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Match Group (MTCH)
NASDAQ:MTCH

Match Group (MTCH) AI Stock Analysis

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MTCH

Match Group

(NASDAQ:MTCH)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$33.00
▲(3.68% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/19/26
MTCH scores as a solid cash-flow business with attractive valuation, supported by guidance for stronger EBITDA and free cash flow. The score is held back by balance-sheet risk (high debt and negative equity) and weak technical momentum, alongside continued near-term pressure at Tinder and other segments.
Positive Factors
Free cash flow strength
Consistently high operating and free cash flow (2025 FCF > $1B with ~90% conversion) underpins durable capital returns, debt servicing and reinvestment. Strong cash generation supports buybacks/dividends and gives flexibility to fund product investment during multi-quarter turnarounds.
Hinge: high-growth, high-margin brand
Hinge is a durable growth driver: double-digit top-line growth, expanding payers and strong mid-30s EBITDA margins diversify Match’s revenue mix. Its rapid international MAU expansion and scalable economics make Hinge a long-term structural offset to Tinder volatility and a lever for future margin accretion.
Trust & safety product moat
Effective safety tools (FaceCheck) materially reduce fraud/bad-actor interactions, improving user experience and long-term retention. This strengthens marketplace quality, mitigates regulatory risk, and creates a defensible product advantage that supports sustainable payer rates and lifetime value.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage and negative equity
High gross leverage and persistently negative equity reduce financial flexibility and increase refinancing and covenant risk if cash flow weakens. This structural balance-sheet profile constrains strategic optionality (M&A, sustained buybacks) and raises downside vulnerability in adverse cycles.
Tinder usage and revenue weakness
Tinder remains the largest revenue engine but shows sustained MAU and payer declines, signaling structural engagement headwinds. Persistent shrinkage of the core app pressures long-term revenue growth and increases reliance on other brands and product fixes to restore topline and monetization.
Revenue variability from product/regulatory shifts
Guidance embeds material assumptions tied to legal and platform outcomes; alternative payment and app-store rulings create execution risk. If favorable outcomes don't materialize, targeted savings and FCF could fall short, making cash-return plans and leverage targets more difficult to sustain over multiple quarters.

Match Group (MTCH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Match Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMatch Group, Inc. provides dating products worldwide. The company's portfolio of brands includes Tinder, Match, Meetic, OkCupid, Hinge, Pairs, PlentyOfFish, and OurTime, as well as a various other brands. The company was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Dallas, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyMatch Group generates revenue primarily through subscription services and in-app purchases across its dating platforms. The company offers premium membership options that provide users with enhanced features, such as unlimited swiping on Tinder or advanced search capabilities on Match.com. Additionally, Match Group earns revenue from advertising on its platforms, leveraging its large user base to attract advertisers looking to reach specific demographics. Significant partnerships with payment processors and advertising networks also contribute to its revenue. The company's ability to innovate and introduce new features, along with strategic acquisitions of complementary brands, plays a crucial role in sustaining its earnings and expanding its market presence.

Match Group Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Shows where Match Group earns its revenue globally, highlighting regions with strong performance and potential areas for expansion or risk.
Chart InsightsMatch Group's revenue in the Americas and Europe has shown robust growth, with recent quarters indicating a strong recovery, especially in Europe. The earnings call highlights a solid start to the peak dating season and innovative product initiatives, which are expected to drive further growth. However, challenges remain with Tinder's revenue growth and FX impacts. Despite these hurdles, the company is optimistic about leveraging AI and new monetization strategies to enhance user experience and foster revenue growth, aiming for margin expansion and shareholder value through dividends and share repurchases.
Data provided by:The Fly

Match Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 03, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed cautious optimism: the company reported strong profitability, >$1B free cash flow, aggressive capital returns, and standout growth at Hinge, while providing clear plans and early positive product signals for Tinder's turnaround (improved sparks, spark coverage, registrations). At the same time, near-term revenue pressure persists at Tinder, affinity brands (E and E), and parts of Asia (Azar/Turkey), and the company is accepting short-term revenue trade-offs for long-term user outcome improvements. Guidance implies roughly flat 2026 revenue but continued strong margins and higher free cash flow, reflecting a deliberate, capital-efficient repositioning of the business.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Q4 and Full-Year Profitability
Q4 total revenue was $878M, up 2% (flat FXN), and adjusted EBITDA was $370M, up 14% with a 42% margin; full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA was $1.2B (down 1%) but margin excluding discrete items would have been 38%, above prior target.
Robust Free Cash Flow and Capital Return
Generated over $1.0B of free cash flow in 2025; returned capital via ~$789M of share buybacks (24.7M shares) and ~$186M of dividends for the year; diluted shares outstanding reduced by 7% year-over-year.
Hinge: Rapid Growth and Margin Expansion
Hinge Q4 direct revenue $186M, up 26% (24% FXN); payers up 17% to 1.9M; RPP up 8% to $32.96; Q4 adjusted EBITDA $67M, up 54% with a 36% margin; full-year revenue $691M, up 26% and adjusted EBITDA up 36%.
Early Product Signal Improvements at Tinder
Leading indicators improved: global sparks decline narrowed from down 11% (Dec 2024) to down 5% (Dec 2025); spark coverage moved from down 1% to up 4% year-over-year; new registrations improved from down 12% (Q2) to down 5% (Q4).
Effective Trust & Safety Initiatives
FaceCheck rollout has led to a >50% reduction in interactions with bad actors in markets where deployed, with only a minimal revenue impact after iteration (initial revenue hit reduced from ~10% to ~1% in one example).
Strong Cash Position and Leverage
Ended Q4 with $1.0B cash, trailing twelve-month gross leverage 3.2x and net leverage 2.4x; guidance targets continued strong free cash flow ($1.085B–$1.135B for 2026, ~+8% YoY).
Geographic and Product Expansion Momentum
Hinge European expansion: over 3.3M MAU in expansion markets (up from 200k at launch) and nearly 50% YoY MAU growth in Europe in 2025; Hinge launched in Mexico and Brazil with early results exceeding expectations and India MAU over 1M, up 40% YoY organically.
Negative Updates
Tinder Revenue and MAU Pressure
Tinder Q4 direct revenue $464M, down 3% (down 5% FXN); full-year Tinder direct revenue $1.9B, down 4% (down 5% FXN); Tinder MAU was down 9% YoY in Q4 and payers declined 8% to 8.8M.
Short-Term Revenue Trade-Offs from Product Changes
Company expects continued Tinder direct revenue declines in 2026 similar to 2025 due to product changes focused on user outcomes; guidance assumes ~1.5–3 point headwind from user experience tests and face check rollout (e.g., $6M negative impact in Q4, less than prior expectations).
E and E (Affinity Brands) Weakness
E and E Q4 direct revenue $145M, down 7% (down 9% FXN); payers down 14% to 2.1M; full-year direct revenue down 8% (down 9% FXN) and adjusted EBITDA down 18%, reflecting audience headwinds in affinity brands.
Match Group Asia Challenges
Match Group Asia full-year direct revenue $267M, down 6% (down 5% FXN); Azar is blocked in Turkey, contributing to expected high-single-digit declines in 2026 for the region and a three-point FX headwind to Asia revenue in guidance.
Guidance: Flat Top-Line and Indirect Revenue Pressure
Full-year 2026 total revenue guidance of $3.41B–$3.535B (approximately flat YoY at midpoint); company expects indirect revenue to decline in the mid-teens percent and sees constrained near-term revenue cadence (Q1 guide $850M–$860M, FXN down 1% to flat).
Regulatory and Alternative Payment Uncertainty
Savings from alternative payment initiatives are modeled into guidance (~$110M), but outcomes depend on evolving litigation and App Store policy changes (e.g., Epic v. Apple), creating earnings variability risk.
Company Guidance
Match Group guided Q1 2026 total revenue of $850–860M (up 2–3% y/y; a 3.5-point FX tailwind; FX‑neutral down 1% to flat) and adjusted EBITDA of $315–320M (≈15% y/y increase; ~37% margin at the midpoint), with Q1 assuming a $6M negative impact to Tinder direct revenue from user‑experience tests. For full‑year 2026 they expect $3.41–3.535B of total revenue (roughly flat at the midpoint; ~1 point FX tailwind, ~1.5 points headwind from Tinder tests and a 1‑point headwind from FaceCheck), adjusted EBITDA of $1.28–1.325B (≈37.5% margin at the midpoint) and free cash flow of $1.085–1.135B (≈8% y/y, ~85% conversion at midpoint). Segment assumptions include Tinder direct revenue down roughly in line with 2025 (including a 3‑point test headwind and 1‑point FaceCheck headwind), a $50M increase in Tinder marketing to ~$230M and ~50% Tinder EBITDA margins; Hinge continuing low‑to‑mid‑20% direct revenue growth with mid‑to‑high‑30% EBITDA margins and a $1B 2027 revenue target; E&E down low‑double digits with high‑20% EBITDA margins; and Match Group Asia down high‑single digits (plus a 3‑point FX headwind) with low‑to‑mid‑20% EBITDA margins. They also assume roughly $110M of alternative‑payment savings (subject to App Store/legal outcomes), SBC of $250–260M, CapEx $55–65M, an ~19% tax rate, continued capital return (buybacks/dividend/net sales of equity using ~100% of FCF), and a target net leverage of 2–3x with ongoing share reduction.

Match Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong cash generation and solid profitability support shareholder returns, but the balance sheet is a major risk: elevated debt and persistently negative equity reduce financial flexibility despite steady revenue.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Revenue has been steady with modest growth recently (2024 up ~3%, 2025 nearly flat), following stronger expansion earlier in the period. Profitability is solid for the industry, with consistently high gross margins (~70%+) and net margins improving into the mid-to-high teens in 2024–2025. A key watch-out is some volatility in operating profitability (EBIT margin peaked in 2023 and softened in 2024–2025), suggesting margin pressure despite stable revenue.
Balance Sheet
34
Negative
Leverage remains elevated with total debt around $3.8–$4.0B across the period. Stockholders’ equity is negative in every year provided, which weakens financial flexibility and makes equity-based leverage and return measures unfavorable. While total assets are relatively stable, the combination of high debt and negative equity increases risk if operating conditions deteriorate or refinancing becomes more expensive.
Cash Flow
86
Very Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: operating cash flow and free cash flow are consistently high, with 2025 free cash flow exceeding $1.0B. Free cash flow closely tracks reported earnings (free cash flow to net income ~0.91–0.95 across years), indicating good earnings quality and conversion. Free cash flow growth is strong in 2025, though year-to-year growth has been uneven historically (including a decline in 2022).
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.49B3.48B3.36B3.19B2.98B
Gross Profit2.54B2.49B2.41B2.23B2.14B
EBITDA999.21M951.63M1.05B566.63M428.04M
Net Income613.45M551.28M651.54M361.95M277.72M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.46B4.47B4.51B4.18B5.06B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.03B970.73M868.64M581.12M827.20M
Total Debt3.97B3.85B3.84B3.84B3.93B
Total Liabilities4.71B4.53B4.53B4.54B5.26B
Stockholders Equity-253.50M-63.66M-19.55M-359.88M-203.77M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.02B882.14M829.38M476.56M832.53M
Operating Cash Flow1.08B932.72M896.79M525.69M912.50M
Investing Cash Flow-46.83M-58.54M-76.58M-71.70M-939.83M
Financing Cash Flow-984.89M-758.30M-534.07M-689.17M111.11M

Match Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price31.83
Price Trends
50DMA
31.80
Positive
100DMA
32.29
Negative
200DMA
32.71
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.24
Negative
RSI
53.46
Neutral
STOCH
40.15
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MTCH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 31.83 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 31.09, above the 50-day MA of 31.80, and below the 200-day MA of 32.71, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.24 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.46 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.15 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MTCH.

Match Group Risk Analysis

Match Group disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Match Group reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Match Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$1.63T27.3930.24%0.32%22.17%-2.66%
67
Neutral
$7.15B12.722.32%-0.46%-2.75%
62
Neutral
$1.01B10.706.57%-4.66%-38.42%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
60
Neutral
$3.16B-29.41-2.29%4.25%-7.60%-160.75%
60
Neutral
$2.47B5.7712.46%8.13%-1.29%22.48%
51
Neutral
$304.40M-1.51-25.34%-7.43%61.36%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MTCH
Match Group
31.83
-0.26
-0.82%
META
Meta Platforms
655.66
-10.37
-1.56%
JOYY
JOYY
62.56
15.96
34.25%
WB
Weibo
10.19
0.60
6.25%
MOMO
Hello Group
6.67
-0.75
-10.11%
BMBL
Bumble
3.03
-2.50
-45.21%

Match Group Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Match Group Adds Tech Leaders to Refresh Board Governance
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 13, 2026, Match Group announced that directors Pamela S. Seymon and Sharmistha Dubey would leave its board at the 2026 annual meeting, with both departures stated as unrelated to any disagreements over company operations, policies or practices. In a February 17, 2026 release, the company said veteran tech executives Manuel Bronstein and Raina Moskowitz are expected to join the board, following a targeted search to bolster product, growth and marketplace expertise.

The planned appointments bring board-level experience from high-growth consumer technology and marketplace businesses such as Roblox, Alphabet, Etsy and The Knot Worldwide, aligning with Match Group’s focus on innovation, user engagement and global expansion. With Bronstein and Moskowitz, Match Group will have added six new directors over two years, signaling an ongoing effort to refresh governance, deepen strategic capabilities and support the company’s transformation agenda while maintaining continuity through an orderly transition from departing board members.

The most recent analyst rating on (MTCH) stock is a Buy with a $37.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Match Group stock, see the MTCH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Match Group Highlights 2025 Results and Raises Dividend
Positive
Feb 3, 2026

On February 3, 2026, Match Group reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that underscored a product-led transformation focused on user outcomes, particularly at flagship apps Tinder and Hinge. For 2025, revenue was flat at $3.5 billion but profitability improved, with net income up 11% to $613 million and an 18% margin, while adjusted EBITDA slipped 1% to $1.2 billion, or 35% margin, in part due to legal and restructuring costs. In the fourth quarter, revenue rose 2% year-on-year to $878 million and net income jumped 32% to $210 million as adjusted EBITDA grew 14% and margins reached 42%, driven by higher revenue per payer offsetting a 5% decline in payers. Operationally, Tinder showed better engagement and safety metrics—with Sparks Coverage up 4% in December and the Face Check verification tool cutting interactions with bad actors by more than half—while Hinge delivered 26% direct revenue growth in Q4, nearly 50% MAU growth in European expansion markets during 2025, and strong traction in new markets such as Mexico and Brazil. Match Group also returned substantial capital to shareholders in 2025, using 108% of free cash flow on share repurchases, dividends and equity award settlements, and its board declared a 5% higher cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on April 21, 2026 to shareholders of record on April 7, 2026, signaling confidence in its multi-brand strategy and roadmap for 2026 despite a flat top line and declining payer base.

The most recent analyst rating on (MTCH) stock is a Buy with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Match Group stock, see the MTCH Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 19, 2026