IAC released quarterly earnings today and the news is a little dim. The media and advertising division, which includes Ask.com and CItysearch saw Q2 2009 revenues of $168.6 million, down from $186.3 million in Q2 2008, a 9.5% decline.
Revenue per query declined on Ask.com, which IAC is attributing to an improved search experience. They say users are finding what they’re looking for with fewer clicks. As a result of all of this, cost per click has declined.
Additionally, Ask.com experienced increased expenses related to their NASCAR partnership as well as increased marketing efforts in the UK. ( Jeeves is an expensive mascot.)
Citysearch’s revenues are down due to the implementation of a relaunch of the site and new ad serving platform. User registrations and reviews were up for the quarter.