Mixed IAC Results; Shares Initially Stung (IACI)

IAC/InteractiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI) has posted headline EPS $0.46, while First Call had estimates at $0.55.  Total revenues were brought in at $1.86 Billion, versus a $1.83 Billion estimate.  We would note that there appears to be gains and losses in the number.

This sure sounds like the company is saying it will proceed with its original split-up plans rather than try to appease John Malone.  We have this one under review for our Special Situation subscriber letter.  Barry Diller, CEO:

• "There is good news and bad news this quarter — the mix of which is another reason why our previously announced plans to reorganize IAC into five independent public companies makes more and more sense….. We have begun the year on a satisfactory basis and believe the work we are doing now to prepare each of the entities for separate public life will greatly benefit shareholders in 2008 and beyond."

Diller outlined the bad news areas as lending, catalog, EPI discounts.  On the good side, Diller noted HSN turnaround, record Ticketmaster volume, increased queries rm distributed toolbars, Ask.com, Interval, and Match.

On a separate basis, IAC noted that it has repurchased 6 million shares of common stock at $24.25 per share after this last quarter on January 10, 2008.

The market is not seeming to care about the items in the numbers as shares are indicated down over 6% on thin volume at $22.97.  If that holds this will be a new 52-week low as the 52-week trading range is $23.30 to $40.99.

Jon C. Ogg
February 6, 2008