired company, such as purchase agreements, technology and customer relationships, are valued and amortized over their estimated lives.


OTHER

        REALTORS®—a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        Under the rules and regulations of the SEC, as a smaller reporting company we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on that evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that due to a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to income taxes as of December 31, 2010, as described in the Company's 2010 Form 10-K, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are not effective as of June 30, 2011. The Company has taken appropriate actions in 2011 to address and remediate the deficiencies that gave rise to the material weakness, including evaluating our available resources to provide effective oversight of the work performed by our third party tax advisors and evaluating the resources provided by the third party tax advisors. However, the material weakness will not be fully remediated until, in the opinion of management, the revised control procedures have been operating for a sufficient period of time to provide reasonable assurances as to their effectiveness, and management does not believe that a sufficient period of time has passed to make this determination.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Other than as noted above, there has been no change in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation involving property, contract, intellectual property and other claims. We included a discussion of certain legal proceedings in Part I, Item 3, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the "2010 Form 10-K") and an update in Part II, Item 1, of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 ("1st Quarter 2011 10-Q"). During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, there were no material developments to the legal proceedings disclosed in the 2010 Form 10-K or 1st Quarter 2011 10-Q and no new material proceedings except as set forth below.

        Adams v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-04-03021 (S.C. Common Pleas, 10th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 9, 2008), No. 8:08-cv-03496-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Ariail v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-23-5834 (S.C. Common Pleas, 13th Judicial Cir. filed Aug. 1, 2008), No. 6:08-cv-03044-HFF (removed Sept. 3, 2008); Brackett v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-46-3450 (S.C. Common Pleas, 16th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 4, 2008), No. 0:08-cv-03504-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Clements v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-21-1730 (S.C. Common Pleas, 12th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 4, 2008), No. 4:08-cv-03508-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Gowdy v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-42-4666 (S.C. Common Pleas, 7th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 4, 2008), No. 7:08-cv-03495-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Hembree v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-26-7100 (S.C. Common Pleas, 15th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 8, 2008), No. 4:08-cv-03499-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Hodge v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-13-356 (S.C. Common Pleas, 4th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 4, 2008), No. 4:08-cv-03507-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Morgan v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-02-1529 (S.C. Common Pleas, 2nd Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 8, 2008), No. 1:08-cv-03503-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Stone v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-07-03458 (S.C. Common Pleas, 14th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 8, 2008), No. 9:08-cv-03505-HFF (removed Oct. 15, 2008); Wilson v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-10-5451 (S.C. Common Pleas, 9th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 24, 2008), No. 2:08-cv-03677-HFF (removed Oct. 20, 2008); Giese v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-40-6714 (S.C. Common Pleas, 5th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 17, 2008); Myers v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-32-03841 (S.C. Common Pleas, 11th Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 17, 2008); Pascoe v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-09-00136 (S.C. Common Pleas, 1st Judicial Cir. filed Sept. 18, 2008); Jackson v. LendingTree, No 2009-CP-43-1240 (S.C. Court of Common Pleas, 3rd Judicial Cir., filed June 1, 2009); Barfield v. LendingTree, No. 2009-CP-29-780 (S.C. Court of Common Pleas, 6th Judicial Cir., filed June 1, 2009); Peace v. LendingTree, No. 2009-CP-24-00801 (S.C. Court of Common Pleas, 8th Judicial Cir., filed June 1, 2009). These sixteen lawsuits were filed between August 1, 2008 and June 1, 2009 by the State of South Carolina, through its various circuit solicitors, against LendingTree. These lawsuits alleged that LendingTree failed to provide certain disclosures required by the South Carolina Registration of Mortgage Loan Brokers Act. The complaints originally sought an award of statutory penalties, forfeiture of all fees paid and recover of actual costs, including attorneys' fees on behalf of the state. To avoid the uncertainties of litigation and avoid further expense, the parties reached a settlement agreement in June 2011. The settlement amount to be paid by the Company is within the Company's previously disclosed litigation loss reserve. The Company does not admit any liability as part of such settlement.

        Schnee v. LendingTree, LLC and Home Loan Center, Inc., No. 06CC00211 (Cal. Super. Ct., Orange Cty.).    On October 11, 2006, four individual plaintiffs filed this putative class action against LendingTree and HLC in the California Superior Court for Orange County. Plaintiffs alleged that they used the LendingTree.com website to find potential lenders and without their knowledge were referred to LendingTree's direct lender, HLC; that Lending Tree, LLC and HLC did not adequately disclose the relationship between them; and that HLC charged Plaintiffs higher rates and fees than they otherwise would have been charged. Based upon these allegations, Plaintiffs asserted that LendingTree and

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HLC violated the California UCL, California Business and Professions Code § 17500, and the CLRA. Plaintiffs purported to represent a nationwide class of consumers who sought lender referrals from LendingTree and obtained loans from HLC since December 1, 2004. Plaintiffs sought damages, restitution, attorneys' fees and injunctive relief.

        On September 25, 2009, Plaintiffs' motion for class certification was denied in its entirety; Plaintiffs appealed such action. The Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on this matter in July 2011. On July 29, 2011, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's denial of class certification.

        Banxcorp v. LendingTree, LLC, No. 2:10-cv-02467-SDW-MCA (U.S. Dist. Ct., N.J.).    On May 14, 2010, Plaintiff filed this lawsuit against LendingTree, LLC alleging that LendingTree, LLC engaged in antitrust violations, including per se horizontal price fixing. Plaintiff filed a similar case against Bankrate, Inc., in July 2007, alleging, among other things, an antitrust conspiracy between Bankrate and LendingTree. Plaintiff subsequently amended the complaint in June 2010 to add several media entities as defendants and alleged federal and state antitrust violations. All defendants filed motions to dismiss, and in early February 2011, the motions were granted as to the media defendants but denied as to LendingTree, LLC. The case is currently in the discovery phase. Plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and statutory damages. In July 2011, the case was consolidated with the Bankrate litigation referenced above. The Company believes that the allegations in the complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this action.

        LendingTree v. Zillow, Inc., et al. Civil Action No. 3:10-cv-439.    On September 8, 2010, the Company filed an action for patent infringement in the US District Court for the Western District of NC against Zillow, Inc., Nextag, Inc., Quinstreet, Inc., Quinstreet Media, Inc., and Adchemy, Inc. The complaint was amended to include Leadpoint, Inc. d/b/a Securerights on September 24, 2010. The Company alleges that each of the defendants infringe one or both of the Company's patents—U.S. Patent No. 6,385,594, entitled "Method and Computer Network for Co-Ordinating a Loan over the Internet," and U.S. Patent No. 6,611,816, entitled "Method and Computer Network for Co-Ordinating a Loan over the Internet." Collectively, the asserted patents cover computer hardware and software used in facilitating business between computer users and multiple lenders on the Internet. In July 2011, the Company reached a settlement agreement with Leadpoint, Inc. On July 20, 2011, all claims against Leadpoint, Inc. and all counter-claims against the Company by Leadpoint, Inc. were dismissed.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        Other than the risk factors set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A, of the 2010 Form 10-K.

Adverse Events and Trends—Adverse conditions in the credit markets could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The credit markets, in particular those financial institutions that provide warehouse financing and similar arrangements to mortgage lenders, have been experiencing unprecedented and continued disruptions resulting from instability in the mortgage and housing markets. LendingTree Loans originates, processes, approves and funds various consumer mortgage loans through HLC, which operates primarily under the brand name "LendingTree Loans®." These direct lending operations have significant financing needs that are currently being met through borrowings under warehouse lines of credit or repurchase agreements to fund and close loans, followed by the sale of substantially all loans funded to investors in the secondary mortgage markets. Current credit market conditions, such as significantly reduced and limited availability of credit, increased credit risk premiums for certain market participants and increased interest rates generally, increase the cost and reduce the availability of debt and may continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future.

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        As of June 30, 2011, LendingTree Loans had two committed lines of credit totaling $150.0 million of borrowing capacity. One line with $50.0 million of borrowing capacity expires on the earlier of (i) the closing date of the proposed asset sale with Discover Bank or (ii) October 1, 2011 and the other line with $100.0 million of borrowing capacity expires on October 28, 2011. LendingTree Loans also has a $25.0 million uncommitted line with one of these lenders. Borrowings under these lines of credit are used to fund, and are secured by, consumer residential loans that are held for sale. Loans under these lines of credit are repaid using proceeds from the sales of loans by LendingTree Loans. At June 30, 2011, there was $114.3 million outstanding under the lines of credit. See "Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources" above for more information on our warehouse lines.

Although we believe that our existing lines of credit are adequate for our current operations, further reductions in our available credit, or the inability to extend, renew or replace these lines before completion of the pending sale of the operating assets of LendingTree Loans, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. LendingTree Loans attempts to mitigate the impact of current conditions and future credit market disruptions by maintaining committed and uncommitted warehouse lines of credit with several financial institutions. However, these financial institutions, like all financial institutions, are subject to the same adverse market conditions and may be affected by recent market disruptions, which may affect the decision to reduce or renew these lines or the pricing for these lines. As a result, current committed warehouse lines of credit may be reduced or not renewed, and alternative financing may be unavailable or inadequate to support operations or the cost of such alternative financing may not allow LendingTree Loans to operate at profitable levels. Because LendingTree Loans is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance its operations, the continuation of current credit market conditions for a prolonged period of time or the worsening of such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, particularly over the next few years. In addition, Discover Bank may terminate the agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of our LendingTree Loans business if, with respect to either of our committed warehouse lines we fail to make a payment when due with respect to any indebtedness outstanding under any such agreement, we breach any other agreement, condition or covenant, relating to such indebtedness, or we obtain a waiver of any breach of or failure to satisfy any agreement, condition or covenant contained in such agreement without the prior written consent of Discover Bank, subject to certain exceptions.

The sale of LendingTree Loans assets to Discover Bank may not be completed unless important conditions to the closing are satisfied and unless we maintain certain operational or financial metrics.

        Completion of the transaction with Discover Bank is subject to certain conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval of the Company's stockholders. If these conditions are not satisfied or waived (to the extent permitted by law), the transaction may be delayed or may not occur, and we could lose some or all of the intended benefits of the transaction, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Discover Bank may not receive the applicable regulatory approvals, or governmental authorities may impose conditions upon the completion of the transaction or require changes in the terms of the transaction. These conditions or changes could result in the termination of the asset purchase agreement or could have the effect of delaying the completion of the transaction or imposing additional costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

        Additionally, the asset purchase agreement imposes on the Company covenants regarding maintenance of certain operational and financial metrics until the closing of the transaction. If the requirements of these covenants are not met, Discover Bank has the option to terminate the asset purchase agreement, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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        Further, the purchase price for the assets is comprised of a payment of $35.9 million at closing and future contingent payments of $10 million on each of the first and second anniversaries of the closing, subject to the Company satisfying certain conditions, including maintenance of the LendingTree Exchange and certain financial and operational metrics. If these conditions are not met, these future contingent payments could be reduced or eliminated, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

        For more information on the conditions to the closing, see the proxy statement we prepared in connection with the solicitation of stockholder approval for the transaction, which we filed with the SEC on August 2, 2011.

The transaction with Discover Bank may distract our management from other responsibilities.

        The transaction to sell assets of LendingTree Loans to Discover Bank could cause our management to focus its time and energies on matters related to the transaction that otherwise would be directed to our business and operations.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The following table provides information about the Company's purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Period
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs(2)
  Maximum
Number/Approximate
Dollar Value of Shares
that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(in thousands)
 

04/01/11 - 04/30/11

    1,059   $       $ 4,274  

05/01/11 - 05/31/11

    112,672   $       $ 4,274  

06/01/11 - 06/30/11

      $       $ 4,274  
                   

Total

    113,731   $       $ 4,274  
                   

(1)
During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, 113,731 shares of the Company's common stock were delivered by employees to satisfy federal and state withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards granted to those individuals under the Tree.com Second Amended and Restated 2008 Stock and Award Incentive Plan. The withholding of those shares does not affect the dollar amount or number of shares that may be purchased under the publicly announced plans or programs described below.

(2)
On January 11, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for an amount up to $10 million. The program authorizes repurchases of common shares in the open market or through privately-negotiated transactions. The Company began this program in February 2010 and expects to use available cash to finance these repurchases. It will determine the timing and amount of such repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions, applicable SEC guidelines and regulations, and other factors. This program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

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Item 5.    Other Information

        On July 29, 2011, Tree.com, Inc. and Dave Norris ("Mr. Norris") entered into the Preliminary Terms of the Separation Agreement (the "Separation Agreement Terms"), pursuant to which Tree.com agreed to pay compensation to Mr. Norris based on the sale of substantially all of the operating assets of our LendingTree Loans business to Discover Bank.

        Pursuant to the Separation Agreement Terms, Mr. Norris will: (i) receive $1,000,000 in cash, (a) half of which to be paid on the closing date of the asset sale with Discover Bank and (b) one-quarter of which to be on each of the first and second anniversaries of such closing date, subject to this continued employment with Discover Bank and (ii) a prorated portion of his scheduled third quarter bonus based on Company performance through the closing of the asset sale with Discover Bank (which amounts to $11,898, assuming a third quarter bonus of $37,744) within ten (10) business days following such closing date. The amounts described in the preceding sentence represent "single-trigger" arrangements, in other words, amounts triggered by a change-in-control for which payment is not conditioned upon the termination or resignation of Mr. Norris, although payment of certain amounts are dependent upon his continued employment with Discover Bank.

        Additionally, Mr. Norris will receive a one-time lump-sum payment of $125,000 within five (5) business days following the satisfaction of the following conditions:

        Further, Mr. Norris will receive five percent (5%) of the difference between: (a) the aggregate proceeds received from sales of loans held for sale by HLC as of the closing of the asset sale with Discover Bank, minus (b) 101.5% of the total carrying amount of all loans held for sale (before giving effect to "Fair Value Basis Adjustments" and excluding impaired loans) as of such closing date.

        On August 11, 2011, HLC entered into a letter agreement to its existing warehouse line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. The letter agreement extends the expiration date of the warehouse line to the earlier of (i) the closing date of the proposed asset sale with Discover Bank or (ii) October 1, 2011.

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit   Description   Location
  2.1   Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 12, 2011 by and among Tree.com, Inc., Home Loan Center, Inc., LendingTree, LLC, HLC Escrow, Inc. and Discover Bank.*   Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.1

 

Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement

 

Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.2

 

Form of Bill of Sale

 

Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

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Exhibit   Description   Location
  10.3   Escrow Agreement Terms*   Exhibit 2.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed August 12, 2011

 

10.4

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Douglas R. Lebda

 

Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.5

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Liberty Media Corporation

 

Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.6

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Second Curve, LLC

 

Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.7

 

Amendment No. 6 to Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2011, by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.8

 

Fourth Amendment to Side Letter, dated as of June 29, 2011, with respect to the Home Loan Center, Inc. warehouse facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.9

 

Amendment No. 1 to Transaction Terms Letter dated as of June 29, 2011, which supplements that certain Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to Transactions Terms Letter dated as of July 12, 2011, which supplements that certain Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2011

 

10.11

 

Amendment No. 2 to Early Purchase Program Addendum to Loan Purchase Agreement dated as of July 12, 2011, which supplements that certain Loan Purchase Agreement by and between Bank of America, N.A. and Home Loan Center, Inc. dated April 16, 2002.

 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2011

 

10.12

 

Extension Letter Agreement dated as of August 11, 2011, regarding the Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Bank of America, N.A. and Home Loan Center, Inc. dated May 1, 2009

 


 

31.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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Exhibit   Description   Location
  31.2   Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

 

32.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

††

 

32.2

 

Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

††

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

†††

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

†††

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

†††

Filed herewith

††
This certification is being furnished solely to accompany this report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

†††
Furnished herewith. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

*
Certain schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 6.01(b)(2). The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted schedules to the SEC upon its request.

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SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 15, 2011

    TREE.COM, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ CHRISTOPHER R. HAYEK

Christopher R. Hayek
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal financial officer and
duly authorized officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit   Description   Location
  2.1   Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 12, 2011 by and among Tree.com, Inc., Home Loan Center, Inc., LendingTree, LLC, HLC Escrow, Inc. and Discover Bank.*   Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.1

 

Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement

 

Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.2

 

Form of Bill of Sale

 

Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.3

 

Escrow Agreement Terms*

 

Exhibit 2.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed August 12, 2011

 

10.4

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Douglas R. Lebda

 

Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.5

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Liberty Media Corporation

 

Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.6

 

Form of Voting and Support Agreement of Second Curve, LLC

 

Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 16, 2011

 

10.7

 

Amendment No. 6 to Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2011, by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.8

 

Fourth Amendment to Side Letter, dated as of June 29, 2011, with respect to the Home Loan Center, Inc. warehouse facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.9

 

Amendment No. 1 to Transaction Terms Letter dated as of June 29, 2011, which supplements that certain Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 6, 2011

 

10.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to Transactions Terms Letter dated as of July 12, 2011, which supplements that certain Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 by and between Home Loan Center, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2011

54


Table of Contents

Exhibit   Description   Location
  10.11   Amendment No. 2 to Early Purchase Program Addendum to Loan Purchase Agreement dated as of July 12, 2011, which supplements that certain Loan Purchase Agreement by and between Bank of America, N.A. and Home Loan Center, Inc. dated April 16, 2002.   Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2011

 

10.12

 

Extension Letter Agreement dated as of August 11, 2011, regarding the Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Bank of America, N.A. and Home Loan Center, Inc. dated May 1, 2009

 


 

31.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 


 

31.2

 

Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 


 

32.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

††

 

32.2

 

Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

††

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

†††

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

†††

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

†††

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

†††

Filed herewith

††
This certification is being furnished solely to accompany this report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the registrant, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

†††
Furnished herewith. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for

55


Table of Contents

*
Certain schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 6.01(b)(2). The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted schedules to the SEC upon its request.

56




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Exhibit 10.12

GRAPHIC

OFFICER CERTIFICATE*

 
   
Date: August 11, 2011   Seller Name: Home Loan Center, Inc.

I, Rian Furey, hereby certify that I am a duly elected Senior Vice President of Seller and do further certify that the following are accurate, true and correct and may be relied upon by Bank of America, N.A. (the "Buyer"):

1.
Representations and Warranties: The representations and warranties made by Seller under the Principal Agreements (as defined in Master Repurchase Agreement between Buyer and Seller) are accurate and true on and as of the date hereof with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date hereof, including, without limitation, the following:

(a)
Financial Condition. All financial statements of Seller and each Guarantor delivered to Buyer fairly and accurately present the financial condition of the parties for whom such statements are submitted. The financial statements of Seller have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved, and there are no contingent liabilities not disclosed thereby that would adversely affect the financial condition of Seller. Since the close of the period covered by the latest financial statement delivered to Buyer with respect to Seller and as the date hereof, there has been no material adverse change in the assets, liabilities or financial condition of Seller nor is Seller aware of any facts that, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would or could result in any such material adverse change. No event has occurred, including, without limitation, any litigation or administrative proceedings, and no condition exists or, to the knowledge of Seller, is threatened, that (i) might render Seller unable to perform its obligations under the Principal Agreements and all other documents contemplated thereby; (ii) would constitute a Potential Default or Event of Default; or (iii) might adversely affect the financial condition of Seller or the validity, priority or enforceability of the Principal Agreements or any other documents contemplated thereby.

(b)
Solvency. Seller is solvent and will not take any action that constitutes an act, or would give rise to an event, of insolvency after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Principal Agreements, and Seller, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Principal Agreements, will have an adequate amount of capital to conduct its business in the foreseeable future.

2.
Compliance with Principal Agreements: Seller is in full compliance with all of the terms and provisions set forth in the Principal Agreements on its part to be performed and observed, and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

3.
No Change in Executive Management: No material change in the Executive Management, business, assets or financial or other condition of Seller and its consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole has occurred.

4.
No Material Changes in Policies and Procedures: No material changes have occurred in the policies and procedures, whether written or verbal, used by Seller to conduct its business and its operation, including, without limitation, no material changes in the following areas: (i) underwriting; (ii) secondary marketing (including hedge strategy); (iii) appraiser approval and control; (iv) closing protection and (v) broker approval and control.

5.
No Changes in Structure of Seller: No changes have occurred in the legal structure and/or organization of Seller nor has Seller merged with or otherwise acquired the assets of any other entity.

6.
Compliance with Other Agreements: Seller is in full compliance with all of the terms and provisions set forth in any agreements between Seller, Buyer's parent and/or Buyer's affiliates on its part to be performed and observed, and no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing.

7.
Escrow and Mortgage Insurance Proceeds: Seller has segregated all escrow and mortgage insurance proceeds into an individual custodial account and is in compliance with all applicable laws, FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guidelines related thereto.

8.
Capitalized Terms: All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in that certain Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Buyer and Seller.

9.
Facsimiles: Facsimile signatures shall be deemed valid and binding to the same extent as the original.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed his/her name as of the date first written above.

 
   
   
Signature:     

   

Printed Name:

 

Rian Furey

 

 


*TO THE EXTENT SELLER IS UNABLE TO MAKE THE CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED HEREIN,
PLEASE ATTACH A SEPARATE SHEET DETAILING THE REASONS

2


August 11, 2011

Home Loan Center, Inc.
163 Technology Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Attn: Rian Furey, Senior Vice President

Re:
Master Repurchase Agreement

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

        Reference is hereby made to that Master Repurchase Agreement by and between Bank of America, N.A. ("Buyer") and Home Loan Center, Inc. (the "Seller") dated May 1, 2009 (the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.

        Buyer and Seller mutually agree to extend the term of the Agreement from that stated as the Expiration Date in the Transactions Terms Letter to the earlier of (i) the Closing Date, as defined in Section 4.1 of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Tree.com, Inc, Home Loan Center, Inc., LendingTree, LLC and HLC Escrow, Inc. and Discover Bank, dated May 12, 2011, or (ii) October 1, 2011 (the "Extension"), at which time the Agreement will expire. Following the expiration date of such Extension, all indebtedness due Buyer under the Principal Agreements shall be immediately due and payable without notice to Seller and without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest or dishonor, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Seller.

        Nothing herein shall affect, nor be construed or interpreted to affect, the rights and remedies of Buyer under the Agreement and all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall be deemed to have been in full force and effect as of the date of the Agreement and prior to the Extension and shall remain in full force and effect during the Extension. This letter agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

        Please acknowledge your agreement to the terms and conditions of this letter by signing in the appropriate space below and returning a copy of the same to the undersigned. Facsimile signatures shall be deemed valid and binding to the same extent as the original.

Sincerely,   Agreed to and Accepted by:

Bank of America, N.A.

 

Home Loan Center, Inc.
As Buyer   As Seller

By:

 

  


 

By:

 

    

Name:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

3




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TO THE EXTENT SELLER IS UNABLE TO MAKE THE CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED HEREIN, PLEASE ATTACH A SEPARATE SHEET DETAILING THE REASONS

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Douglas R. Lebda, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 of Tree.com, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: August 15, 2011   /s/ DOUGLAS R. LEBDA

Douglas R. Lebda
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)



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CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Christopher R. Hayek, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 of Tree.com, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: August 15, 2011   /s/ CHRISTOPHER R. HAYEK

Christopher R. Hayek
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal financial officer)



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CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

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Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Douglas R. Lebda, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

Dated: August 15, 2011   /s/ DOUGLAS R. LEBDA

Douglas R. Lebda
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)



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Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Christopher R. Hayek, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

Dated: August 15, 2011   /s/ CHRISTOPHER R. HAYEK

Christopher R. Hayek
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(principal financial officer)



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