LendingTree reports Q4 adjusted EPS $1.16, consensus 53c

Reports Q4 revenue $261.5M, consensus $238.12M. “We are thrilled to report the company’s Q4 performance was well above the high end of our guidance range, showcasing the strength of our diversification,” said Doug Lebda, CEO. “Our Insurance business delivered another outstanding quarter with revenue growth of 188% compared to the prior year period. Looking forward, we expect another solid year of AEBITDA growth in 2025 on continued revenue strength and operating expense discipline.” Scott Peyree, COO, commented, “Our business has returned to broad-based growth. The exceptional Q4 performance in Insurance was powered by record revenue along with a four-percentage point sequential increase in segment margin…We forecast continued revenue growth across all three of our segments in 2025…” Jason Bengel, CFO, added, “Our financial profile improved materially in 2024 with net leverage ending the year at 3.5x, a decline from 5.3x at year-end 2023. Our forecast anticipates further improvement in our leverage profile this year, which we intend to utilize to lower our cost of capital and improve free cashflow conversion for shareholders. We have also made steady progress managing the fixed costs of the business. Expense discipline is a core focus for the company. We anticipate the forecasted level of operating expense can drive scalable revenue growth going forward.”