Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

Commission file number: 1-35335

Groupon, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
27-0903295
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
600 West Chicago Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois
 
60654
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

312-334-1579
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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  x         No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).         
Yes  x         No
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 the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x                           Accelerated filer         
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes             No  x 
As of July 25, 2016, there were 572,189,761 shares of the registrant's Class A Common Stock outstanding and 2,399,976 shares of the registrant's Class B Common Stock outstanding.



1


TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. Financial Information
Page
Forward-Looking Statements
Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. Other Information
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibits

______________________________________________________




2


PART I
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations. The words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "continue" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, volatility in our revenue and operating results; risks related to our business strategy, including our strategy to grow our local marketplaces, marketing strategy and spend and the productivity of those marketing investments and the impact of our shift away from lower-margin products in our Goods category; effectively dealing with challenges arising from our international operations, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates and any potential adverse impact from the United Kingdom's likely exit from the European Union; retaining existing customers and adding new customers, including as we increase our marketing spend and shift away from lower-margin products in our Goods category; retaining and adding high quality merchants; cyber security breaches; incurring expenses as we expand our business; competing successfully in our industry; maintaining favorable payment terms with our business partners; providing a strong mobile experience for our customers; delivery and routing of our emails; product liability claims; managing inventory and order fulfillment risks; integrating our technology platforms; litigation; managing refund risks; retaining, attracting and integrating members of our executive team; difficulties, delays or our inability to successfully complete all or part of the announced restructuring actions or to realize the operating efficiencies and other benefits of such restructuring actions; higher than anticipated restructuring charges or changes in the timing of such restructuring charges; completing and realizing the anticipated benefits from acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and strategic investments; tax liabilities; tax legislation; compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, including the CARD Act and regulation of the Internet and e-commerce; classification of our independent contractors; maintaining our information technology infrastructure; protecting our intellectual property; maintaining a strong brand; seasonality; customer and merchant fraud; payment-related risks; our ability to raise capital if necessary and our outstanding indebtedness; global economic uncertainty; the impact of our ongoing strategic review and any potential strategic alternatives we may choose to pursue; our senior convertible notes; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the hedge and warrant transactions; and those risks and other factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A: Risk Factors" of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and Part II, "Item 1A: Risk Factors" of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, as well as in our condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
As used herein, "Groupon," "we," "our," and similar terms include Groupon, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.


3


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUPON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
780,132

 
$
853,362

Accounts receivable, net
68,974

 
68,175

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
190,053

 
153,705

Total current assets
1,039,159

 
1,075,242

Property, equipment and software, net
184,742

 
198,897

Goodwill
289,289

 
287,332

Intangible assets, net
29,549

 
36,483

Investments (including $157,934 and $163,675 at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, at fair value)
181,051

 
178,236

Deferred income taxes
4,219

 
3,454

Other non-current assets
23,433

 
16,620

Total Assets
$
1,751,442

 
$
1,796,264

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
17,573

 
$
24,590

Accrued merchant and supplier payables
655,617

 
776,211

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
403,932

 
402,724

Total current liabilities
1,077,122

 
1,203,525

Convertible senior notes, net
174,015

 

Deferred income taxes
6,941

 
8,612

Other non-current liabilities
124,051

 
113,540

Total Liabilities
1,382,129

 
1,325,677

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)

 

Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 2,000,000,000 shares authorized, 726,864,414 shares issued and 572,780,079 shares outstanding at June 30, 2016 and 717,387,446 shares issued and 588,919,281 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015
73

 
72

Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 2,399,976 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

 

Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 2,010,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

 

Additional paid-in capital
2,070,537

 
1,964,453

Treasury stock, at cost, 154,084,335 shares at June 30, 2016 and 128,468,165 shares at December 31, 2015
(732,901
)
 
(645,041
)
Accumulated deficit
(1,008,446
)
 
(901,292
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
39,292

 
51,206

Total Groupon, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
368,555

 
469,398

Noncontrolling interests
758

 
1,189

Total Equity
369,313

 
470,587

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
1,751,442

 
$
1,796,264


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


GROUPON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third party and other
 
$
318,129

 
$
340,846

 
$
652,697

 
$
700,967

Direct
 
437,901

 
397,549

 
835,304

 
787,784

Total revenue
 
756,030

 
738,395

 
1,488,001

 
1,488,751

Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third party and other
 
43,800

 
47,545

 
90,581

 
99,242

Direct
 
378,642

 
353,843

 
724,504

 
705,096

Total cost of revenue
 
422,442

 
401,388

 
815,085

 
804,338

Gross profit
 
333,588

 
337,007

 
672,916

 
684,413

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing
 
91,993

 
57,007

 
181,758

 
109,540

Selling, general and administrative
 
277,168

 
288,721

 
558,156

 
578,568

Restructuring charges
 
16,085

 

 
28,529

 

Gains on business dispositions
 
(9,339
)
 

 
(9,339
)
 

Acquisition-related expense (benefit), net
 
850

 
505

 
4,314

 
236

  Total operating expenses
 
376,757

 
346,233

 
763,418

 
688,344

Income (loss) from operations
 
(43,169
)
 
(9,226
)
 
(90,502
)
 
(3,931
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(10,761
)
 
2,941

 
(7,275
)
 
(16,986
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
(53,930
)
 
(6,285
)
 
(97,777
)
 
(20,917
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
(2,199
)
 
8,982

 
(450
)
 
11,089

Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
(51,731
)
 
(15,267
)
 
(97,327
)
 
(32,006
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 
127,179

 

 
133,463

Net income (loss)
 
(51,731
)
 
111,912

 
(97,327
)
 
101,457

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(3,173
)
 
(2,828
)
 
(6,696
)
 
(6,646
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Groupon, Inc.
 
$
(54,904
)
 
$
109,084

 
$
(104,023
)
 
$
94,811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.10
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
(0.06
)
Discontinued operations
 

 
0.19

 

 
0.20

Basic net income (loss) per share
 
$
(0.10
)
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
0.14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
(0.10
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
(0.06
)
Discontinued operations
 

 
0.19

 

 
0.20

Diluted net income (loss) per share
 
$
(0.10
)
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
0.14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
576,903,004

 
671,630,169

 
579,827,341

 
674,006,553

Diluted
 
576,903,004

 
671,630,169

 
579,827,341

 
674,006,553


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5


GROUPON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
(51,731
)
 
$
(15,267
)
 
$
(97,327
)
 
$
(32,006
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) during the period
 
430

 
(3,376
)
 
(3,795
)
 
7,331

Reclassification adjustments included in income (loss) from continuing operations
 
(9,459
)
 
4,401

 
(7,997
)
 
4,401

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
 
(9,029
)
 
1,025

 
(11,792
)
 
11,732

Amortization of pension net actuarial gain (loss) to earnings (net of tax effect of $5 and $5 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $9 and $10 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
 
19

 
27

 
46

 
53

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of tax effect of $103 and $24 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $103 and $107 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
 
(52
)
 
39

 
(168
)
 
176

Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations
 
(9,062
)
 
1,091

 
(11,914
)
 
11,961

Comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations
 
(60,793
)
 
(14,176
)
 
(109,241
)
 
(20,045
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 

 
127,179

 

 
133,463

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations - Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) during the period (net of tax effects of $(1,428) and $0 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively)
 

 
(1,932
)
 

 
(4,349
)
Reclassification adjustment included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations
 

 
12,313

 

 
12,313

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
 

 
10,381

 

 
7,964

Comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations
 

 
137,560

 

 
141,427

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
(60,793
)
 
123,384

 
(109,241
)
 
121,382

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(3,173
)
 
(2,828
)
 
(6,696
)
 
(6,646
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Groupon, Inc.
 
$
(63,966
)
 
$
120,556

 
$
(115,937
)
 
$
114,736


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


6



GROUPON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
Groupon, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total Groupon Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
Non-controlling Interests
 
Total Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
719,787,422

 
$
72

 
$
1,964,453

 
(128,468,165
)
 
$
(645,041
)
 
$
(901,292
)
 
$
51,206

 
$
469,398

 
$
1,189

 
$
470,587

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 
(3,131
)
 

 
(3,131
)
 

 
(3,131
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
(104,023
)
 

 
(104,023
)
 
6,696

 
(97,327
)
Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 
(11,792
)
 
(11,792
)
 

 
(11,792
)
Amortization of pension net actuarial loss to earnings, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
46

 
46

 

 
46

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
(168
)
 
(168
)
 

 
(168
)
Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock
(196,968
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options
356,211

 

 
433

 

 

 

 

 
433

 

 
433

Vesting of restricted stock units
13,299,333

 
1

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan
618,319

 

 
1,614

 

 

 

 

 
1,614

 

 
1,614

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards
(4,599,927
)
 

 
(16,006
)
 

 

 

 

 
(16,006
)
 

 
(16,006
)
Stock-based compensation on equity-classified awards

 

 
75,054

 

 

 

 

 
75,054

 

 
75,054

Equity component of the convertible senior notes, net of tax and issuance costs

 

 
68,658

 

 

 

 

 
68,658

 

 
68,658

Purchase of convertible note hedges

 

 
(59,163
)
 

 

 

 

 
(59,163
)
 

 
(59,163
)
Issuance of warrants

 

 
35,495

 

 

 

 

 
35,495

 

 
35,495

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

 
(25,616,170
)
 
(87,860
)
 

 

 
(87,860
)
 

 
(87,860
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(7,127
)
 
(7,127
)
Balance at June 30, 2016
729,264,390

 
$
73

 
$
2,070,537

 
(154,084,335
)
 
$
(732,901
)
 
$
(1,008,446
)
 
$
39,292

 
$
368,555

 
$
758

 
$
369,313




See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


7


GROUPON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(97,327
)
 
$
101,457

Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
133,463

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(97,327
)
 
(32,006
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and software
59,852

 
53,766

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
9,235

 
9,806

Stock-based compensation
68,308

 
73,629

Restructuring-related long-lived asset impairments
45

 

Gains on business dispositions
(9,339
)
 

Deferred income taxes
(5,148
)
 
(50
)
(Gain) loss, net from changes in fair value of contingent consideration
4,292

 
(703
)
(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of investments
5,707

 
(450
)
Amortization of debt discount on convertible senior notes
2,396

 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Restricted cash
(693
)
 
3,163

Accounts receivable
1,205

 
(10,282
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(33,528
)
 
(6,447
)
Accounts payable
(7,157
)
 
(6,315
)
Accrued merchant and supplier payables
(125,462
)
 
(50,533
)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
3,935

 
6,045

Other, net
(7,056
)
 
17,309

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations
(130,735
)
 
56,932

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations

 
(17,373
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(130,735
)
 
39,559

Investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software
(36,347
)
 
(40,746
)
Cash derecognized upon dispositions of subsidiaries
(352
)
 

Acquisitions of businesses, net of acquired cash
(940
)
 
(3,120
)
Purchases of investments

 
(5,000
)
Proceeds from sale of investment

 
1,231

Settlement of liabilities related to purchase of additional interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 
(349
)
Acquisitions of intangible assets
(1,992
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations
(39,631
)
 
(47,984
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations

 
244,470

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(39,631
)
 
196,486

Financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes
250,000

 

Issuance costs for convertible senior notes and revolving credit agreement
(8,097
)
 

Purchase of convertible note hedges
(59,163
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of warrants
35,495

 

Payments for purchases of treasury stock
(90,449
)
 
(136,115
)
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards
(16,535
)
 
(27,301
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plan
2,047

 
2,199

Distribution to noncontrolling interest holders
(7,127
)
 
(7,894
)
Payment of contingent consideration related to acquisitions
(285
)
 
(382
)
Payments of capital lease obligations
(14,676
)
 
(7,902
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
91,210

 
(177,395
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, including cash classified within current assets held for sale
5,926

 
(20,415
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including cash classified within current assets held for sale
(73,230
)
 
38,235

Less: Net increase (decrease) in cash classified within current assets held for sale

 
(55,279
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(73,230
)
 
93,514

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
853,362

 
1,016,634

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
780,132

 
$
1,110,148



8


Non-cash investing and financing activities
 
 
 
Continuing operations:
 
 
 
Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations
$
10,081

 
$
7,245

Leasehold improvements funded by lessor
4,990

 

Liability for purchases of treasury stock
1,592

 
5,418

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software
3,850

 
2,598

Minority investment recognized in connection with disposition of Ticket Monster

 
122,075

Cost method investment acquired in connection with disposition of business
8,323

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


9


GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION    
Company Information
Groupon, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company"), which commenced operations in October 2008, operates online local commerce marketplaces throughout the world that connect merchants to consumers by offering goods and services, generally at a discount. The Company also offers deals on products for which it acts as the merchant of record. Customers can access the Company's deal offerings directly through its websites and mobile applications and indirectly using search engines. The Company also sends emails to its subscribers with deal offerings that are targeted by location and personal preferences.
The Company's operations are organized into three segments: North America, EMEA, which is comprised of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and the remainder of the Company's international operations ("Rest of World"). See Note 13, "Segment Information."    
In May 2015, the Company sold a controlling stake in its subsidiary Ticket Monster, Inc. ("Ticket Monster"), an entity based in the Republic of Korea, that resulted in its deconsolidation. The financial results of Ticket Monster, including the gain on disposition and related income tax effects, are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. See Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions," for additional information.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The Company has prepared the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial reporting. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the Company's opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods presented. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2016. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016, as amended by the Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016.
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of all wholly-owned subsidiaries and majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and variable interest entities for which the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Outside stockholders' interests in subsidiaries are shown on the condensed consolidated financial statements as "Noncontrolling interests." Equity investments in entities in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method, the cost method, the fair value option or as available-for-sale securities, as appropriate.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
The Company adopted the guidance in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, on January 1, 2016. Under this ASU, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election to either estimate forfeitures on share-based payment awards, as


10

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

previously required, or to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur and the impact of that change in accounting policy has been recorded as a $3.1 million cumulative effect adjustment to its accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2016. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires that all income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards be reported in earnings as an increase or decrease to income tax expense (benefit), net. Previously, income tax benefits at settlement of an award were reported as an increase (or decrease) to additional paid-in capital to the extent that those benefits were greater than (or less than) the income tax benefits reported in earnings during the award's vesting period. The requirement to report those income tax effects in earnings has been applied on a prospective basis to settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2016 and the impact of applying that guidance was not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016. ASU 2016-09 also requires that all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Previously, income tax benefits at settlement of an award were reported as a reduction to operating cash flows and an increase to financing cash flows to the extent that those benefits exceeded the income tax benefits reported in earnings during the award's vesting period. The Company has elected to apply that change in cash flow classification on a retrospective basis, which has resulted in a $6.2 million increase to net cash provided by operating activities and a corresponding increase to net cash used in financing activities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the amounts previously reported. The remaining provisions of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company adopted the guidance in ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, on January 1, 2016. This ASU expands the variable interest entity ("VIE") criteria to specifically include limited partnerships in certain circumstances. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 did not have a material impact on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company determined that Monster Holdings LP ("Monster LP") is not a VIE under ASU 2015-02, which is consistent with its conclusion prior to adoption of the ASU. That investment is evaluated as a corporation, rather than a limited partnership, for purposes of making consolidation determinations because its governance structure is akin to a corporation. Under the terms of Monster LP’s amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, all of the objectives and purposes of Monster LP are carried out by a board of directors, rather than a general partner.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the condensed consolidated financial statements of prior periods and the accompanying notes to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are utilized for, but not limited to, stock-based compensation, income taxes, valuation of acquired goodwill and intangible assets, investments, customer refunds, contingent liabilities and the useful lives of property, equipment and software and intangible assets. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND OTHER DISPOSITIONS
Discontinued Operations
In May 2015, the Company sold a controlling stake in Ticket Monster to an investor group. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the disposition of $202.2 million ($138.0 million net of tax), which represents the excess of (a) the $398.8 million in net consideration received, consisting of (i) $285.0 million in cash proceeds and (ii) the $122.1 million fair value of its retained minority investment, less (iii) $8.3 million in transaction costs, over (b) the sum of (i) the $184.3 million net book value of Ticket Monster upon the closing of the transaction and (ii) Ticket Monster's $12.3 million cumulative translation loss, which was reclassified to earnings. The financial results of Ticket Monster, the gain on disposition and the related income tax effects are reported within discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following table summarizes the major classes of line items included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands):


11

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2015
(1)
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2015
(1)
Third party and other revenue
$
10,262

 
$
28,145

Direct revenue
14,242

 
39,065

Third party and other cost of revenue
(4,434
)
 
(13,958
)
Direct cost of revenue
(12,082
)
 
(38,031
)
Marketing expense
(3,472
)
 
(8,495
)
Selling, general and administrative expense
(15,339
)
 
(38,102
)
Other income, net
35

 
96

Loss from discontinued operations before gain on disposition and provision for income taxes
(10,788
)
 
(31,280
)
Gain on disposition
202,158

 
202,158

Provision for income taxes
(64,191
)
 
(37,415
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
127,179

 
$
133,463


(1)
The income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 includes the results of Ticket Monster through the disposition date of May 27, 2015.
The $64.2 million provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2015 reflects the current and deferred income tax effects of the Ticket Monster disposition. The $37.4 million provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2015 reflects (i) the $64.2 million current and deferred income tax effects of the Ticket Monster disposition during the second quarter of 2015, partially offset by (ii) a $26.8 million tax benefit that resulted from the recognition of a deferred tax asset related to the excess of the tax basis over the financial reporting basis of the Company's investment in Ticket Monster upon meeting the criteria for held-for-sale classification during the first quarter of 2015.

Other Dispositions

Groupon Russia

On April 12, 2016, the Company sold its subsidiary in Russia ("Groupon Russia"). The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the disposition of $8.9 million, consisting of Groupon Russia's $1.6 million negative net book value upon the closing of the transaction and its $7.7 million cumulative translation gain, which was reclassified to earnings, less $0.4 million in transaction costs. The Company did not receive any proceeds in connection with the transaction.

The gain from this transaction is presented within "Gains on business dispositions" in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The financial results of Groupon Russia are presented within income from continuing operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the April 12, 2016 disposition date. Those financial results were not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

Breadcrumb

On May 9, 2016, the Company sold its point of sale business ("Breadcrumb") in exchange for a minority investment in the acquirer. See Note 4, "Investments," for information about this transaction. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the disposition of $0.4 million, which represents the excess of (a) the $8.3 million fair value of the investment received, less $0.1 million in transaction costs, over (b) the $7.8 million net book value of Breadcrumb upon the closing of the transaction. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds in connection with the transaction.

The gain from this transaction is presented within "Gains on business dispositions" in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The financial results of Breadcrumb are presented within income from continuing operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the May 9, 2016 disposition date. Those financial results were not material for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

3. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes the Company's goodwill activity by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in


12

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

thousands):
 
 
North America
 
EMEA
 
Rest of World
 
Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
$
178,746

 
$
92,063

 
$
16,523

 
$
287,332

Goodwill related to acquisition
 
671

 

 

 
671

Goodwill related to disposition
 
(1,260
)
 

 

 
(1,260
)
Foreign currency translation
 

 
1,822

 
724

 
2,546

Balance as of June 30, 2016
 
$
178,157

 
$
93,885

 
$
17,247

 
$
289,289

The following tables summarize the Company's intangible assets (in thousands):
 
 
June 30, 2016
Asset Category
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Value
Subscriber relationships
 
$
53,130

 
$
46,775

 
$
6,355

Merchant relationships
 
9,737

 
8,412

 
1,325

Trade names
 
11,109

 
8,030

 
3,079

Developed technology
 
36,364

 
27,649

 
8,715

Brand relationships
 
7,960

 
3,869

 
4,091

Other intangible assets
 
22,794

 
16,810

 
5,984

Total
 
$
141,094

 
$
111,545

 
$
29,549

 
 
December 31, 2015
Asset Category
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Value
Subscriber relationships
 
$
52,204

 
$
43,725

 
$
8,479

Merchant relationships
 
9,648

 
8,064

 
1,584

Trade names
 
11,013

 
7,396

 
3,617

Developed technology
 
37,103

 
25,436

 
11,667

Brand relationships
 
7,960

 
3,073

 
4,887

Other intangible assets
 
20,638

 
14,389

 
6,249

Total
 
$
138,566

 
$
102,083

 
$
36,483

Amortization of intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 5 years. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $4.5 million and $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $9.2 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of June 30, 2016, the Company's estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
Remaining amounts in 2016
 
$
8,110

2017
 
11,908

2018
 
8,000

2019
 
931

2020
 
555

Thereafter
 
45

Total
 
$
29,549



13

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

4. INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company's investments (dollars in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
Percent Ownership of Voting Stock
 
December 31, 2015
 
Percent Ownership of Voting Stock
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible debt securities
$
10,573

 
 
 
$
10,116

 
 
Redeemable preferred shares
22,343

 
17%
to
25%
 
22,834

 
17%
to
25%
Total available-for-sale securities
32,916

 
 
 
32,950

 
 
Cost method investments
23,117

 
2%
to
13%
 
14,561

 
2%
to
10%
Fair value option investments
125,018

 
41%
to
45%
 
130,725

 
43%
to
45%
Total investments
$
181,051

 
 
 
$
178,236

 
 
The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gain, gross unrealized loss and fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss (1)
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss (1)
 
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible debt securities
$
9,471

 
$
1,301

 
$
(199
)
 
$
10,573

 
$
9,234

 
$
882

 
$

 
$
10,116

Redeemable preferred shares
22,973

 
96

 
(726
)
 
22,343

 
22,973

 

 
(139
)
 
22,834

Total available-for-sale securities
$
32,444

 
$
1,397

 
$
(925
)
 
$
32,916

 
$
32,207

 
$
882

 
$
(139
)
 
$
32,950

(1)
Available-for-sale securities with an unrealized loss were in a loss position for less than 12 months.
Fair Value Option Investments
In connection with the dispositions of Ticket Monster in May 2015 and the Company's subsidiary in India ("Groupon India") in August 2015, the Company obtained a minority limited partner interest in Monster Holdings LP ("Monster LP") and a minority investment in GroupMax Pte Ltd. ("GroupMax"). The investments in Monster LP and GroupMax were measured at their fair values of $122.1 million and $16.4 million, respectively, as of their respective transaction dates.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to account for both of these investments at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings. The Company elected to apply fair value accounting to these investments because it believes that fair value is the most relevant measurement attribute for these investments, as well as to reduce operational and accounting complexity.
As of June 30, 2016, the Company has measured the fair value of the Monster LP investment primarily using the discounted cash flow method, which is an income approach. Under that method, the first step in determining the fair value of the investment that the Company holds is to estimate the fair value of Monster LP in its entirety. The key inputs to determining the fair value are cash flow forecasts and discount rates. As of June 30, 2016, the Company applied a discount rate of 21% in its discounted cash flow valuation of Monster LP. The Company also used a market approach valuation technique, which is based on market multiples of guideline companies, in determining the fair value of Monster LP as of June 30, 2016. The discounted cash flow and market approach valuations are then evaluated and weighted to determine the amount that is most representative of the fair value of the investee. Once the Company has determined the fair value of Monster LP, it then determines the fair value of its specific investment in the entity. Monster LP has a complex capital structure, so the Company applies an option-pricing model that considers the


14

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

liquidation preferences of the respective classes of ownership interests in Monster LP to determine the fair value of its ownership interest in the entity. The Company recognized losses of $1.3 million and $1.4 million from changes in the fair value of its investment in Monster LP for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.
The following table summarizes the condensed financial information for Monster LP as of June 30, 2015 and for the period from May 28, 2015 through June 30, 2015 (in thousands):
 
Period from May 28, 2015 through June 30, 2015 (1)
Revenue
$
14,110

Gross profit
4,338

Loss before income taxes
(8,339
)
Net loss
(8,339
)
 
June 30, 2015
Current assets
$
146,960

Non-current assets
512,766

Current liabilities
186,792

Non-current liabilities
7,277


(1)
The summarized financial information is presented for the period beginning May 28, 2015, after completion of the Ticket Monster disposition transaction that resulted in the Company obtaining its minority limited partner interest in Monster LP.
As of June 30, 2016, the Company has measured the fair value of the GroupMax investment primarily using the discounted cash flow method. The key inputs to determining the fair value are cash flow forecasts and discount rates. As of June 30, 2016, the Company applied a discount rate of 20% in its discounted cash flow valuation of GroupMax. The Company also used a market approach valuation technique, which is based on market multiples of guideline companies, to determine the fair value of GroupMax as of June 30, 2016. The discounted cash flow and market approach valuations are then evaluated and weighted to determine the amount that is most representative of the fair value of the investee. Once the Company has determined the fair value of GroupMax, it then determines the fair value of its specific investment in the entity. GroupMax has a complex capital structure, so the Company applies an option-pricing model that considers the liquidation preferences of the respective classes of ownership interests in GroupMax to determine the fair value of its ownership interest in the entity. The Company recognized losses of $3.3 million and $4.3 million from changes in the fair value of its investment in GroupMax for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.

Other Investments
On May 9, 2016, the Company acquired a 13% minority investment in the preferred stock of a restaurant software provider as consideration for the sale of Breadcrumb. The preferred stock was recorded at its $8.3 million acquisition date fair value and is accounted for as a cost method investment.

5. SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION
The following table summarizes the Company's other income (expense), net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):


15

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest income
 
$
461

 
$
330

 
$
856

 
$
557

Interest expense
 
(5,132
)
 
(473
)
 
(5,981
)
 
(1,143
)
Gain (losses) on changes in fair value of investments
 
(4,607
)
 
450

 
(5,707
)
 
450

Foreign currency gains (losses), net (1)
 
(1,328
)
 
2,532

 
5,128

 
(16,965
)
Other
 
(155
)
 
102

 
(1,571
)
 
115

Other income (expense), net
 
$
(10,761
)
 
$
2,941

 
$
(7,275
)
 
$
(16,986
)
(1)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 includes $1.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of net cumulative translation gains that were reclassified to earnings as a result of the Company's exit from certain countries as part of its restructuring plan. Refer to Note 9, "Restructuring," for additional information. Foreign currency gains (losses), net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 includes a $4.4 million loss related to the cumulative translation adjustment from the Company's legacy business in the Republic of Korea that was reclassified to earnings as a result of the Ticket Monster disposition.
The following table summarizes the Company's prepaid expenses and other current assets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Finished goods inventories
$
35,812

 
$
42,305

Prepaid expenses
51,554

 
49,134

Income taxes receivable
21,764

 
32,483

VAT receivable
15,623

 
14,305

Other (1)
65,300

 
15,478

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
190,053

 
$
153,705

(1)
As of June 30, 2016, Other includes $45.0 million that was deposited in an escrow account by the Company ($39.5 million) and its insurance carrier ($5.5 million) in connection with the preliminary court approval of the settlement for the Company's securities litigation matter (see Note 7, "Commitments and Contingencies"). Final court approval of the settlement was granted on July 13, 2016.
The following table summarizes the Company's accrued merchant and supplier payables as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Accrued merchant payables
$
431,919

 
$
471,607

Accrued supplier payables (1)
223,698

 
304,604

Total accrued merchant and supplier payables
$
655,617

 
$
776,211

(1)
Amounts include payables to suppliers of inventories and providers of shipping and fulfillment services.
    






16

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company's accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Refunds reserve
$
29,558

 
$
35,297

Payroll and benefits
57,531

 
50,454

Customer credits
32,344

 
32,293

Restructuring-related liabilities
14,259

 
11,556

Income taxes payable
9,943

 
13,885

Deferred revenue
41,731

 
40,396

Current portion of capital lease obligations
27,888

 
26,776

Other (1)
190,678

 
192,067

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
403,932

 
$
402,724

(1)
As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Other includes a $45.0 million liability for the Company's securities litigation matter (see Note 7, "Commitments and Contingencies"). Final court approval of the settlement for that matter was granted on July 13, 2016.
The following table summarizes the Company's other non-current liabilities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Long-term tax liabilities
$
53,174

 
$
46,506

Capital lease obligations
25,441

 
30,943

Other
45,436

 
36,091

Total other non-current liabilities
$
124,051

 
$
113,540

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
 
Pension adjustments
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
52,261

 
$
458

 
$
(1,513
)
 
$
51,206

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments
(3,795
)
 
(168
)
 
46

 
(3,917
)
Reclassification adjustments included in net income (loss)
(7,997
)
 

 

 
(7,997
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(11,792
)
 
(168
)
 
46

 
(11,914
)
Balance as of June 30, 2016
$
40,469

 
$
290

 
$
(1,467
)
 
$
39,292

6. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Convertible Senior Notes
On April 4, 2016, the Company issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes (the "Notes") in a private placement to A-G Holdings, L.P. ("Atairos"). The net proceeds from this offering were $243.2 million after deducting issuance costs. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum, payable annually in arrears on April 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2017. The Notes will mature on April 1, 2022, subject to earlier conversion or redemption.


17

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Each $1,000 of principal amount of the Notes initially is convertible into 185.1852 shares of Class A common stock, or common stock, as applicable (the "Common Stock"), which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $5.40 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. Upon conversion, the Company can elect to settle the conversion value in cash, shares of its Common Stock, or any combination of cash and shares of its Common Stock. Holders of the Notes may convert their Notes at their option at any time until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. In addition, if specified corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company may be required to increase the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert based on the effective date of such event and the applicable stock price attributable to the event, as set forth in a table contained in the indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture").
With certain exceptions, upon a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), the holders of the Notes may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes for cash at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the Company may redeem the Notes, at its option, at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on or after April 1, 2020, if the closing sale price of the Common Stock exceeds 150% of the then-current conversion price for 20 or more trading days in the 30 consecutive trading day period preceding the Company’s exercise of this redemption right.
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that rank equal in right of payment to all senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company and rank senior in right of payment to any indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the Notes.
The Indenture includes customary events of default. If an event of default, as defined in the Indenture, occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Notes and any accrued and unpaid interest may be declared immediately due and payable. In the case of bankruptcy or insolvency, the principal amount of the Notes and any accrued and unpaid interest would automatically become immediately due and payable.
The Company has separated the Notes into their liability and equity components in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component, representing the conversion option, was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the Notes and the liability component (the "debt discount") is amortized to interest expense at an effective interest rate of 9.75% over the term of the Notes. The equity component of the Notes is included in additional paid-in capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $6.8 million related to the issuance of the Notes. Those transaction costs have been allocated to the liability and equity components in the same manner as the allocation of the proceeds from the Notes. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component of $4.8 million were recorded as a debt discount in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes. Transaction costs attributable to the equity component of $2.0 million were recorded in stockholders' equity as a reduction of the equity component.
The carrying amount of the Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
Liability component:
 
Principal amount
$
250,000

Less: debt discount
(75,985
)
Net carrying amount of liability component
$
174,015

 
 
Net carrying amount of equity component
$
68,658

The estimated fair value of the Notes as of June 30, 2016 was $229.9 million and was determined using a lattice model. The Company classified the fair value of the Notes as a Level 3 measurement due to the lack of observable market data over fair value inputs such as its stock price volatility over the term of the Notes and its cost of debt.


18

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

As of June 30, 2016, the remaining term of the Notes is approximately 5 years, 9 months. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recognized interest expense on the Notes as follows (in thousands):
Contractual interest expense based on 3.25% per annum
$
2,031

Amortization of debt discount
2,396

Total interest expense
$
4,427

Note Hedges and Warrants
On May 9, 2016, the Company purchased convertible note hedges with respect to its Common Stock for a cost of $59.1 million from certain bank counterparties. The convertible note hedges provide the Company with the right to purchase up to 46.3 million shares of the Company's Common Stock at an initial strike price of $5.40 per share, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes, and are exercisable by the Company upon conversion of the Notes. The convertible note hedges are intended to reduce the potential economic dilution upon conversion of the Notes. The convertible note hedges are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Notes. Holders of the Notes do not have any rights with respect to the convertible note hedges.
On May 9, 2016, the Company also sold warrants for total cash proceeds of $35.5 million to certain bank counterparties. The warrants provide the counterparties with the right to purchase up to 46.3 million shares of the Company's Common Stock at a strike price of $8.50 per share. The warrants expire on various dates between July 1, 2022 and August 26, 2022 and are exercisable on their expiration dates. The warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Notes or convertible note hedges. Holders of the Notes and convertible note hedges do not have any rights with respect to the warrants.
The amounts paid and received for the convertible note hedges and warrants have been recorded in additional paid-in capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016. The convertible note hedges and warrants are not remeasured as long as they continue to meet the conditions for equity classification. The amounts paid for the convertible note hedges are tax deductible over the term of the Notes, while the proceeds received from the warrants are not taxable. 
Under the if-converted method, the shares of common stock underlying the conversion option in the Notes are included in the diluted earnings per share denominator and the interest expense on the Notes, net of tax, is added to the numerator. However, upon conversion, there will be no economic dilution from the Notes, as exercise of the convertible note hedges eliminates any dilution from the Notes that would have otherwise occurred when the price of the Company’s Common Stock exceeds the conversion price. Taken together, the purchase of the convertible note hedges and sale of warrants are intended to offset any actual dilution from the conversion of these Notes and to effectively increase the overall conversion price from $5.40 to $8.50 per share. Based on the closing price of the Company's Common Stock of $3.25 on June 30, 2016, the if-converted value of the Notes was less than the principal amount.
Revolving Credit Agreement
On June 29, 2016, the Company amended and restated its senior secured revolving credit agreement (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") that provides for aggregate principal borrowings of up to $250.0 million and matures in June 2019. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement replaced the Company's previous $250.0 million credit agreement that was scheduled to mature in August 2017 (the "Original Credit Agreement"). Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company's option, at a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate (each as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus an additional margin ranging between 0.50% and 2.25%. The Company is required to pay quarterly commitment fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% per annum of the average daily amount of unused commitments available under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides for the issuance of up to $45.0 million in letters of credit, provided that the sum of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit do not exceed the maximum funding commitment of $250.0 million.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company's and its subsidiaries' tangible and intangible assets, including a pledge of 100% of the outstanding capital stock of substantially all of its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the shares or equity interests of first-tier foreign subsidiaries and each U.S. entity whose assets substantially consist of capital stock and/or intercompany debt of one or more foreign subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. Certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries are guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.


19

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains various customary restrictive covenants that limit the Company's ability to, among other things: incur additional indebtedness; make dividend and other restricted payments, including share repurchases; enter into sale or leaseback transactions; make investments, loans or advances; grant or incur liens on assets; sell assets; engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions; and engage in transactions with affiliates. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with specified financial covenants, comprised of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured indebtedness ratio and a minimum liquidity ratio, each as set forth in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Company is also required to maintain, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, unrestricted cash of at least $400.0 million, including $200.0 million in accounts held with lenders under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or their affiliates. Non-compliance with these covenants may result in termination of the commitments under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and any then outstanding borrowings may be declared due and payable immediately. The Company has the right to terminate the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or reduce the available commitments at any time.
As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or the Original Credit Agreement, respectively, and was in compliance with all covenants. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $11.6 million under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Original Credit Agreement.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company's commitments as of June 30, 2016 did not materially change from the amounts set forth in the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Legal Matters and Other Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is party to various legal proceedings incident to the operation of its business. For example, the Company is currently involved in proceedings brought by stockholders, former employees and merchants, intellectual property infringement suits and suits by customers (individually or as class actions) alleging, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act and state laws governing gift cards, stored value cards and coupons. The following is a brief description of significant legal proceedings.

The Company was a defendant in a proceeding pursuant to which, on October 29, 2012, a consolidated amended class action complaint was filed against the Company, certain of its directors and officers, and the underwriters that participated in the initial public offering of the Company's Class A common stock.  The case was pending before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: In re Groupon, Inc. Securities Litigation. In the first quarter of 2016, the parties entered into a term sheet to settle the litigation that provides for a settlement payment to the class of $45.0 million in cash, including plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees, in exchange for a full and final release and also includes a denial of liability or any wrongdoing by the Company and the other defendants. On April 7, 2016, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement. On April 21, 2016, a $45.0 million settlement payment was made into an escrow account. On July 13, 2016, the Court entered an order providing final approval of the settlement and final judgment, dismissing the action with prejudice. The Company was fully reserved for the settlement amount as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

In addition, federal and state purported stockholder derivative lawsuits have been filed against certain of the Company's current and former directors and officers.  The federal purported stockholder derivative lawsuit was originally filed in April 2012, and a consolidated stockholder derivative complaint, filed on July 30, 2012, is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: In re Groupon Derivative Litigation.  The state derivative cases are currently pending before the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois: Orrego v. Lefkofsky, et al., was filed on April 5, 2012; and Kim v. Lefkofsky, et al., was filed on May 25, 2012. In the first quarter of 2016, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the litigation. The agreement, which is subject to court approval, provides that the Company will implement certain corporate reforms. On June 22, 2016, the court entered an order for the parties to finalize settlement documentation related to the corporate reforms by August 3, 2016, for Plaintiffs to file their motion for preliminary approval by August 17, 2016, and setting the hearing on the motion for preliminary approval for August 31, 2016. The parties have not reached agreement on a reasonable plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fee award to be paid as part of the settlement, and continue to negotiate that aspect of the settlement.

In 2010, the Company was named as a defendant in a series of class actions were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The consolidated actions are referred to as In re Groupon Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation. In July 2015, the parties reached an agreement in principle regarding a settlement involving a combination of cash and


20

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Groupon credits, worth a total of $8.5 million. On March 23, 2016, the district court granted final approval of the settlement over various objections posed by two individuals and entered judgment pursuant to the settlement. In April 2016, the two individuals who had objected filed notices of appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. One appeal challenged the district court’s approval of the class action settlement; the other appeal challenged the district court’s denial of the objector’s request for an award of attorney’s fees. The appeal challenging the approval of the settlement was dismissed on June 23, 2016, and the settlement became final and non-appealable as of that date. The case was dismissed with prejudice and settlement claims are being validated and processed. The Company was fully reserved for the settlement amount as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

On March 2, 2016, International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against the Company.  In the complaint, IBM alleges that the Company has infringed and continues to willfully infringe certain IBM patents that IBM claims relate to the presentation of applications and advertising in an interactive service, preserving state information in online transactions and single sign-on processes in a computing environment and seeks unspecified damages (including a request that the amount of compensatory damages be trebled), injunctive relief and costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.  On May 9, 2016, the Company filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against IBM.  The Company alleges that IBM has infringed and continues to willfully infringe one of the Company’s patents relating to location-based services. The Company intends to seek damages and injunctive relief for IBM’s infringement of this patent. Further, the Company plans to vigorously defend against the claims filed by IBM.
    
In addition, other third parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that the Company has infringed their intellectual property rights. The Company is subject to intellectual property disputes, including patent infringement claims, and expects that it will increasingly be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as its services expand in scope and complexity. The Company has in the past litigated such claims, and the Company is presently involved in several patent infringement and other intellectual property-related claims, including pending litigation, some of which could involve potentially substantial claims for damages. The Company may also become more vulnerable to third party claims as laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act are interpreted by the courts, and as the Company becomes subject to laws in jurisdictions where the underlying laws with respect to the potential liability of online intermediaries are either unclear or less favorable. The Company believes that additional lawsuits alleging that it has violated patent, copyright or trademark laws will be filed against it. Intellectual property claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming and costly to resolve, could require expensive changes in the Company's methods of doing business, or could require it to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements.    

The Company is also subject to, or in the future may become subject to, a variety of regulatory inquiries across the jurisdictions where the Company conducts its business, including, for example, inquiries related to consumer protection, employment matters and/or hiring practices, marketing practices, tax, unclaimed property and privacy rules and regulations. Any regulatory actions against the Company, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards, injunctive relief or increased costs of doing business through adverse judgment or settlement, require the Company to change its business practices in expensive ways, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or otherwise harm the Company's business.

The Company establishes an accrued liability for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters when the loss is both probable and estimable. These accruals represent management's best estimate of probable losses and, in such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of the amounts accrued. For certain of the matters described above, there are inherent and significant uncertainties based on, among other factors, the stage of the proceedings, developments in the applicable facts of law, or the lack of a specific damage claim. However, the Company believes that the amount of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued for these matters would not have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company's accrued liabilities for loss contingencies related to legal and regulatory matters may change in the future as a result of new developments, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of new legal matters, changes in the law or regulatory environment, adverse or favorable rulings, newly discovered facts relevant to the matter, or changes in the strategy for the matter. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
    
Indemnifications

In the normal course of business to facilitate transactions related to its operations, the Company indemnifies certain parties, including employees, lessors, service providers and merchants, with respect to various matters. The Company has agreed


21

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

to hold certain parties harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations or covenants, or other claims made against those parties. These agreements may limit the time within which an indemnification claim can be made and the amount of the claim. The Company is also subject to increased exposure to various claims as a result of its acquisitions, particularly in cases where the Company is entering into new businesses in connection with such acquisitions. The Company may also become more vulnerable to claims as it expands the range and scope of its services and is subject to laws in jurisdictions where the underlying laws with respect to potential liability are either unclear or less favorable. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers, directors and underwriters, and the Company's bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations that cover officers, directors, employee and other agents.

It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, any payments that the Company has made under these agreements have not had a material impact on the operating results, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Common Stock
The Company's certificate of incorporation, as amended and restated, authorizes three classes of common stock: Class A common stock, Class B common stock and common stock. No shares of common stock will be issued or outstanding until October 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock. In addition, the Company's certificate of incorporation authorizes shares of undesignated preferred stock, the rights, preferences and privileges of which may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors (the "Board").
Share Repurchase Program
The Board previously authorized the Company to repurchase up to $500.0 million of its Class A common stock through August 2017 under its current share repurchase program. On April 4, 2016, the Board approved an increase of $200.0 million to its share repurchase program and an extension of the program through April 2018. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company purchased 6,796,170 and 25,616,170 shares, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $24.4 million and $87.9 million (including fees and commissions) under that program. As of June 30, 2016, up to $269.3 million of Class A common stock remained available for purchase under that program. The timing and amount of any share repurchases are determined based on market conditions, share price and other factors, and the program may be discontinued or suspended at any time.
Groupon, Inc. Stock Plans
The Groupon, Inc. Stock Plans (the "Plans") are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, which determines the number of awards to be issued, the corresponding vesting schedule and the exercise price for options. As of June 30, 2016, 78,166,856 shares were available for future issuance under the Plans.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations of $37.6 million and $38.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $68.3 million and $73.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to stock awards issued under the Plans and acquisition-related awards. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense from discontinued operations of $4.2 million and $5.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The Company also capitalized $2.8 million and $3.3 million of stock-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $5.0 million and $6.4 million of stock-based compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in connection with internally-developed software.
As of June 30, 2016, a total of $154.9 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested employee stock awards and unvested acquisition-related awards are expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.07 years.
    


22

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company is authorized to grant up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock under its employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, 618,319 and 328,644 shares of common stock were issued under the ESPP, respectively.
Stock Options
The table below summarizes the stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2016:
 
 
Options
 
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
(1)
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
1,584,832

 
$
0.95

 
3.96
 
$
3,360

    Exercised
 
(356,211
)
 
1.22

 
 
 
 
    Forfeited
 
(65,951
)
 
0.82

 
 
 
 
Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2016
 
1,162,670

 
$
0.85

 
3.38
 
$
2,790

(1)
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the fair value of the Company's stock on the last day of each period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options where the fair value exceeds the exercise price) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
The restricted stock units granted under the Plans generally have vesting periods between one and four years. Restricted stock units are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, except for restricted stock units with performance conditions and ratable vesting, which are amortized using the accelerated method. In May 2015, 575,744 restricted stock units previously granted to Ticket Monster employees were modified to permit continued vesting following the Company’s sale of its controlling stake in Ticket Monster. These nonemployee restricted stock units, which require ongoing employment with Ticket Monster to vest, are remeasured to fair value each reporting period. As of June 30, 2016, 247,917 nonemployee restricted stock units were outstanding.
The table below summarizes activity regarding unvested restricted stock units granted under the Plans for the six months ended June 30, 2016:

 
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share)
Unvested at December 31, 2015
 
39,143,509

 
$
6.53

    Granted
 
14,962,149

 
$
3.73

    Vested
 
(13,299,333
)
 
$
6.16

    Forfeited
 
(7,950,954
)
 
$
6.64

Unvested at June 30, 2016
 
32,855,371

 
$
5.40

Restricted Stock Awards
The Company has granted restricted stock awards in connection with business combinations. Compensation expense on these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods, which extend through January 2018.
    



23

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The table below summarizes activity regarding unvested restricted stock for the six months ended June 30, 2016:
 
 
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share)
Unvested at December 31, 2015
 
1,908,408

 
$
5.72

    Granted
 

 
$

    Vested
 
(492,422
)
 
$
7.42

    Forfeited
 
(196,968
)
 
$
7.42

Unvested at June 30, 2016
 
1,219,018

 
$
4.76

Performance Share Units
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company granted 389,046 performance share units to certain key employees. The vesting of these awards into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock is contingent upon the Company’s achievement of specified financial and operational targets for the year ended December 31, 2016 and is subject to continued employment through the performance period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance share units was $3.78 per share. There were no shares vested or forfeited during the six months ended June 30, 2016.

9. RESTRUCTURING    
In September 2015, the Company commenced a restructuring plan relating primarily to workforce reductions in its international operations. The Company has also undertaken workforce reductions in its North America segment. In addition to workforce reductions in its ongoing markets, the Company has ceased operations in six countries within its Rest of World segment and eleven countries within its EMEA segment as part of the restructuring plan, including four countries within its EMEA segment that were exited during the six months ended June 30, 2016. The total revenue and net loss for the countries exited under the restructuring plan were $13.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The total revenue and net loss for the countries exited under the restructuring plan were $28.3 million and $5.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Costs related to the restructuring plan are classified as “Restructuring charges” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Through June 30, 2016, the Company has incurred cumulative costs for employee severance and benefits and other exit costs of $50.8 million under the restructuring plan. In addition to those costs, the Company has incurred cumulative long-lived asset impairment charges of $7.3 million resulting from its restructuring activities. Management continues to explore potential further restructuring actions in connection with its efforts to optimize the Company’s cost structure and global footprint.

The following table summarizes the costs incurred by segment related to the Company’s restructuring plan for the three months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands):


Three Months Ended June 30, 2016


Employee Severance and Benefit Costs (1)

Asset Impairments

Other Exit Costs

Total Restructuring Charges
North America

$
1,488


$


$
1,318


$
2,806

EMEA

12,562




121


12,683

Rest of World

394




202


596

Consolidated

$
14,444


$


$
1,641


$
16,085


(1)
The employee severance and benefit costs for the three months ended June 30, 2016 relates to the termination of approximately 250 employees. Substantially all of the remaining cash payments for those costs are expected to be disbursed through December 31, 2017.
    



24

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the costs incurred by segment related to the Company’s restructuring plan for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
Employee Severance and Benefit Costs (1)
 
Asset Impairments
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total Restructuring Charges
North America
 
$
6,213

 
$
45

 
$
2,167

 
$
8,425

EMEA
 
15,829

 

 
329

 
16,158

Rest of World
 
3,721

 

 
225

 
3,946

Consolidated
 
$
25,763

 
$
45

 
$
2,721

 
$
28,529

(1)
The employee severance and benefit costs for the six months ended June 30, 2016 relates to the termination of approximately 750 employees. Substantially all of the remaining cash payments for those costs are expected to be disbursed through December 31, 2017.
The following table summarizes restructuring liability activity for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands):


Employee Severance and Benefit Costs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015

$
9,017

 
$
2,539

 
$
11,556

Charges payable in cash (1)

21,054

 
2,721

 
23,775

Cash payments

(16,552
)
 
(4,722
)
 
(21,274
)
Foreign currency translation

188

 
14

 
202

Balance as of June 30, 2016

$
13,707

 
$
552

 
$
14,259


(1)
Excludes stock-based compensation of $4.7 million related to accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation awards for certain employees terminated as a result of the Company's restructuring activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
10. INCOME TAXES
The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items.
For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $2.2 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $53.9 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $9.0 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $6.3 million.
For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $0.5 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $97.8 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $11.1 million on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $20.9 million.
The Company's U.S. statutory rate is 35%. The primary factor impacting the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was the pre-tax losses incurred by the Company's operations in jurisdictions that have valuation allowances against their net deferred tax assets, including the United States. Significant factors impacting the effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included pre-tax losses in foreign jurisdictions with valuation allowances against their net deferred tax assets and amortization of the tax effects of intercompany sales of intellectual property.
The Company expects that its consolidated effective tax rate in future periods will continue to differ significantly from the U.S. federal income tax rate as a result of its tax obligations in jurisdictions with profits and valuation allowances in jurisdictions with losses.
The Company is currently undergoing income tax audits in multiple jurisdictions. There are many factors, including factors outside of the Company's control, which influence the progress and completion of those audits. As of June 30, 2016, the


25

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Company believes that it is reasonably possible that changes of up to $24.3 million in unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next 12 months upon closing of income tax audits or the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations.
See Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Other Dispositions," for discussion of the income tax benefit from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined under U.S. GAAP as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Measurements that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Measurements that include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 - Measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. These fair value measurements require significant judgment.
In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches within the fair value measurement framework. The valuation methodologies used for the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value and their classification in the valuation hierarchy are summarized below:
Cash equivalents - Cash equivalents primarily consist of AAA-rated money market funds. The Company classified cash equivalents as Level 1 due to the short-term nature of these instruments and measured the fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Fair value option and available-for-sale securities investments - See Note 4, "Investments," for discussion of the valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of the Company's investments in Monster LP and GroupMax. The Company measures the fair value of those investments using the discounted cash flow method, which is an income approach, and the market approach. The Company also has investments in redeemable preferred shares and convertible debt securities issued by nonpublic entities. The Company measures the fair value of those available-for-sale securities using the discounted cash flow method.
The Company has classified its fair value option investments and its investments in available-for-sale securities as Level 3 due to the lack of observable market data over fair value inputs such as cash flow projections and discount rates. Increases in projected cash flows and decreases in discount rates contribute to increases in the estimated fair values of the fair value option investments and available-for-sale securities, whereas decreases in projected cash flows and increases in discount rates contribute to decreases in their fair values.

Contingent consideration - The Company has contingent obligations to transfer cash to the former owners of acquired businesses if specified financial results are met over future reporting periods (i.e., earn-outs). Liabilities for contingent consideration are measured at fair value each reporting period, with the acquisition-date fair value included as part of the consideration transferred and subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in earnings within "Acquisition-related expense (benefit), net" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company uses an income approach to value contingent consideration obligations based on future financial performance, which is determined based on the present value of probability-weighted future cash flows. The Company has classified the contingent consideration liabilities as Level 3 due to the lack of relevant observable market data over fair value inputs such as probability-weighting of payment outcomes. Increases in the assessed likelihood of a higher payout under a contingent consideration arrangement contribute to increases in the fair value of the related liability.


26

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Conversely, decreases in the assessed likelihood of a higher payout under a contingent consideration arrangement contribute to decreases in the fair value of the related liability. Changes in assumptions could have an impact on the payout of contingent consideration arrangements with a maximum payout of $16.0 million.     
The following tables summarize the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
Description
June 30, 2016
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
236,913

 
$
236,913

 
$

 
$

Fair value option investments
125,018

 

 

 
125,018

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible debt securities
10,573

 

 

 
10,573

Redeemable preferred shares
22,343

 

 

 
22,343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contingent consideration
14,788

 

 

 
14,788

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
Description
December 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
305,179

 
$
305,179

 
$

 
$

Fair value option investments
130,725

 

 

 
130,725

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible debt securities
10,116

 

 

 
10,116

Redeemable preferred shares
22,834

 

 

 
22,834

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contingent consideration
10,781

 

 

 
10,781



27

GROUPON, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table provides a roll-forward of the fair value of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value option investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
 
$
129,625

 
$

 
$
130,725

 
$

Acquisition of investments in Monster LP
 

 
122,075

 

 
122,075

Total gains (losses) included in earnings
 
(4,607
)
 
450