For the past year's fourth-quarter, IAC/Interactive Corp., reported a loss in earnings, mainly on the back of unusually steep write-down, but the owner of renowned properties like Ask. com and Match. com managed to enjoy a sudden and unexpected growth in revenue, a sign that the online advertising sector is steadily improving.

The company also shared that it had stepped up its share repurchasing during 2009's last three months, a move which has managed to bolster confidence in Chief Executive Barry Diller's willingness to utilize the firm's $1.7 Billion in order to return value to shareholders.

According to plans shared by Mr. Diller, he is looking to invest more in cross-platform media content, all the while keeping an eye towards generating online subscriptions revenue and premium advertising rates. He has, however, pledged that he will be "disciplined" about generation of investment returns.

For the fourth-quarter, IAC reported a loss of $1.01 Billion, or $7.94 per share, a sharp contrast when compared to the earnings of $222.8 Million, or $1.57 per share, that were reported for 2008's last three months.