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LendingTree Rises 9.9% in a Year: Is the Stock Worth Buying Now?
ZACKS· 2025-04-10 17:05
Core Viewpoint - LendingTree, Inc. has shown resilience and growth through diversification and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself well for future profitability despite challenges in the mortgage sector [4][20]. Performance Overview - LendingTree's shares have increased by 9.9% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 7.9% and the S&P 500's rise of 6.8% [1]. - The company has a strong earnings surprise history, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimates in three of the last four quarters [12]. Revenue Diversification - The company has shifted from an overreliance on mortgage lending to a diversified online marketplace, expanding its offerings to include credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, small business loans, and student loans [5][6]. - Non-mortgage revenue streams have experienced a compound annual growth rate of 3.3% over the past three years, indicating successful diversification efforts [7]. Inorganic Growth and Technology Investment - LendingTree has engaged in multiple acquisitions exceeding $1 billion, enhancing its credit services and online lending platform [8]. - The investment in EarnUp, a consumer-facing payments platform, reflects the company's commitment to building a tech-enabled ecosystem for financial health management [9]. Cost Management - The company has implemented cost-containment measures, including headcount reductions and the elimination of less profitable businesses, resulting in a decrease in variable marketing margin from 41.7% in 2023 to 33.8% in 2024 [10]. Earnings Growth and Projections - In Q4 2024, LendingTree reported adjusted EPS of $1.16, a significant increase from 28 cents in the previous year, driven by a 188% year-over-year growth in the Insurance segment [11]. - Earnings are projected to grow by 20.7% in 2025 and 23.6% in 2026, outpacing peers [14][18]. Sales Estimates - For 2025, the company is expected to generate revenues of approximately $1.01 billion, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 11.85% [21]. - The sales growth for 2026 is projected at 5.68% [21]. Valuation - LendingTree is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 10.89X, which is lower than the industry average of 19.19X, indicating it may be undervalued relative to its peers [23].
Best Momentum Stocks to Buy for April 2nd
ZACKS· 2025-04-02 15:00
Group 1: AerSale Corporation (ASLE) - AerSale Corporation provides aftermarket commercial aircraft, engines, and parts and has a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 62.5% over the last 60 days [1] - AerSale's shares gained 23.6% over the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 5.2% [1] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [1] Group 2: Enova International, Inc. (ENVA) - Enova International, Inc. is a technology and analytics company providing online financial services and has a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 6.7% over the last 60 days [2] - Enova's shares gained 0.4% over the last three months, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 5.2% [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of B [2] Group 3: First Hawaiian, Inc. (FHB) - First Hawaiian, Inc. is a bank holding company for First Hawaiian Bank and has a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased by 13.8% over the last 60 days [3] - First Hawaiian's shares gained 8.3% over the last six months, while the S&P 500 declined by 1.2% [3] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of B [3]