Match Group Announces Manuel Bronstein and Raina Moskowitz to Join Board of Directors [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationLOS ANGELES, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) announced today that seasoned technology executives Manuel Bronstein and Raina Moskowitz are expected to join the Company's Board of Directors in connection with the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Bronstein and Moskowitz were identified through a deliberate and thorough search process."As we continue to stre ...

Core Viewpoint - Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH) is positioned for growth in the online dating sector, with a price target of $37 set by Cowen & Co., indicating a potential upside of 20.88% from its current price of $30.61 [1][6] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Match Group reported earnings per share of $1.06, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate by nearly 5%, representing a 29.3% increase year over year [2][6] - Revenues for the quarter increased by 2.1% year over year to $878 million, surpassing expectations by 0.74% [3][6] Growth Drivers - Hinge significantly contributed to revenue growth, with direct revenues rising by 26.3% year over year and the number of payers increasing by 16.5% [3][6] Cost Management - Despite a 5.3% decline in overall payers, Match Group improved its adjusted EBITDA margin to 42.1% as costs decreased by 6.8% [4] - On an FX-neutral basis, revenues remained flat year over year at $860.2 million, with direct revenues at $860.3 million, marking a 1.8% increase [4] Market Activity - Currently, MTCH is trading at $30.61, reflecting a 5.92% increase or $1.71, with a market capitalization of approximately $7.23 billion [5]

Core Insights - Match Group (MTCH) reported Q4 2025 earnings of $1.06 per share, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.95% and showing a 29.3% increase year-over-year [1] - Revenues reached $878 million, a 2.1% year-over-year growth, also surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.74% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Direct revenues were $860.3 million, up 1.8% year-over-year, while indirect revenues rose to $17.7 million, a 19.6% increase from the previous year [2] - Hinge was a key driver of revenue growth, with direct revenues increasing by 26.3% year-over-year [2] User Metrics - The total number of payers decreased by 5.3% year-over-year to 13.8 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.29% [3] - Revenue per payer (RPP) increased by 7.4% year-over-year to $20.72, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.91% [3] Segment Performance - Tinder's direct revenues fell by 2.6% year-over-year to $463.8 million, but still surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.51% [3] - Hinge revenues grew by 26.3% year-over-year to $186.5 million, with payers increasing by 16.5% to 1.9 million [4] Regional Performance - Match Group Asia's direct revenues declined by 1.5% year-over-year to $65.6 million, with payers increasing by 3.4% to 1.0 million [5] - Evergreen and Emerging revenues decreased by 6.8% year-over-year to $144.5 million, despite an 8.3% gain in RPP [6] Operating Metrics - Total operating costs and expenses were 67.6% of revenues, decreasing by 6.8% year-over-year to $593.3 million [7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $369.8 million, up 14.2% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.1%, expanding by 450 basis points [7] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Match Group had cash and short-term investments of $1.0 billion, down from $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2025 [8] - Long-term debt was reported at $4.0 billion, a decrease from $4.1 billion [8] Share Repurchase - In Q4 2025, Match Group repurchased 7.3 million shares for $239 million, with $959 million in aggregate value of shares available under the current repurchase program as of January 31, 2026 [9] Guidance - For Q1 2026, Match Group expects revenues of $850-$860 million, indicating 2-3% year-over-year growth [10] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $315 to $320 million, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase [10] - For the full year 2026, revenues are expected to be between $3.410 to $3.535 billion, roughly flat year-over-year at the midpoint [11]

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Industry Shift - A significant change is occurring in the tech industry, with investors moving away from software and internet stocks towards semiconductor and chip stocks that are benefiting from the data center boom [1] Analyst Background - Gary Alexander has extensive experience in covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, providing insights into current industry trends [1] - He has been a contributor on Seeking Alpha since 2017 and has been featured in various web publications, with his articles reaching popular trading apps like Robinhood [1]

Core Insights - Match Group reported revenue of $878.01 million for Q4 2025, a year-over-year increase of 2.1%, with an EPS of $1.06 compared to $0.82 a year ago, exceeding both revenue and EPS estimates [1] Financial Performance - The revenue surprise was +0.74% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $871.59 million, while the EPS surprise was +5.37% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.01 [1] - Match Group's stock has returned -2.8% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.8% change, and currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [3] Key Metrics - Tinder payers were reported at 8.77 million, slightly below the estimated 8.82 million, while total payers were 13.84 million, also below the estimate of 14.02 million [4] - Revenue Per Payer (RPP) for total was $20.72, exceeding the estimate of $20.33, while Tinder's RPP was $17.63, above the estimate of $17.25 [4] - Direct Revenue from Tinder was $464 million, surpassing the estimate of $457.11 million but showing a -2.5% change year-over-year [4] - Indirect Revenue was reported at $18 million, exceeding the estimate of $16.2 million, reflecting a +20% change year-over-year [4] - Direct Revenue from Hinge was $186 million, below the estimate of $192.2 million, but showed a +25.7% year-over-year change [4] - Total Direct Revenue was $860 million, slightly above the average estimate of $854.26 million, representing a +1.8% year-over-year change [4]

Match Group (MTCH) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.06 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.82 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +5.37%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this media and internet company would post earnings of $0.91 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.82, delivering a surprise of -9.89%.Over the last four quarter ...

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - In 2025, Match Group achieved total revenue of $3.5 billion, flat year-over-year, and generated over $1 billion in free cash flow, returning nearly $800 million through share buybacks and $200 million in dividends, reducing diluted shares outstanding by 7% year-over-year [4][20][25] - For Q4 2025, total revenue was $878 million, up 2% year-over-year, with Adjusted EBITDA of $370 million, up 14%, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% [19][20] - Tinder's Q4 direct revenue was $464 million, down 3%, while Hinge's Q4 direct revenue was $186 million, up 26% [21][22] Business Line Performance - Tinder's full-year direct revenue was $1.9 billion, down 4%, while Hinge's full-year direct revenue was $691 million, up 26% [21][22] - Emerging and Evergreen (E&E) direct revenue in Q4 was $145 million, down 7%, and Match Group Asia's direct revenue was $66 million, down 2% [22][23] - Hinge's MAU grew nearly 50% year-over-year in 2025, with expectations to deliver over $100 million in direct revenue in 2026 from European expansion markets [14][15] Market Performance - In Q4, MAU trends improved in 15 countries, with significant improvements in South Korea and Japan, indicating a positive shift in user engagement [49][50] - New registration trends improved significantly, with a decline of only 5% year-over-year in Q4 compared to a 12% decline in Q2 [8][49] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on a three-phase transformation: reset, revitalize, and drive resurgence, with a strong emphasis on user outcomes and product improvements [3][4] - The strategy includes a significant marketing shift towards bottom-of-funnel performance marketing, leveraging user-generated content to enhance brand perception [42][72] - Hinge is positioned as a leader in the focused dating space, with plans for continued international expansion and product innovation [14][67] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround efforts at Tinder, with early indicators showing improvements in user engagement and retention [10][18] - The company expects flat total revenue in 2026, with continued strong growth at Hinge and challenges in other segments [28][29] - Management highlighted the importance of AI in enhancing user experience and safety, which is expected to drive long-term growth [18][32] Other Important Information - The company plans to host its first-ever product event for Tinder in March 2026 to showcase upcoming features and innovations [11] - A cash dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, representing a 5% increase from the previous dividend [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Early learnings from Project Aurora and its impact on user metrics - Management shared that Project Aurora in Australia led to significant improvements in user metrics, including Sparks and MAU, indicating effective product changes and marketing strategies [40][41] Question: Drivers of MAU improvements in various countries - Management attributed MAU improvements to enhancements in recommendation algorithms, marketing efforts, and features like Double Date and FaceCheck [50] Question: Measuring relevance for women and its impact on user retention - Management noted that improvements in features aimed at women, such as Double Date, have led to higher retention rates and increased MAU among female users [58][59] Question: Timeline for seeing improvements in payers following user engagement metrics - Management expects improvements in payer trends to follow the positive changes in MAU and registration metrics throughout 2026 [61] Question: Insights on the leadership transition at Hinge and portfolio strategy - Management confirmed a seamless transition in Hinge's leadership and emphasized the potential for growth in the focused dating segment, with ongoing exploration of new concepts and acquisitions [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Match Group reported total revenue of $878 million, up 2% year-over-year, and flat on a foreign exchange neutral basis [19] - For the full year 2025, total revenue was $3.5 billion, flat both as-reported and FXM [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $370 million, up 14%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% [20] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EBITDA was $1.2 billion, down 1%, representing a margin of 35% [20] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $1 billion, with a significant portion returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tinder's Q4 direct revenue was $464 million, down 3%, with payers declining 8% to 8.8 million [21] - Hinge's Q4 direct revenue was $186 million, up 26%, with payers increasing 17% to 1.9 million [21] - E&E's Q4 direct revenue was $145 million, down 7%, with payers down 14% to 2.1 million [22] - Match Group Asia's Q4 direct revenue was $66 million, down 2% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Globally, new registration trends improved significantly, with a decline of only 5% year-over-year in Q4 compared to a 12% decline in Q2 [8] - Monthly Active Users (MAU) declined 9% year-over-year in Q4, an improvement from a 10% decline in Q3 [8] - In 15 countries, MAU declines improved by at least 2 points, representing about one-third of Tinder's global MAU [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a three-phase transformation: reset, revitalize, and drive resurgence, with user outcomes prioritized [3] - Tinder's product roadmap for 2026 aims to address Gen Z pain points, focusing on relevance, match quality, and safety [10] - Hinge is expanding into new markets, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and India, with strong user growth and revenue momentum [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects Tinder's direct revenue declines in 2026 to be similar to 2025 due to ongoing product changes [5] - The company anticipates continued strong direct revenue growth at Hinge while facing headwinds in other segments [5] - Management is optimistic about the turnaround at Tinder, citing improvements in user engagement metrics [9] Other Important Information - The company plans to host its first-ever product event for Tinder in March 2026 to showcase upcoming features and innovations [11] - A cash dividend of $0.20 per share has been declared, representing a 5% increase from the previous dividend [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Early learnings from Project Aurora and its impact on user metrics - Management shared that Australia saw significant improvements in user metrics due to product enhancements and marketing strategies [40][41] Question: Engagement improvements in 15 countries - Management noted that improvements in recommendation algorithms, Double Date, FaceCheck, and marketing contributed to MAU growth in key countries [49][50] Question: Measuring relevance for women and its impact on payers - Management highlighted that initiatives like Double Date have improved female user engagement and retention, which is expected to translate into payer growth over time [58][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Match Group reported total revenue of $878 million, up 2% year-over-year, and flat on a foreign exchange neutral basis [19] - For the full year 2025, total revenue was $3.5 billion, flat both as-reported and FXM [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $370 million, up 14%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% [20] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $1.2 billion, down 1%, representing a margin of 35% [20] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $1 billion, with a significant portion returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tinder's Q4 direct revenue was $464 million, down 3%, with payers declining 8% to 8.8 million [21] - Hinge's Q4 direct revenue was $186 million, up 26%, with payers increasing 17% to 1.9 million [22] - E&E's Q4 direct revenue was $145 million, down 7%, with payers down 14% to 2.1 million [23] - Match Group Asia's Q4 direct revenue was $66 million, down 2% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Globally, new registration trends improved significantly, with a decline of only 5% year-over-year in Q4 compared to a 12% decline in Q2 [6] - Monthly active users (MAU) were down 9% year-over-year in Q4, an improvement from a 10% decline in Q3 [7] - In 15 countries, MAU declines improved by at least 2 points, representing about one-third of Tinder's global MAU [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a three-phase transformation: reset, revitalize, and drive resurgence, with an emphasis on user outcomes [3] - Tinder's product roadmap for 2026 aims to address Gen Z pain points, focusing on relevance, match quality, and user safety [10] - Hinge is expanding into new markets, including Latin America and Asia, with strong user growth and revenue momentum [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects Tinder's direct revenue declines in 2026 to be similar to 2025 due to ongoing product changes [5] - The company anticipates relatively flat total revenue year-over-year in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA margins in line with the previous year [5] - Management is optimistic about the turnaround efforts at Tinder, citing improvements in user engagement metrics [9][10] Other Important Information - The company plans to host its first-ever product event for Tinder in March 2026 to showcase upcoming features and innovations [11] - A cash dividend of $0.20 per share has been declared, representing a 5% increase from the previous dividend [27] - The company expects free cash flow of $1.085 billion to $1.135 billion in 2026, an 8% year-over-year increase [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Early learnings from Project Aurora and its impact on user metrics - Management shared that improvements in Australia showed positive trends in Sparks and MAU, indicating effective product changes and marketing strategies [39][40] Question: Engagement improvements in 15 countries - Management noted that improvements in recommendation algorithms, Double Date, FaceCheck, and marketing efforts contributed to MAU growth in key countries [48] Question: Measuring relevance for women and its impact on payers - Management highlighted that initiatives like Double Date have significantly improved female user engagement and retention, which is expected to translate into payer growth over time [56][59]