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

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FORM 10-Q

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Commission File No. 001-34063

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

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        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 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):

        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 November 5, 2008, there were 9,369,381 shares of the Registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

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PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements

TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

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)

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)

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

Spin-Off

        On August 20, 2008, Tree.com, Inc. ("Tree.com") was spun off from its parent company, IAC/InterActiveCorp ("IAC") into a separate publicly traded company. In these consolidated financial statements, we refer to the separation transaction as the "spin-off." In connection with the spin-off, Tree.com was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in April 2008. Tree.com consists of the businesses that formerly comprised IAC's Lending and Real Estate segments. We refer herein to these businesses as the "Tree.com Businesses," which include LendingTree.com, RealEstate.com, GetSmart.com, Home Loan Center, Inc. (d/b/a LendingTree Loans) and iNest.com.

        In conjunction with the spin-off, Tree.com completed the following transactions: (1) extinguished all intercompany payable balances with IAC, which totaled $57.2 million by recording a non-cash contribution from IAC, (2) recapitalized the invested capital balances with common stock, whereby holders of IAC stock received shares of Tree.com stock based on a formula as described in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Commission file number 333-152700), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and (3) received $55.2 million of cash from IAC to bring Tree.com's cash balance to $110.0 million upon the seperation from IAC.

Basis of Presentation

        The historical consolidated financial statements of Tree.com and its subsidiaries reflect the contribution or other transfer to Tree.com of all of the subsidiaries and assets and the assumption by Tree.com of all of the liabilities relating to the Tree.com Businesses in connection with the spin-off and the allocation to Tree.com of certain IAC corporate expenses relating to the Tree.com Businesses. Accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of Tree.com reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Tree.com Businesses since their respective dates of acquisition by IAC, based on the historical consolidated financial statements and accounting records of IAC and using the historical results of operations and historical bases of the assets and liabilities of the Tree.com Businesses with the exception of accounting for income taxes. For purposes of these financial statements, income taxes have been computed for Tree.com on an as if stand-alone, separate tax return basis. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

        In the opinion of Tree.com's management, the assumptions underlying the historical consolidated financial statements of Tree.com are reasonable. However, this financial information does not necessarily reflect what the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Tree.com would have been had Tree.com been a stand-alone company during the periods presented.

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of Tree.com's management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Tree.com's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION (Continued)

Company Overview

Lending

        Lending consists of online networks (principally LendingTree.com and GetSmart.com) and call centers that connect consumers and financial providers in the lending industry. Tree.com also originates, processes, approves and funds various residential real estate loans through Home Loan Center, Inc. ("HLC"), which does business as LendingTree Loans in certain jurisdictions. The HLC and LendingTree Loans brand names are collectively referred to in these consolidated financial statements as "LendingTree Loans."

Real Estate

        Real Estate consists of a proprietary full service real estate brokerage (RealEstate.com, REALTORS®) that operates in fourteen U.S. markets, as well as an online network accessed at www.RealEstate.com, that connects consumers with real estate brokerages around the country, and iNest.com, an online network that matches buyers and builders of new homes.

        Tree.com maintains operations solely in the United States.

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Estimates

        Tree.com's management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amounts 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; reserve for obligations on loans that have been previously sold; the fair value of loans held for sale and related derivatives; the recoverability of long-lived assets; the recovery of goodwill and intangible assets; the determination of income taxes payable and deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; various other allowances, reserves and accruals; and assumptions related to the determination of stock-based compensation.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The Statement also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 will be applied prospectively, except as it relates to disclosures, for which the effects will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Early adoption is not permitted. Tree.com is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141R"), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141. SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is not permitted. Tree.com is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 141R on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

        In the second quarter of 2008, Tree.com recorded impairment charges of $131.0 million and $33.4 million related to goodwill and an indefinite-lived intangible asset, respectively. The charges associated with Lending were $70.2 million related to goodwill and $33.4 million related to an

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

indefinite-lived intangible asset. The charge related to Real Estate was a goodwill impairment charge of $60.8 million.

        The impairments at Tree.com resulted from the Company's most recent reassessment of the likely future profitability of Lending and Real Estate in light of the adverse developments in the mortgage and real estate market conditions and the operational strategies Tree.com has undertaken in response to these market realities. These adverse conditions include, among others, constrained liquidity, lender focus on low margin conforming loans, uncertainty as to the eventuality and timing of the return of higher margin mortgage offerings, the decline in real estate values and a high rate of delinquency for existing mortgages. Tree.com updated its assessment of mortgage and real estate market conditions and Tree.com's responsive operational strategies during the second quarter of 2008, and quantified these considerations in Tree.com's future forecasted results.

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

        Intangible assets with indefinite lives relate principally to trade names and trademarks acquired in various acquisitions. At September 30, 2008, intangible assets with definite lives relate to the following (in thousands):

        At December 31, 2007, intangible assets with definite lives relate to the following (in thousands):

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 3—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

        Amortization of intangible assets with definite lives is computed on a straight-line basis and, based on September 30, 2008 balances, such amortization for the next five years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

        The following table presents the balance of goodwill by segment, including changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

        Deductions principally relate to the establishment of deferred tax assets related to acquired tax attributes and the income tax benefit realized pursuant to the exercise of stock options assumed in a business acquisition that were vested at the transaction date and are treated as a reduction in goodwill when the income tax deductions are realized. The impairments are described above.

NOTE 4—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

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

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 5—ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

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

        The other category above reflects an earnout payable related to the HLC acquisition, customer security deposits, accrued professional fees and other miscellaneous accrued expenses.

        In 2008, Tree.com settled a litigation matter and paid $11.75 million, which was included in the December 31, 2007 accrual balance noted above.

NOTE 6—WAREHOUSE LINES OF CREDIT

        Borrowings on warehouse lines of credit were $56.8 million and $79.4 million at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. 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 from proceeds from the sales of loans held for sale by LendingTree Loans. The interest rate under these lines of credit is 30-day LIBOR plus 75 to 140 basis points, but may vary under certain circumstances. Borrowings under all of LendingTree Loans' lines of credit are non-recourse to Tree.com.

        As of September 30, 2008, LendingTree Loans had committed lines of credit totaling $100 million, of which $50 million was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008, and another $50 million expires on January 24, 2009, and an uncommitted line of credit of $150 million. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 and the $150 million uncommitted line are provided by the same lender. The $50 million committed line that was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008 has been extended for 60 days. Both parties continue to work on renewal of the line and anticipate having the final terms agreed to prior to the end of the extension on December 30, 2008. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 can be cancelled at the option of the lender without default upon sixty days notice. However, if the lender determines at any time prior to January 24, 2009 that the spin-off materially and adversely affects LendingTree Loans, the lender reserves the right to deem the line of credit expired prior to January 24, 2009. Under the terms of the committed lines of credit, LendingTree Loans is required to maintain various financial and other covenants. These financial covenants include, but are not limited to, maintaining (i) minimum levels of tangible net worth, cash on hand with a certain lender and liquid assets, (ii) a maximum ratio of total liabilities to net worth and (iii) positive pre-tax net income on a quarterly basis. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, LendingTree Loans was not in compliance with the quarterly positive pre-tax net income covenant. LendingTree Loans received a waiver of this covenant breach on October 28, 2008.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The overall concept that Tree.com employs in determining its operating 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 businesses, how the businesses are organized as to segment management, and the focus of the businesses with regards to the types of products or services offered or the target market.

        Tree.com's primary metric is Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"), which is defined as operating income excluding, if applicable: (1) depreciation expense, (2) non-cash compensation expense, (3) amortization and impairment of intangibles, (4) goodwill impairment, (5) pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions, and (6) one-time items. Tree.com believes this measure is useful to investors because it represents the operating results from Tree.com's segments, but excluding the effects of any other non-cash expenses. 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.

        The following tables reconcile EBITDA to operating loss for Tree.com's operating segments and to net loss in total (in thousands):

 

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

        Non-cash compensation expense in the tables above is included in the following line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

        Non-cash compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $6.6 million of expense due to the modification of equity-based awards related to the spin-off, which consists of the accelerated vesting of certain restricted stock units and the modification of vested stock options.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

        Significant components of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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

 

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(a)

The weighted average common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and for the period from January 1, 2008 until the spin-off from IAC

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

is equal to the number of shares outstanding immediately following the spin-off from IAC.

        The forms of stock-based awards granted to Tree.com employees are principally restricted stock units ("RSUs") and stock options. RSUs are awards in the form of phantom shares or 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. Each RSU and stock option grant is subject to service-based vesting, where a specific period of continued employment must pass before an award vests. Tree.com recognizes expense for all RSUs and stock options for which vesting is considered probable. For RSU and stock option grants 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.

        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.

        The following table sets forth the vesting schedule for RSUs as of September 30, 2008, excluding estimated forfeitures:

        The following table sets forth the vesting schedule for stock options as of September 30, 2008, excluding estimated forfeitures:

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 8—EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

        Stock options in the table above are separated by strike price range as follows:

NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        Effective January 1, 2008, Tree.com adopted SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157"). In accordance with SFAS No. 157, 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:

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Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets obtained from independent sources.



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Level 2: Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.



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Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and require Tree.com to develop its own assumptions, based on the best information available in the circumstances, about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

        The following table presents Tree.com's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2008 (in thousands):

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

        The following table 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) (in thousands):

        The following table presents the gains included in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 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):

        LendingTree Loans hedges the changes in fair value of certain loans held for sale primarily by entering into mortgage forward delivery contracts. Although LendingTree Loans continues to enter into forward delivery contracts for risk management purposes, effective April 1, 2007 it no longer designates these derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes. When hedge accounting was discontinued, the affected loans held for sale were no longer adjusted for changes in fair value. However, the changes in fair value of the forward delivery contracts continued to be recognized in current earnings as a

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

component of revenue. The fair value of the forward delivery contracts is recorded in "Prepaid and other current assets" and/or "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Tree.com recognized gains of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to the changes in fair value of forward delivery contracts related to loans held for sale.

        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 in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). Accordingly, LendingTree Loans determines the fair value of IRLCs using current secondary market prices for underlying loans with similar coupons, maturity and credit quality, subject to the anticipated loan funding probability. The fair value of IRLCs is subject to change primarily due to changes in interest rates and the loan funding probability. Under LendingTree Loans' risk management policy, LendingTree Loans hedges the changes in fair value of IRLCs primarily by entering into mortgage forward delivery contracts which can reduce the volatility of economic outcomes. IRLCs and the related hedging instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded in current earnings as a component of revenue in the statement of operations.

        Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 157 the recognition of gains and losses at the inception of a derivative contract were prohibited unless the fair value of the contract was evidenced by a quoted price in an active market. As no active market exists for IRLCs, such day one gains and losses were not recognized until the related loan was sold. Prior to January 1, 2008, guidance also prohibited including the value of servicing the loan in calculating the fair value of an IRLC. Such guidance was rescinded by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, "Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings" ("SAB 109"). Accordingly, with the adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SAB 109 on January 1, 2008, the day one gains and servicing value, adjusted by the loan funding probability, are included in the value of IRLCs.

        The net change in fair value of the IRLCs and related forward delivery contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 resulted in gains of $13.9 million and $40.9 million, respectively, which have been recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The net change in fair value of the IRLCs and related forward delivery contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 resulted in losses of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which have been recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The significant change year over year is due principally to the inclusion of day one gains and the value of servicing the loans in 2008 associated with the adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SAB 109. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SAB 109, the recognition of such day one gains and servicing value were proscribed and these gains were not recognized until realized through the sale of the related loans. This change in treatment, therefore, is only related to the timing of revenue recognition. The IRLCs are recorded in "Prepaid and other current assets" and/or "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2008, there was $209.4 million of IRLCs notional value outstanding.

        Effective January 1, 2008 Tree.com adopted SFAS No. 159 "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments at fair

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

value with the objective of reducing both the complexity in the accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. Upon adoption, Tree.com elected to account for loans held for sale originated 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 under SFAS No. 133.

        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 September 30, 2008, all such loans were impaired and carried at the lower of cost or market value assessed on an individual loan basis. The market value (or fair value) of these impaired loans at September 30, 2008, measured on a non-recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), was $2.7 million. This fair value measurement is management's best estimate of the market value of such loans and considers re-price bids received from the investors prior to repurchase, if applicable, or current bids in the secondary market for similar loans.

        During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the change in fair value of loans held for sale for which the fair value option has been elected were losses of $0.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and are included as a component of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

        The following table presents the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal balance of loans held for sale at September 30, 2008 for which the fair value option has been elected (in thousands):

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, LendingTree Loans sold approximately 8,800 and 32,000 loans, respectively, with initial loan values of $1.7 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively. LendingTree Loans has not experienced any losses from loans sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. LendingTree Loans experienced losses of $2.2 million from loans sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which represent 0.042% of the initial loan value of the total loans sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

        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. To the extent LendingTree Loans does not comply with such representations, or there are early payment defaults, LendingTree Loans may be required to repurchase loans or indemnify the investors for any losses from borrower defaults. As such, LendingTree Loans records a liability for the estimated obligation related to this exposure based, in part, on historical and projected loss frequency and loss severity, the original principal amount of the loans previously sold, the year the loans were sold, and loan type. There are four loan types used in this analysis which are determined based on the extent of the documentation received (full or limited) and the lien position of the mortgage in the underling property (first or second position). In the case of early payment payoffs,

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

which occurs when a borrower prepays a loan prior to the end of the prepayment penalty period, LendingTree Loans may be required to repay all or a portion of the premium initially paid by the investor. The estimated obligation associated with early loan payoffs is calculated based on historical loss experience by type of loan. Specific circumstances may also cause management to estimate and record additional liabilities specific to a situation based on certain assumptions of future losses as a result of current activity. 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. As such, LendingTree Loans is unable to determine its maximum loss exposure. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 LendingTree Loans increased its liability for losses on previously sold loans by approximately $0.9 million as a reduction to revenue and $3.7 million was paid or written off against the liability. The related liability at September 30, 2008 is $11.1 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 LendingTree Loans increased its liability for losses on previously sold loans by approximately $8.3 million as a reduction to revenue and $4.0 million was paid or written off against the liability.

        A summary of the initial unpaid principal balance of loans sold by type of loan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the loans held for sale as of the periods then ended is presented below:

 

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10—INCOME TAXES

        Tree.com calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28 and FASB Interpretation No. 18. At the end of each interim period, Tree.com makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date earnings or loss. The tax or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates, tax status, or judgment on the realizability of a beginning-of-the-year deferred tax asset in future years is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

        The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.

        For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, Tree.com recorded a tax benefit of $0.1 million and $13.9 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 0.3% and 7%, respectively. These tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to non-deductible impairment charges and an increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 Tree.com recorded a tax benefit of $5.5 million and $13.3 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 47% and 41%, respectively. These tax benefits are higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to state taxes.

        As of December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2008, Tree.com had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Included in unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2008 is approximately $1.7 million for tax positions included in IAC's consolidated tax return filings that remain a liability of IAC after the spin-off. Tree.com recognizes interest and, if applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. There were no material accruals for interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008 Tree.com had accrued $0.5 million for the payment of interest, of which $0.4 million is indemnified by IAC. There are no material accruals for penalties.

        By virtue of previously filed separate company and consolidated tax returns with IAC, Tree.com is routinely under audit by federal, state, local and foreign authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Income taxes payable include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year returns; however, the amount paid upon resolution of issues raised may differ from the amount provided. Differences between the reserves for tax contingencies and the amounts owed by Tree.com are recorded in the period they become known.

        The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining the IAC consolidated tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2001 through 2003, which includes the operations of Tree.com from August 8, 2003, the date on which Tree.com joined the IAC consolidated tax return. The statute of limitations for these years has been extended to December 31, 2009. Various IAC consolidated state, local and foreign jurisdictions are currently under examination, the most significant of which are California, Florida, New

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10—INCOME TAXES (Continued)

York state and New York City, for various tax years after December 31, 2001, and these examinations are expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

        Tree.com believes that it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $0.7 million within twelve months of the current reporting date due to the reversal of deductible temporary differences which will result in a corresponding increase in net deferred tax liabilities. An estimate of other changes in unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made, but are not expected to be significant.

NOTE 11—CONTINGENCIES

        HLC is party to various employment related lawsuits. During 2006, Tree.com established a reserve of $0.4 million for certain of these actions. During 2008 and 2007, additional reserves of $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, were recorded. The balance of the related liability was $3.6 million at September 30, 2008.

        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 matters where it believes an unfavorable outcome is not probable and, therefore, no reserve is established. 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. See Note 10 for a discussion related to income tax contingencies.

NOTE 12—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        While affiliated with IAC, Tree.com's expenses included allocations from IAC of costs associated with IAC's accounting, treasury, legal, tax, corporate support, human resources and internal audit functions. These expenses were allocated based on the ratio of Tree.com's revenue as a percentage of IAC's total revenue. Allocated costs were $-0- and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and are included in "General and administrative expense" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. It is not practicable to determine the amounts of these expenses that would have been incurred had Tree.com operated as an unaffiliated entity. In the opinion of management, the allocation method was reasonable.

Relationship Between Tree.com and IAC after the Spin-Off

        For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between Tree.com and IAC at and after the spin-off, and to provide for an orderly transition, Tree.com and IAC entered into a separation agreement, a tax sharing agreement, an employee matters agreement and a transition services agreement (the "Spin-Off Agreements"), among other agreements.

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13—RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

        The restructuring charges primarily relate to Tree.com's significant reduction in its mortgage origination operations in response to the adverse developments in mortgage market conditions. Costs that relate to ongoing operations are not part of restructuring charges. Restructuring charges by segment and type are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

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TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13—RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Continued)

        Restructuring charges and spending against liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

        At September 30, 2008, restructuring liabilities of $3.5 million are included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and $0.7 million are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2007, restructuring liabilities of $5.6 million are included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and $0.9 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

Management Overview

        On August 20, 2008, Tree.com, Inc. ("Tree.com") was spun off from its parent company, IAC/InterActiveCorp ("IAC") into a separate publicly traded company. In these consolidated financial statements, we refer to the separation transaction as the "spin-off." In connection with the spin-off, Tree.com was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in April 2008. Tree.com consists of the businesses that formerly comprised IAC's Lending and Real Estate segments. We refer herein to these businesses as the "Tree.com Businesses," which include LendingTree.com, RealEstate.com, GetSmart.com, Home Loan Center, Inc. (d/b/a LendingTree Loans) and iNest.com.

        Tree.com's Lending segment consists of online networks (principally LendingTree.com and GetSmart.com) and call centers that connect consumers and financial providers in the lending industry (the "lending networks"). Tree.com also originates, processes, approves and funds various residential real estate loans through Home Loan Center, Inc., which does business as LendingTree Loans in certain jurisdictions. The Home Loan Center, Inc. and LendingTree Loans brand names are collectively referred to in this report as "LendingTree Loans."

        Tree.com's Real Estate segment primarily consists of a proprietary full-service real estate brokerage (RealEstate.com, REALTORS®) that operates in fourteen U.S. markets, as well as an online network accessed at www.RealEstate.com, that connects consumers with real estate brokerages around the country and iNest.com, an online network that matches buyers and builders of new homes.

Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007:

Revenue

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

        Lending revenue in 2008 decreased $20.7 million, or 34%, from the same period in 2007. Revenue generated from the origination and sale of loans in the secondary market declined $4.5 million, or 20%, primarily due to decreases in the available supply of suitable loan products for a broad variety of consumer credit categories as well as lower consumer demand resulting in fewer loans being originated and sold into the secondary market as well as a market driven shift to lower margin conforming loans as compared to the prior year. Revenue from other lending services declined $16.2 million, or 42%, due primarily to fewer consumer loan requests transmitted to and loans closed on the lending networks.

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        The dollar value of loans closed by network lenders and directly by LendingTree Loans in 2008 decreased 55% to $3.5 billion. This includes refinance mortgages of $1.7 billion, purchase mortgages of $1.3 billion and home equity loans of $0.3 billion. The dollar value of loans closed by network lenders and directly by LendingTree Loans in 2007 was $7.7 billion, including refinance mortgages of $4.0 billion, purchase mortgages of $2.2 billion and home equity loans of $1.2 billion. Revenue from all home loan offerings declined with home equity loans, refinance mortgage and purchase mortgage revenue declining 72%, 32% and 27%, respectively.

        LendingTree Loans originates mortgage loans on property located throughout the United States, with no one location representing more than 10% of Tree.com's consolidated revenue for any periods presented. Revenue from loans originated for property in California and Florida in the aggregate totaled approximately 6% and 7% of Tree.com's consolidated revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Real Estate revenue decreased $4.0 million, or 29%, principally due to a $4.1 million decrease related to the Real Estate builder and broker networks, which experienced decreased closings year over year, as well as a decrease of $1.6 million due to the absence of revenue from the agent network business which ceased operations in December 2007. Partially offsetting the revenue decrease was an increase of $1.6 million in revenue from Tree.com's company owned real estate brokerage business, which increased closings by 51%. The company-owned brokerage business operates in fourteen markets in 2008, compared to ten markets in 2007, and has approximately 1,000 agents in 2008, compared to approximately 600 agents in 2007.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

        Lending revenue in 2008 decreased $101.2 million, or 40%, from the same period in 2007. Revenue generated from the origination and sale of loans in the secondary market declined $47.6 million, or 41%, primarily due to decreases in the available supply of suitable loan products for a broad variety of consumer credit categories as well as lower consumer demand resulting in fewer loans being originated and sold into the secondary market as well as a market driven shift to lower margin conforming loans as compared to the prior year. Revenue from other lending services declined $53.5 million, or 39%, due primarily to fewer consumer loan requests transmitted to and loans closed on the lending networks.

        The dollar value of loans closed by network lenders and directly by LendingTree Loans in 2008 decreased 48% to $7.8 billion. This includes refinance mortgages of $4.2 billion, purchase mortgages of $2.6 billion and home equity loans of $0.8 billion. The dollar value of loans closed by network lenders and directly by LendingTree Loans in 2007 was $15.0 billion, including refinance mortgages of $8.1 billion, purchase mortgages of $4.0 billion and home equity loans of $2.5 billion. Revenue from all

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home loan offerings declined with home equity loans, purchase mortgage revenue and refinance mortgage revenue declining 74%, 36% and 32%, respectively.

        Lending Tree Loans originates mortgage loans on property located throughout the United States, with no one location representing more than 10% of Tree.com's consolidated revenue for any periods presented. Revenue from loans originated for property in California and Florida in the aggregate totaled approximately 7% and 10% of Tree.com's consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        Real Estate revenue decreased $14.0 million, or 33%, principally due to a decrease of $12.2 million related to the Real Estate builder and broker networks, which experienced decreased closings year over year, as well as a decrease of $5.9 million due to the absence of revenue from the agent network business which ceased operations in December 2007. Partially offsetting the revenue decrease was an increase of $3.9 million in revenue from Tree.com's company-owned real estate brokerage business, which increased closings by 41%.

Cost of revenue

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

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

        Cost of revenue in 2008 decreased $2.5 million from 2007 primarily due to decreases of $2.0 million in consumer incentive rebates related to decreased closings at the Lending network and the Real Estate builder and broker network businesses, $1.3 million in compensation and other employee-related costs (net of an increase of $0.5 million in non-cash compensation) and $0.8 million in direct costs associated with the settlement services business. The decrease in compensation and other employee-related costs is primarily due to reduced personnel costs associated with Tree.com's customer call center, settlement services operation and portions of its loan processing department.

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        Offsetting these decreases in cost of revenue was an increase of $1.2 million in costs associated with loan originations. This increase in 2008 is related to the impact of Tree.com's adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS 159"). Upon adoption of SFAS 159, Tree.com elected to account for all loans held for sale originated after January 1, 2008 at fair value. Electing the fair value option requires loan origination fees and costs to be recorded in earnings as incurred instead of being deferred until the loan is sold as in prior year periods. In 2008, all loan origination costs are recognized in cost of revenue. Prior to 2008, Tree.com applied the provisions of SFAS 91, "Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases", effectively deferring loan origination fees and costs until the underlying loan was sold. Upon sale of the loan, the origination fees and costs were recognized as a component of the gain on sale of the loan in revenue.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

        Cost of revenue in 2008 decreased $8.8 million from 2007 primarily due to decreases of $5.4 million in consumer incentive rebates related to decreased closings at the Lending network and the Real Estate builder and broker network businesses, $4.1 million in compensation and other employee-related costs (net of an increase of $0.5 million in non-cash compensation), $2.9 million in direct costs associated with the settlement services business, and $1.2 million in credit scoring and licenses. Offsetting these decreases in cost of revenue were increases of $3.8 million in costs associated with loan originations and $1.8 million in commission expense primarily related to the increase in closings at the company-owned brokerage business. The decrease in compensation and other employee-related costs is primarily due to the factors described above in the three month discussion.

        Included in cost of revenue in 2008 is the impact of Tree.com's adoption of SFAS 159 as described above in the three month discussion.

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Selling and marketing expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

        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 and loan officers. 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.

        Selling and marketing expense in 2008 decreased $17.8 million from 2007 primarily due to a decrease of $17.4 million in advertising and promotional expenditures. In 2008, Tree.com decreased its spending in advertising of $11.4 million, $1.3 million and $2.9 million associated with online marketing, print and broadcast advertising, respectively. 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.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

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        Selling and marketing expense in 2008 decreased $66.6 million from 2007 primarily due to a decrease of $67.1 million in advertising and promotional expenditures. In 2008, Tree.com adjusted its spending in line with revenue producing opportunities, resulting in decreases in advertising costs of $39.8 million, $11.7 million and $10.8 million associated with online marketing, print and broadcast advertising, respectively.

General and administrative expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

        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 IT, human resources and executive management functions, as well as facilities and infrastructure costs and fees for professional services.

        General and administrative expense in 2008 decreased $0.4 million from 2007. Compensation and other employee-related costs, excluding non-cash compensation, decreased $4.2 million as a result of restructuring activities. Non-cash compensation expense was $6.5 million in 2008 compared with $0.3 million in 2007. Non-cash compensation in 2008 includes a $5.5 million charge due to the modification of equity-based awards related to the spin-off, which consists of the accelerated vesting of certain restricted stock units and the modification of vested stock options.

        Other significant decreases during 2008 include $1.3 million in litigation expense, $0.6 million in facilities costs and $0.4 million in bad debt expense.

        The increase in general and administrative expense for Real Estate is due to an increase in non-cash compensation of $2.1 million, primarily due to the modification of equity-based awards noted above.

        As of September 30, 2008, there was approximately $10.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all equity-based awards, which is currently expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

        General and administrative expense in 2008 decreased $22.1 million from 2007. As a result of restructuring activities that occurred during and subsequent to the second quarter of 2007, compensation and other employee-related costs, excluding non-cash compensation, decreased $17.7 million and facilities costs decreased $2.6 million. Also contributing to the decrease in general and administrative expense are decreases of $2.8 million in litigation expense and $1.4 million in bad debt expense, partially offset by a charge of $1.0 million associated with legal and regulatory costs.

        General and administrative expense includes non-cash compensation expense of $8.4 million in 2008 compared with $2.4 million in 2007. Non-cash compensation expense in 2008 includes a $5.5 million charge due to the modification of equity-based awards related to the spin-off, which consists of the accelerated vesting of certain restricted stock units and the modification of vested stock options.

        The modest overall decrease in general and administrative expense for Real Estate is net of a $2.0 million increase in non-cash compensation, primarily due to the modification of equity-based awards noted above.

Product development

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

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        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 2008 decreased $2.1 million from 2007, due to decreased compensation and other employee-related costs associated with reductions in workforce that occurred during and subsequent to the second quarter of 2007.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

        Product development expense in 2008 decreased $6.7 million from 2007, driven by the factors described above in the three month discussion.

Restructuring expense

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007

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        In response to adverse developments in mortgage market conditions, Tree.com recorded restructuring expense of $2.4 million and $4.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $6.4 million and $11.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The restructuring expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $2.0 million in employee termination costs associated with reductions in workforce, $1.5 million for liabilities associated with exiting facilities previously used by LendingTree Loans and $1.0 million for write-offs of fixed assets. The restructuring expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes $5.8 million in employee termination costs associated with reductions in workforce, $2.8 million for liabilities associated with exiting facilities previously used by LendingTree Loans and $2.5 million for write-offs of fixed assets. As a part of these restructurings, positions across all departments and locations of Tree.com's business were eliminated, however the Lending restructuring expenses principally related to the mortgage origination operations of LendingTree Loans.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Deprecation and Amortization

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

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

        EBITDA loss in 2008 increased $5.6 million to $10.7 million. However, 2007 EBITDA reflects $15.0 million of proceeds from a litigation settlement, which are shown as a reduction in operating expenses. In 2007, EBITDA loss was further impacted by a $7.8 million provision for loan losses. Adjusting for the litigation proceeds, EBITDA improved $9.4 million in 2008, reflecting costs decreasing more rapidly than revenue in 2008 principally due to the marketing reductions and restructuring activities noted above.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

        EBITDA loss in 2008 increased $12.5 million to $19.5 million. However, 2007 EBITDA reflects $15.0 million of proceeds from a litigation settlement, which are shown as a reduction in operating expenses. EBITDA loss was further impacted by a $1.0 million provision for loan losses in 2008, compared to $11.4 million in 2007. Adjusting for the litigation proceeds, EBITDA improved $2.5 million in 2008, reflecting costs decreasing more rapidly than revenue in 2008 principally due to the marketing reductions and restructuring activities noted above.

Operating loss

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

 

        Operating loss in 2008 increased $10.5 million from 2007 resulting primarily from the issues discussed above.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

 

        Operating loss in 2008 increased $176.6 million from 2007, resulting primarily from impairment charges of $131.0 million and $33.4 million related to goodwill and an indefinite-lived intangible asset, respectively. The charges associated with Lending were $70.2 million related to goodwill and $33.4 million related to an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The charge related to Real Estate was a goodwill impairment charge of $60.8 million.

        These impairments resulted from Tree.com's most recent reassessment of the likely future profitability of Lending and Real Estate in light of the persistent adverse mortgage and real estate market conditions and the operational strategies Tree.com has undertaken in response to these market realities. These adverse conditions include, among others, constrained liquidity, lender focus on low margin conforming loans, uncertainty as to the eventuality and timing of the return of higher margin mortgage offerings, the decline in real estate values and a high rate of delinquency for existing mortgages. Tree.com updated its assessment of mortgage and real estate market conditions and Tree.com's responsive operational strategies during the second quarter of 2008 and quantified these considerations in Tree.com's future forecasted results.

        Also contributing to the increase in operating loss was the increase in EBITDA loss described above.

        Continued adverse market conditions may give rise to continued operating losses and require additional restructuring of Tree.com's operations and could give rise to additional restructuring charges and additional impairment charges.

Income tax provision

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007

        For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, Tree.com recorded a tax benefit of $0.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 0.3% and 47%, respectively. The 2008 tax rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to non-deductible impairment charges and an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The 2007 tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to state taxes.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, Tree.com recorded a tax benefit of $13.9 million and $13.3 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 7% and 41%, respectively. The 2008 tax rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to non-deductible impairment charges and an increase in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The 2007 tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% due principally to state taxes.

        As of December 31, 2007 and September 30, 2008, Tree.com had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Included in unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2008 is approximately $1.7 million for tax positions included in IAC's consolidated tax return filings that will remain a liability of IAC after the spin-off. Tree.com recognizes interest and, if applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. There were no material accruals for interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, Tree.com had accrued $0.5 million for the payment of interest, of which $0.4 million is indemnified by IAC. There are no material accruals for penalties.

        By virtue of previously filed separate company and consolidated tax returns with IAC, Tree.com is routinely under audit by federal, state and local authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Income taxes payable include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year returns; however, the amount paid upon resolution of issues raised may differ from the amount provided. Differences between the reserves for tax contingencies and the amounts owed by Tree.com are recorded in the period they become known. Tree.com believes that it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $0.7 million within twelve months of the current reporting date due to the reversal of deductible temporary differences which will result in a corresponding increase in net deferred tax liabilities. An estimate of other changes in unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made, but are not expected to be significant.

        Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement, which was executed in connection with the spin-off, IAC generally retains the liability related to federal and state returns filed on a consolidated or unitary basis for all periods prior to the spin-off.

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FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        As of September 30, 2008, Tree.com had $98.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents.

        Net cash used in operating activities was $11.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $195.1 million in the same period in 2007. The decrease of $206.9 million is primarily due to a $181.3 million decrease in net proceeds and gains from the sales of loans held for sale.

        Net cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $18.0 million primarily resulted from the payment of contingent consideration associated with the Home Loan Center, Inc. acquisition of $14.5 million and capital expenditures of $3.3 million. Net cash used in investing activities in the same period in 2007 of $8.5 million resulted from the payment of contingent consideration associated with the iNest acquisition of $1.0 million and capital expenditures of $7.5 million.

        Net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 of $66.3 million was primarily due to capital contributions of $109.4 million from IAC in connection with the spin-off, partially offset by payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations of $20.0 million and net repayments of warehouse lines of credit of $22.6 million. Net cash used in financing activities in 2007 of $229.9 million was primarily due to net payments under warehouse lines of credit of $194.5 and payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations of $11.3 million. The net payments under warehouse lines of credit in 2008 and 2007 is related to the decrease in loans held for sale at LendingTree Loans and is included within cash flow from operations.

        As of September 30, 2008, LendingTree Loans had committed lines of credit totaling $100 million, of which $50 million was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008, and another $50 million expires on January 24, 2009, and an uncommitted line of credit of $150 million. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 and the $150 million uncommitted line are provided by the same lender. The $50 million committed line that was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008 has been extended for 60 days. Both parties continue to work on renewal of the line and anticipate having the final terms agreed to prior to the end of the extension on December 30, 2008. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 can be cancelled at the option of the lender without default upon sixty days notice. However, if the lender determines at any time prior to January 24, 2009 that the spin-off materially and adversely affects LendingTree Loans, the lender reserves the right to deem the line of credit expired prior to January 24, 2009. Under the terms of the committed lines of credit, LendingTree Loans is required to maintain various financial and other covenants. These financial covenants include, but are not limited to, maintaining (i) minimum levels of tangible net worth, cash on hand with a certain lender and liquid assets, (ii) a maximum ratio of total liabilities to net worth and (iii) positive pre-tax net income on a quarterly basis. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, LendingTree Loans was not in compliance with the quarterly positive pre-tax net income covenant. LendingTree Loans received a waiver of this covenant breach on October 28, 2008.

        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 from proceeds from the sales of loans held for sale by LendingTree Loans. The interest rate under these lines of credit is 30-day LIBOR plus 75 to 140 basis points, but may be higher under certain circumstances. At September 30, 2008, there was $56.8 million outstanding under the committed lines of credit. Borrowings under all of LendingTree Loans' lines of credit are non-recourse to Tree.com.

        Tree.com anticipates that the $100 million of committed lines of credit are sufficient to fund its current and projected levels of monthly loan origination volume.

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        Tree.com anticipates that it will need to make capital and other expenditures in connection with the development and expansion of its overall operations.

        Tree.com has considered its anticipated operating cash flows in 2008, cash and cash equivalents, current borrowing capacity under lines of credit, its capitalization subsequent to the spin-off and access to capital markets, subject to restrictions in the tax sharing agreement, and believes that these are sufficient to fund its operating needs, including debt requirements, commitments and contingencies and capital and investing commitments for the foreseeable future. In connection with the completion of the spin-off, intercompany payable balances were extinguished and IAC transferred to Tree.com an amount of cash that is sufficient for its initial capitalization. LendingTree Loans is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance its operations. Its inability to renew or replace existing facilities upon expiration or termination, which could be impacted by continuing disruptions in the credit market, would adversely impact its results of operations and financial condition.

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

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(a)

The purchase obligations primarily relate to marketing contracts in 2008.

Seasonality

        Lending and Real Estate 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.

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TREE.COM'S PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL REPORTING

        Tree.com reports Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") as a supplemental measure to GAAP. This measure is one 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. This non-GAAP measure 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 provides and encourages investors to examine the reconciling adjustments between the GAAP and non-GAAP measure which are discussed below.

Definition of Tree.com's Non-GAAP Measures

        EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding, if applicable: (1) depreciation expense, (2) non-cash compensation expense, (3) amortization and impairment of intangibles, (4) goodwill impairment, (5) pro forma adjustments for significant acquisitions, and (6) one-time items. Tree.com believes this measure is useful to investors because it represents the operating results from the Tree.com Businesses, but excludes the effects of these non-cash expenses. 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.

        Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, which is defined above, excluding (1) restructuring expenses and (2) and proceeds from litigation settlements. Tree.com believes this measure is useful to investors because it represents the operating results from the Tree.com Businesses, but excludes the effects of the expenses. 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.

Pro Forma Results

        Tree.com will only present EBITDA on a pro forma basis if it views a particular transaction as significant in size or transformational in nature. For the periods presented in this report, there are no transactions that Tree.com has included on a pro forma basis.

One-Time Items

        EBITDA is presented before one-time items, if applicable. These items are truly one-time in nature and 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 one-time items.

Non-Cash Expenses That Are Excluded From Tree.com's Non-GAAP Measures

        Non-cash compensation expense consists principally of expense associated with the grants, including unvested grants assumed in acquisitions, of restricted stock units and stock options. These expenses are not paid in cash, and Tree.com will include the related shares in its future calculations of fully diluted shares outstanding. Upon vesting of restricted stock units and the exercise of certain stock options, the

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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 of intangibles is a non-cash expense 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. Tree.com believes that since intangibles represent costs incurred by the acquired company to build value prior to acquisition, they were part of transaction costs.

        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.

RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA

        For a reconciliation of EBITDA to operating loss for Tree.com's operating segments and to net loss in total for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Forward-looking statements in this report, the public filings or other public statements of the Company are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or other public statements. Forward-looking statements include the information regarding future financial performance, business prospects and strategy, including the completion of the spin-off and the realization of related anticipated benefits, anticipated financial position, liquidity and capital needs and other similar matters, in each case relating to the Company.

        Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "plans," "may increase," "may fluctuate," and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may" and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. You should understand that the following important factors could affect future results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements:

•

adverse changes in economic conditions generally or in any of the markets or industries in which the businesses of the Company operate;



•

changes in senior management at the Company;



•

adverse changes to, or interruptions in, relationships with third parties;



•

changes affecting the ability of the Company to efficiently maintain and grow the market share of its various brands, as well as to extend the reach of these brands through a variety of distribution channels and to attract new (and retain existing) customers;



•

changes affecting the ability of the Company to develop, introduce or market new products and services or consumer acceptance of such new products and services offered by the Company;



•

the rates of growth of the Internet and the e-commerce industry;



•

changes adversely affecting the ability of the Company to adequately expand the reach of its businesses into various international markets, as well as to successfully manage risks specific to international operations and acquisitions, including the successful integration of acquired businesses;



•

future regulatory and legislative actions and conditions affecting the Company, including:



•

the promulgation of new, and/or the amendment of existing laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company and its businesses; and



•

changes in the application or interpretation of existing laws, rules and regulations in the case of the businesses of the Company. In each case, laws, rules and regulations include, among others, those relating to sales, use, value-added and other taxes, software programs, consumer protection and privacy, intellectual property, the Internet and e-commerce;



•

competition from other companies;



•

changes adversely affecting the ability of the Company and its businesses to adequately protect intellectual property rights, as well as to obtain licenses or other rights with respect to intellectual property in the future, which may or may not be available on favorable terms (if at all);



•

the substantial indebtedness of the Company and the possibility that the Company may incur additional indebtedness;

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•

third-party claims alleging infringement of intellectual property rights by the Company or its businesses, which could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, injunctions or the imposition of damages, as well as the need to enter into formal licensing or other similar arrangements with such third parties, which may or may not be available on favorable terms (if at all); and



•

natural disasters, acts of terrorism, war or political instability.

        Certain of these factors and other factors, risks and uncertainties are discussed in Part II, Item 1A. Other unknown or unpredictable factors may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are difficult to anticipate and are generally beyond the control of the Company.

        You should consider the areas of risk described above, as well as those set forth under Part II, Item 1A in connection with considering any forward-looking statements that may be made by the Company generally. Except for the ongoing obligations of the Company to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events unless required to do so by law.

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

        Tree.com's exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to LendingTree Loans' loans held for sale, interest rate lock commitments and lines of credit.

Loans Held for Sale and Interest Rate Lock Commitments

        LendingTree Loans' mortgage banking operations expose the Company to interest rate risk for loans originated until those loans are sold in the secondary market ("loans held for sale"). The fair value of loans held for sale is subject to change primarily due to changes in market interest rates. LendingTree Loans hedges the changes in fair value of certain loans held for sale primarily by entering into mortgage forward delivery contracts. Although LendingTree Loans continues to enter into derivatives for risk management purposes, effective April 1, 2007 management determined these derivative instruments would no longer qualify for the hedge accounting provisions of SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."

        When hedge accounting was discontinued, the affected loans held for sale were no longer adjusted for changes in fair value. However, the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments continue to be recognized in current earnings as a component of revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recognized gains of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to the changes in fair value of forward delivery contracts related to loans held for sale.

        In addition, LendingTree Loans provides interest rate lock commitments ("IRLCs") to fund mortgage loans at interest rates previously agreed upon with the borrower for specified periods of time, which also expose it to interest rate risk. IRLCs are considered derivative instruments and, therefore, are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value reflected in current period earnings. To manage the interest rate risk associated with the IRLCs, the Company uses derivative instruments, including mortgage forward delivery contracts.

        On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157"). Prior to the adoption of SFAS 157 the recognition of gains and losses at the inception of a derivative contract were prohibited unless the fair value of the contract was evidenced by a quoted price in an active market. As no active market exists for IRLCs, such day one gains and losses were not recognized until the related loan was sold. Prior to January 1, 2008, guidance also prohibited including the value of servicing the loan in calculating the fair value of an IRLC. Such guidance was rescinded by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, "Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings" ("SAB 109"). Accordingly, with the adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SAB 109 on January 1, 2008, the day one gains and servicing value, adjusted by the loan funding probability, are included in the value of IRLCs. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 157 and SAB 109 the recognition of such day one gains and servicing value were proscribed and these gains were not recognized until realized through the sale of the related loans. This change in treatment, therefore, is only related to the timing of revenue recognition. The net change in the fair value of the IRLCs and related forward delivery contracts, including the impact of day one gains and servicing value, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 resulted in gains of $13.9 million and $40.9 million, respectively, which have been recognized as a component of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

        The fair values of derivative financial instruments at LendingTree Loans are impacted by movements in market interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments would substantially be offset by changes in the fair value of the items for which risk is being mitigated. As of September 30, 2008, if market interest rates had increased by 100 basis points, the aggregate fair value of the derivative financial instruments and the hedged items at LendingTree Loans would have

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decreased by $1.0 million. As of September 30, 2008, if market interest rates had decreased by 100 basis points, the aggregate fair value of the derivative financial instruments and the hedged items at LendingTree Loans would have decreased by $0.4 million.

Item 4T.    Controls and Procedures

        We monitor and evaluate on an ongoing basis our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting in order to improve our overall effectiveness. In the course of this evaluation, we modify and refine our internal processes as conditions warrant.

        As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and Forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also evaluated whether any changes occurred to our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such control. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the period covered by this report.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        The following information supplements our discussion of certain legal proceedings previously reported under the heading "Certain Information With Respect To Tree.com—Business of Tree.com—Tree.com Legal Proceedings" in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-152700), as supplemented by information disclosed in Part II, Item 1. "Legal Proceedings," in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008.

Employment (Wage-and-Hour) Litigation

        Artzi v. LendingTree, LLC, IAC/InterActiveCorp, and Home Loan Center, Inc., No. 00180037 (Cal. Super. Ct., Orange Cty.). In September 2008, Elion Artzi and Shannon Kostadinov served this putative class action against LendingTree, LLC, IAC/InterActiveCorp and HLC in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Plaintiffs, former HLC underwriting clerks, allege that HLC: denied overtime compensation in violation of California labor law; failed to pay wages for compensable meal breaks in violation of California labor law; failed to pay timely wages in violation of California labor law; failed to furnish itemized wage statements in violation of California labor law; and based upon the foregoing, committed unfair business practices in violation of California Business & Professions Code § 17200. Plaintiffs purport to represent all underwriting clerks employed by HLC in California since July 27, 2004.

        Plaintiffs have not yet filed a motion for class certification. No trial date has been set.

Other Litigation

        Boschma v. Home Loan Center, Inc., No. SACV07-613 (U.S. Dist. Ct., C.D. Cal.). The court has taken the HLC's motions to dismiss and strike off-calendar and under submission.

        Gaines v. Home Loan Center, Inc., No. SACV08-667 (U.S. Dist. Ct., C.D. Cal.). The court issued its order taking HLC's motion to dismiss under submission and cancelled the October 6, 2008 hearing. Additionally, HLC objected to recently served discovery and awaits the court's scheduling order.

        Schnee v. LendingTree, LLC and Home Loan Center, Inc., No. 06CC00211 (Cal. Super. Ct., Orange Cty.). On July 28, 2008, LendingTree, LLC and HLC filed a motion for summary judgment. On September 2, 2008, a Second Amended Complaint was filed, adding a new named plaintiff and adding Tree.com, Inc. and LendingTree's former parent, IAC/InterActiveCorp, as defendants.

        South Carolina v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-09-00136 (S.C. Common Pleas, 1^st Judicial Cir.); South Carolina v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-40-6714 (S.C. Common Pleas, 5^th Judicial Cir.); South Carolina v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-10-5451 (S.C. Common Pleas, 9^th Judicial Cir.); and South Carolina v. LendingTree, No. 2008-CP-32-03841 (S.C. Common Pleas, 11^th Judicial Cir.).

        These four lawsuits were filed in September, 2008 by the State of South Carolina, through its various circuit solicitors, against LendingTree. These lawsuits are identical to nine other lawsuits filed earlier in 2008 by other South Carolina circuit solicitors, and allege that LendingTree failed to provide certain disclosures required by the South Carolina Registration of Mortgage Loan Brokers Act. The complaints seek relief on behalf of all residents of various counties in South Carolina who contracted with LendingTree. The complaints request an award of statutory penalties, forfeiture of all fees paid and recovery of actual costs, including attorneys' fees. Between September 3 and October 15, LendingTree removed nine of these cases, and on October 22, filed motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs have filed motions to remand in these same cases.

        No trial dates are set.

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Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Risk Factors Relating to Spin-off from IAC

After our spin-off from IAC, we may be unable to make the changes necessary to operate effectively as a separate public entity.

        Effective as of the August 20, 2008 spin-off from IAC, IAC has no obligation to provide financial, operational or organizational assistance to us, other than limited services pursuant to a transition services agreement. As a separate public entity, we will be subject to, and responsible for, regulatory compliance, including periodic public filings with the SEC and compliance with NASDAQ's continued listing requirements, as well as generally applicable tax and accounting rules. We may be unable to implement successfully the changes necessary to operate as an independent public entity.

We expect to incur increased costs relating to operating as an independent company that could cause our cash flow and results of operations to decline.

        We expect that the obligations of being a public company, including substantial public reporting and investor relations obligations, will require new expenditures, place new demands on our management and will require the hiring of additional personnel. We may need to implement additional systems that require new expenditures in order to adequately function as a public company. Such expenditures could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, prior to the spin-off, IAC's businesses, by virtue of being under the same corporate structure, shared economies of scope and scale in costs, human capital, vendor relationships and customer relationships with the businesses that we own following the spin-off. The increased costs resulting from the loss of these benefits could have an adverse effect on us.

The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile and may face negative pressure.

        Prior to the spin-off, there was no trading market for our common stock. Following the spin-off, our common stock was traded publicly for the first time. It is not possible to accurately predict how investors in our common stock will behave, and the market price for our common stock may be volatile, especially in light of recent market instability. The market price could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including the risks identified herein or reasons unrelated to our performance. These factors may result in short- or long-term negative pressure on the value of our common stock.

Following the spin-off, our common stock may not qualify for placement in investment indices in which IAC's common stock was included. In addition, our common stock may fail to meet the investment guidelines of institutional investors that previously owned IAC common stock. In either case, these factors may negatively impact the price of our common stock and may impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of securities.

        Companies are generally selected for investment indices, and in some cases selected by institutional investors, based on factors such as market capitalization, industry, trading liquidity and financial condition. As an independent company, we initially will have a lower market capitalization than IAC had prior to the spin-off. As a result, our securities may not qualify for certain investment indices in which IAC's securities were included. In addition, our common stock may not meet the investment guidelines of some institutional investors that previously owned IAC common stock. Consequently, these index funds and institutional investors may have to sell some or all of our common stock they received in the spin-off, and the price of our securities may fall as a result. Any such decline could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of securities.

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Financing—We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.

        The current uncertainties surrounding the industries in which we operate, general reductions in the availability of credit, as well as other factors, may constrain our financing abilities. Our ability to secure additional financing and satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to then prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The prolonged continuation or worsening of current credit market conditions would have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.

        We may be unable to secure additional financing or financing on favorable terms or our operating cash flow may be insufficient to satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time (if any). Furthermore, if financing is not available when needed, or is available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to develop new or enhance our existing services, complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution.

The spin-off agreements were not the result of arm's length negotiations. In addition, the tax sharing agreement restricts our ability to enter into certain transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us and our stockholders.

        The agreements that we entered into with IAC in connection with the spin-off, including the separation and distribution agreement, tax sharing agreement, employee matters agreement and transition services agreement, were established by IAC. Accordingly, the terms for us may not be as favorable as would have resulted from negotiations among unrelated third parties.

        The tax sharing agreement with IAC restricts our ability to enter into certain transactions that might be advantageous to us and our stockholders. In particular, the tax sharing agreement limits our ability to repurchase equity securities, dispose of certain assets, engage in mergers and acquisitions and, under certain circumstances, acquire businesses or assets with equity securities or agree to be acquired.

Risk Factors Relating to our Business

Adverse Events and Trends—Adverse conditions in the primary and secondary mortgage markets, as well as the economy generally, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The primary and secondary mortgage markets have been (and are currently) experiencing unprecedented and continuing disruption, which have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These conditions, coupled with adverse economic conditions and continuing declines in residential real estate prices generally, have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in decreased consumer demand for the lending and real estate offerings provided by our networks and other businesses. Generally, increases in interest rates adversely affect the ability of the Lending Business and Network Lenders to close loans, while adverse economic trends limit the ability of the Lending Business and Network Lenders to offer home loans other than low margin conforming loans. Likewise, adverse economic trends have reduced, and are expected to continue to reduce, the number of prospective home purchasers and home prices, which adversely affects our Real Estate Business. Our businesses may experience a further decline in demand for their offerings due to decreased consumer demand as a result of the conditions described above now or in the future. Conversely, during periods of robust consumer demand, which are typically

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associated with decreased interest rates, some Network Lenders may have less incentive to use our networks. Prolonged declines in demand for offerings of our businesses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The secondary mortgage markets have also been (and are currently) experiencing unprecedented and continued disruptions resulting from reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities and increased investor yield requirements for those loans and securities. These conditions may continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. Home Loan Center, Inc. does not have the capital resources or credit necessary to retain the loans it funds and closes, and as a result sells substantially all such loans within 30 days of funding as discussed above. Accordingly, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may force the Lending Business to significantly reduce the volume of loans that it originates and funds through Home Loan Center, Inc., which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The capital and credit markets have been experiencing unprecedented and continued volatility and disruption. In many cases, this volatility and disruption has resulted in rapid and steep declines in prevailing stock prices, particularly in the financial services sector, as well as downward pressure on credit availability. These adverse conditions may adversely affect our network lenders, secondary market purchasers, and third-party real estate professionals, and may render them unwilling or unable to continue business relationships with us. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect on our business relationships and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse Events and Trends—Difficult market conditions have adversely affected our industry.

        Declines in the housing market over the past year, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures, unemployment and under-employment, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities as well as major commercial and investment banks. These write-downs, initially of mortgage-backed securities but spreading to credit default swaps and other derivative and cash securities, in turn, have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets generally and the strength of counterparties, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers, including to other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and lack of confidence in the financial markets may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We do not expect that the difficult conditions in the financial markets will likely improve in the near future. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial services industry. Further, our business could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other businesses in the financial services sector. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more of these entities, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Any such losses or defaults could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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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 (and are currently) experiencing unprecedented and continued disruptions resulting from instability in the mortgage and housing markets. Tree.com's Lending Business originates, processes, approves and funds various consumer mortgage loans through Home Loan Center, Inc., 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.

        As of September 30, 2008, LendingTree Loans had committed lines of credit totaling $100 million, of which $50 million was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008, and another $50 million expires on January 24, 2009, and an uncommitted line of credit of $150 million. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 and the $150 million uncommitted line are provided by the same lender. The $50 million committed line that was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2008 has been extended for 60 days. Both parties continue to work on renewal of the line and anticipate having the final terms agreed to prior to the end of the extension on December 30, 2008. The $50 million committed line of credit that expires on January 24, 2009 can be cancelled at the option of the lender without default upon sixty days notice. However, if the lender determines at any time prior to January 24, 2009 that the spin-off materially and adversely affects Tree.com, the lender reserves the right to deem the line of credit expired prior to January 24, 2009. 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 from proceeds from the sales of loans held for sale by LendingTree Loans. The interest rate under these lines of credit is 30-day LIBOR plus 75 to 140 basis points, but may be higher under certain circumstances. LendingTree Loans is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance its operations.

        Although we believe that our lines of credit are sufficient for our current operations, further reductions in our available credit, or the inability to renew or replace these lines, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Lending Business attempts to mitigate the impact of current conditions and future credit market disruptions by maintaining committed and uncommitted warehouse lines of credit with 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 Home Loan Center, Inc. to operate at profitable levels. Because Home Loan Center, Inc. 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 worsening of such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, particularly over the next few years.

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Contingent Liabilities—Litigation and Indemnification of Secondary Market Purchasers—Litigation and indemnification of secondary market purchasers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

        In connection with the sale of loans to secondary market purchasers, Home Loan Center, Inc. makes certain representations regarding related consumer credit information, loan documentation and collateral. To the extent that these representations are incorrect, Home Loan Center, Inc. may be required to repurchase loans or indemnify secondary market purchasers for losses due to borrower defaults. While Home Loan Center, Inc. seeks to ensure that loans it originates comply with these representations, secondary market purchasers may take a contrary position. In connection with the sale of loans to secondary market purchasers, Home Loan Center, Inc. also agrees to repurchase loans or indemnify secondary market purchasers for losses due to early payment defaults (i.e., late payments during a limited time period immediately following origination). In connection with the sale of a majority of its loans to secondary market purchasers, Home Loan Center, Inc. also agrees to repay all or a portion of the initial premiums paid by secondary market purchasers in instances where loans are prepaid prior to the end of relevant prepayment penalty periods.

        We and our businesses are also parties to litigation involving a variety of matters, many of which involve damage claims for substantial amounts (see Part II, Item 1 above).

        We believe that we will have adequate resources to satisfy our obligations relating to the potential exposures described above. However, it is possible that these liabilities will be greater than anticipated. If the liabilities are in excess of expectations, our ability to satisfy such obligations may be dependent upon our ability to raise capital in the equity markets, which may be uncertain.

Third-Party Relationships—We depend on relationships with Network Lenders, real estate professionals, credit providers and secondary market investors and any adverse changes in these relationships could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our success depends, in significant part, on the quality and pricing of services provided by, and/or the continued financial stability of, Network Lenders and real estate professionals participating on our networks, credit providers and secondary market investors. Network Lenders or real estate professionals could, for any reason, cease participating on the networks operated by (or otherwise choose not to enter into relationships with) our businesses, fail to pay matching and/or closing fees when due and/or cease providing quality services on competitive terms. In addition, credit providers and/or secondary market investors could, for any reason, choose not to make credit available to (or otherwise enter into relationships with) Home Loan Center, Inc., and in the case of secondary market investors only, cease purchasing loans from Home Loan Center, Inc. In particular, revenues attributable to purchases of loans by two such entities, Countrywide and CitiMortgage, represented approximately 28% and 13%, respectively, of our consolidated revenues in 2007. The occurrence of one of more of these events by a significant number of Network Lenders, real estate professionals, credit providers and/or secondary market investors, particularly Countrywide and CitiMortgage, could, alone or in combination, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Network Security—A breach of our network security or the misappropriation or misuse of personal consumer information may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Any penetration of network security or other misappropriation or misuse of personal consumer information maintained by us could cause interruptions in the operations of our businesses and subject us to increased costs, litigation and other liabilities. Claims could also be made against us for other misuse of personal information, such as for unauthorized purposes or identity theft, which could result in litigation and financial liabilities, as well as administrative action from governmental authorities.

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Security breaches could also significantly damage our reputation with consumers and third parties with whom we do business. In that regard, on April 21, 2008, we announced that several mortgage companies had gained unauthorized access to LendingTree's customer information database and had used the information to solicit mortgage loans directly from our customers. We promptly reported the situation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and have been cooperating fully with the FBI's investigation. While LendingTree does not believe this situation resulted in any fraud on the consumer or identity theft, LendingTree notified affected consumers as required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following our announcement, several putative class action lawsuits were filed against LendingTree, seeking to recover damages for consumers allegedly injured by this incident (see Part II, Item 1 above).

        As in the case of any financial services company, we may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their consequences. We also face risks associated with security breaches affecting third parties with which we are affiliated or otherwise conduct business online. Consumers are generally concerned with security and privacy of the Internet, and any publicized security problems affecting our businesses and/or those of third parties may discourage consumers from doing business with us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to Provide Competitive Service—Network Lenders and real estate professionals may not provide competitive levels of service to consumers, which could adversely affect our brands and businesses and their ability to attract consumers.

        The ability of our businesses to provide consumers with a high-quality experience depends, in part, on consumers receiving competitive levels of convenience, customer service, price and responsiveness from Network Lenders and real estate professionals with whom they are matched through our networks. If Network Lenders and real estate professionals do not provide consumers with competitive levels of convenience, customer service, price and responsiveness, the value of our various brands may be harmed, the ability of our businesses to attract consumers to our websites may be limited and the number of consumers ultimately matched through our networks may decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Brand Recognition—Failure to maintain brand recognition and attract and retain customers in a cost-effective manner could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In order to attract visitors to their websites, convert these visitors into paying customers and capture repeat business from existing customers, our businesses must promote and maintain their various brands successfully, which involves the expenditure of considerable money and resources for online and offline advertising, marketing and related efforts, as well as the continued provision and introduction of high-quality products and services.

        We believe that continuing to build and maintain the recognition of our various brands is critical to achieving increased demand for the services provided by our businesses, given that brand recognition is a key differentiating factor among providers of online services. Accordingly, we have spent, and expect to continue to spend, significant amounts of money on, and devote significant resources to, branding, advertising and other marketing initiatives, which may not be successful or cost-effective. We believe that rates for desirable online and offline advertising and marketing are likely to increase in the foreseeable future. The failure of our businesses to maintain the recognition of their respective brands and attract and retain customers in a cost-effective manner could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Lastly, publicity from legal proceedings against us or our businesses, particularly governmental proceedings, consumer class action litigation or the disclosure of information security breaches, could

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negatively impact our various brands, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Third-Party Relationships Are Not Exclusive—Network Lenders and real estate professionals affiliated with our networks are not precluded from offering products and services outside of these networks.

        Because our businesses do not have exclusive relationships with Network Lenders and real estate professionals, consumers may obtain loans and real estate offerings directly from these third-party service providers without having to go through our networks. Network Lenders can offer loans (and real estate professionals can offer services) directly to consumers through marketing campaigns or other traditional methods of distribution, such as referral arrangements, brick and mortar operations or, in the case of lending, broker agreements. Network Lenders and real estate professionals can also offer loans and services to prospective customers online directly or through one or more online competitors of our businesses or both. If a significant number of consumers seek loans and services directly from Network Lenders and real estate professionals as opposed to through our networks, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Compliance and Changing Laws, Rules and Regulations—Failure to comply with existing laws, rules and regulations, or to obtain and maintain required licenses, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The failure of our businesses to comply with existing laws, rules and regulations, or to obtain required licenses, could result in administrative fines and/or proceedings against us or our businesses by governmental agencies and/or litigation by consumers, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our businesses market and provide services in heavily regulated industries through a number of different online and offline channels across the United States. As a result, they are subject to a variety of statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures in various jurisdictions in the United States, which are subject to change at any time.

        Our businesses conduct marketing activities via the telephone, the mail and/or through online marketing channels, which activities are governed by numerous federal and state regulations, such as the Telemarketing Sales Rule, state telemarketing laws, federal and state privacy laws, the CAN-SPAM Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act and its accompanying regulations and guidelines, among others. While we believe that the practices of our businesses have been structured in a manner to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, federal or state regulatory authorities may take a contrary position.

        Most states require licenses to solicit, broker or make loans secured by residential mortgages and other consumer loans to residents of those states, as well as to operate real estate referral and brokerage services, and in many cases require the licensure or registration of individual employees engaged in aspects of these businesses. Currently, Congress, many state legislatures and state agencies are proposing to adopt, or have implemented, additional licensing, continuing education, and similar requirements on mortgage lenders, brokers and their employees. Compliance with these new requirements may render it more difficult to operate or may raise our internal costs. While our businesses have endeavored to comply with applicable requirements, the application of these requirements to persons operating online is not always clear. Moreover, any of the licenses or rights currently held by our businesses or their employees may be revoked prior to, or may not be renewed upon, their expiration. In addition, our businesses or their employees may not be granted new licenses or rights for which they may be required to apply from time to time in the future.

        Our businesses are also subject to various state, federal and/or local laws, rules and regulations that regulate the amount and nature of fees that may be charged for transactions and incentives, such as rebates, that may be offered to consumers by our businesses, as well as the manner in which these

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businesses may offer, advertise or promote transactions. For example, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, generally prohibits the payment or receipt of referral fees and fee shares or splits in connection with residential mortgage loan transactions, subject to certain exceptions. The applicability of referral fee and fee sharing prohibitions to lenders and real estate providers, including online networks, may have the effect of reducing the types and amounts of fees that may be charged or paid in connection with real estate-secured loan offerings or activities, including mortgage brokerage, lending and real estate brokerage services, or otherwise limiting the ability to conduct marketing and referral activities. Although we believe that our businesses have been structured in such a way so as to comply with RESPA, the relevant regulatory agency may take a contrary position.

        In addition, some states have regulations that prohibit real estate brokers from providing consumers with rebates or other incentives in connection with real estate transactions. Additional states could promulgate similar regulations or interpret existing regulations in a way that limits the ability of online networks to offer consumer incentives in connection with real estate transactions, thereby limiting the attractiveness of real estate brokerage activities offered by our Real Estate Business.

        Additional federal, state and in some instances, local, laws regulate residential lending and real estate brokerage activities. These laws generally regulate the manner in which lending, lending-related and real estate brokerage activities are made available, including advertising and other consumer disclosures, payments for services and record keeping requirements, and include RESPA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and various state laws. In addition, state laws often restrict the amount of interest and fees that may be charged by a lender or mortgage broker, or otherwise regulate the manner in which lenders or mortgage brokers operate or advertise. Furthermore, Congress, many state legislatures and state agencies are proposing, or have recently implemented, additional restrictions on mortgage lending practices. Compliance with these new requirements may render it more difficult to operate or may raise our internal costs. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements may result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses or registrations, loss of approval status, termination of contracts without compensation, administrative enforcement actions and fines, class action lawsuits, cease and desist orders and civil and criminal liability. While we believe that our businesses have been structured in such a way so as to comply with existing and new laws, the relevant regulatory authorities may take a contrary position or future legislation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Likewise, states or municipalities may adopt statutes or regulations making it unattractive, impracticable, or infeasible for our businesses to continue to conduct business in that jurisdiction. The withdrawal from any jurisdiction due to emerging legal requirements could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Federal, state and in some instances, local, laws also prohibit unfair and deceptive sales practices generally. While we have adopted appropriate policies and procedures to address these requirements (such as appropriate consumer disclosures and call scripting, call monitoring, pricing controls and other quality assurance and compliance measures, which have evolved and improved over time), employees do not always comply with policies and procedures, and therefore, liability and brand injury could result from such employee misconduct.

        As employers, our businesses are subject to federal and state employment laws. In particular, the Fair Labor Standards Act and California wage and hour laws govern the treatment of "non-exempt" employees, which may include loan officers and loan processors at Home Loan Center, Inc. Failure to comply with applicable employment laws may result in, among other things, administrative fines, class action lawsuits, damages awards and injunctions, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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        Parties with whom our businesses conduct business similarly may be subject to federal and state regulation. These parties typically act as independent contractors and not as agents in their solicitations and transactions with consumers. Consequently, we cannot ensure that these entities will comply with applicable laws and regulations at all times. Failure on the part of a lender, real estate professional, website operator or other third party to comply with these laws or regulations could result in, among other things, claims of vicarious liability or a negative impact on the reputation of Tree.com and its businesses. The occurrence of one or more of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our Real Estate Business is subject to rules and regulations of various real estate boards, as well as the rules of various non-governmental associations and organizations, including but, not limited to, local and regional Multiple Listing Services that provide real estate listing data. Our Real Estate Business is dependent on real estate listing data made available through Multiple Listing Services and other sources. While we believe that our Real Estate Business is structured to comply with these rules and regulations, the relevant organization may take a contrary position, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Third Party Compliance—If Network Lenders fail to produce required documents for examination by, or other affiliated parties fail to make certain filings with, state regulators, Tree.com may be subject to fines, forfeitures and the revocation of required licenses.

        Some of the states in which our businesses maintain licenses require them to collect various loan documentation from Network Lenders and produce this documentation for examination by state regulators. While Network Lenders are contractually obligated to provide these documents upon request, these measures may be insufficient. Failure to produce required documents for examination could result in fines, as well as the revocation of our businesses' licenses to operate in key states, which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Regulations promulgated by some states may impose compliance obligations on directors, executive officers, large customers and any person who acquires a certain percentage (for example, 10% or more) of our common stock, including requiring such persons to periodically file financial and other personal and business information with state regulators. If any such person refuses or fails to comply with these requirements, our businesses may be unable to obtain a license, and existing licensing arrangements may be jeopardized, in particular states. The inability to obtain, or the loss of, required licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Maintenance of Systems and Infrastructure—Our success depends, in part, on the integrity of our systems and infrastructures. System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in these systems and infrastructures may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our success depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the integrity of our systems and infrastructures, including websites, information and related systems, call centers and distribution and fulfillment facilities. System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in our information systems and infrastructures may adversely affect our ability to operate websites, process and fulfill transactions, respond to customer inquiries and generally maintain cost-efficient operations. We may experience occasional system interruptions that make some or all systems or data unavailable or prevent our businesses from efficiently providing services or fulfilling orders. We also rely on affiliate and third-party computer systems, broadband and other communications systems and service providers in connection with the provision of services generally, as well as to facilitate, process and fulfill transactions. Any interruptions, outages or delays in our systems and infrastructures, our businesses, our affiliates and/or third parties, or deterioration in the performance of these systems and infrastructures, could impair the ability of our businesses to provide services, fulfill orders and/or process transactions. Fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, acts of war or

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terrorism, acts of God and similar events or disruptions may damage or interrupt computer, broadband or other communications systems and infrastructures at any time. Any of these events could cause system interruption, delays and loss of critical data, and could prevent our businesses from providing services, fulfilling orders and/or processing transactions. While our businesses have backup systems for certain aspects of their operations, these systems are not fully redundant and disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for all eventualities. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a major interruption. If any of these adverse events were to occur, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, any penetration of network security or other misappropriation or misuse of personal consumer information could cause interruptions in the operations of our businesses and subject us to increased costs, litigation and other liabilities. Claims could also be made against us for other misuse of personal information, such as for unauthorized purposes or identity theft, which could result in litigation and financial liabilities, as well as administrative action from governmental authorities. Security breaches could also significantly damage our reputation with consumers and third parties with whom we do business. It is possible that advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, undetected fraud, inadvertent violations of company policies or procedures or other developments could result in a compromise of information or a breach of the technology and security processes that are used to protect consumer transaction data. As a result, current security measures may not prevent any or all security breaches. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their consequences. We also face risks associated with security breaches affecting third parties with which we are affiliated or otherwise conduct business online. Consumers are generally concerned with security and privacy of the Internet, and any publicized security problems affecting our businesses and/or those of third parties may discourage consumers from doing business with us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Privacy—The processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights.

        In the processing of consumer transactions, our businesses receive, transmit and store a large volume of personally identifiable information and other user data. The sharing, use, disclosure and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintained by us and our businesses. Moreover, there are federal, state and international laws regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personally identifiable information and user data. Specifically, personally identifiable information is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations in numerous jurisdictions around the world, the intent of which is to protect the privacy of personal information that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. We could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in business practices or privacy policies, or if governing jurisdictions interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our businesses may also become exposed to potential liabilities as a result of differing views on the privacy of consumer and other user data collected by these businesses. Our failure, and/or the failure by the various third party vendors and service providers with which we do business, to comply with applicable privacy policies or federal, state or similar international laws and regulations or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release of personally identifiable information or other user data could damage the reputation of these businesses, discourage potential users from our products and services and/or result in fines and/or proceedings by governmental agencies and/or consumers, one or all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Intellectual Property—We may fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties.

        We may fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties. We regard our intellectual property rights, including patents, service marks, trademarks and domain names, copyrights, trade secrets and similar intellectual property (as applicable), as critical to our success. Our businesses also rely heavily upon software codes, informational databases and other components that make up their products and services.

        We rely on a combination of laws and contractual restrictions with employees, customers, suppliers, affiliates and others to establish and protect these proprietary rights. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use trade secret or copyrighted intellectual property without authorization which, if discovered, might require legal action to correct. In addition, third parties may independently and lawfully develop substantially similar intellectual properties.

        We have generally registered and continue to apply to register, or secure by contract when appropriate, our trademarks and service marks as they are developed and used, and reserve and register domain names as we deem appropriate. We generally consider the protection of our trademarks to be important for purposes of brand maintenance and reputation. While we vigorously protect our trademarks, service marks and domain names, effective trademark protection may not be available or may not be sought in every country in which products and services are made available, and contractual disputes may affect the use of marks governed by private contract. Similarly, not every variation of a domain name may be available or be registered, even if available. Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights in a meaningful manner or challenges to related contractual rights could result in erosion of brand names and limit our ability to control marketing on or through the Internet using our various domain names or otherwise, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Some of our businesses have been granted patents and/or have patent applications pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and/or various foreign patent authorities for various proprietary technologies and other inventions. We consider applying for patents or for other appropriate statutory protection when we develop valuable new or improved proprietary technologies or inventions are identified, and will continue to consider the appropriateness of filing for patents to protect future proprietary technologies and inventions as circumstances may warrant. The status of any patent involves complex legal and factual questions, and the breadth of claims allowed is uncertain. Accordingly, any patent application filed may not result in a patent being issued or existing or future patents may not be adjudicated valid by a court or be afforded adequate protection against competitors with similar technology. In addition, third parties may create new products or methods that achieve similar results without infringing upon patents that we own. Likewise, the issuance of a patent to us does not mean that our processes or inventions will not be found to infringe upon patents or other rights previously issued to third parties.

        From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of the trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights of third parties. In addition, litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Patent litigation tends to be particularly protracted and expensive.

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Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        On August 20, 2008, IAC/InterActive Corp, as the Company's sole stockholder at the time, adopted resolutions approving the following:

•

The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation;



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The Company's 2008 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan; and



•

The Company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

        Copies of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and 2008 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan were filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 25, 2008. A copy of the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors was filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-152700).

Item 6.    Exhibits

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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: November 7, 2008

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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QuickLinks

PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
TREE.COM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
TREE.COM'S PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL REPORTING
RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT INDEX