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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Estimates
Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 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, including discontinued operations, include: the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets; the determination of income taxes payable and deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; fair value of assets acquired in a business combination; contingent consideration related to business combinations; litigation accruals; HLC ownership related claims; contract assets; various other allowances, reserves and accruals; assumptions related to the determination of stock-based compensation; and the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. 
The Company considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the assumptions and estimates used when preparing its financial statements including, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation allowances, contract asset and contingent consideration. These assumptions and estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. If economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic do not recover as currently estimated by management, such future changes may have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and liquidity.
Certain Risks and Concentrations
LendingTree's business is subject to certain risks and concentrations including dependence on third-party technology providers, exposure to risks associated with online commerce security and credit card fraud.
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk at June 30, 2021, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, as disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits, but are maintained with quality financial institutions of high credit. The Company requires certain Network Partners to maintain security deposits with the Company, which in the event of non-payment, would be applied against any accounts receivable outstanding.
Due to the nature of the mortgage lending industry, interest rate fluctuations may negatively impact future revenue from the Company's marketplace.
Lenders and lead purchasers participating on the Company's marketplace can offer their products directly to consumers through brokers, mass marketing campaigns or through other traditional methods of credit distribution. These lenders and lead purchasers can also offer their products online, either directly to prospective borrowers, through one or more online competitors, or both. If a significant number of potential consumers are able to obtain loans and other products from Network Partners without utilizing the Company's services, the Company's ability to generate revenue may be limited. Because the Company does not have exclusive relationships with the Network Partners whose loans and other financial products are offered on its online marketplace, consumers may obtain offers from these Network Partners without using its service.
Other than a support services office in India, the Company's operations are geographically limited to and dependent upon the economic condition of the United States.
Litigation Settlements and Contingencies
Litigation settlements and contingencies consists of expenses related to actual or anticipated litigation settlements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04 to clarify and reduce diversity in accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. The amendments clarify that a modification of the terms or conditions or an exchange of a freestanding equity-classified written call option that remains equity classified after modification or exchange should be accounted for as an exchange of the original instrument for a new instrument. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in interim periods. An entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year. The amendments should be applied prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring on or after the date of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2021-04 in the second quarter of 2021.
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to improve consistency among reporting entities. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption was permitted, including adoption in interim periods. Entities electing early adoption were required to adopt all amendments in the same period. Most amendments require prospective application while others are to be applied on a retrospective basis for all
periods presented or a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 in the first quarter of 2021. The amendments applicable to the Company required prospective application, and do not have material impacts to its consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments, amends the derivatives scope exception guidance for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and amends the related earnings-per-share guidance. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including adoption in interim periods. An entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year. An entity may adopt the amendments through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Company expects the amendments to impact its convertible senior notes and warrants issued and is evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements and whether to early adopt.