Match Group Beats Q4 Estimates but Issues Weak Guidance
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 03 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MTCH?
Source: CNBC
- Earnings Beat: Match Group reported Q4 earnings per share of 83 cents, surpassing the expected 70 cents, with revenue of $878 million also exceeding the $871 million forecast, indicating resilience in financial performance despite challenges.
- Weak Guidance: The company issued a cautious revenue forecast for 2026, projecting between $3.41 billion and $3.54 billion, which falls short of the $3.59 billion expected by analysts, reflecting concerns about future growth prospects.
- Strategic Investments: Match has allocated $60 million for AI and product rollouts at Tinder, which will create a 1.5-point headwind to near-term monetization but is expected to enhance user experience and drive long-term growth.
- User Decline: The number of paying users fell 5% year-over-year to 13.8 million, missing the 14.1 million estimate, with Tinder experiencing an 8% decline in paying users, highlighting ongoing challenges in user growth.
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Analyst Views on MTCH
Wall Street analysts forecast MTCH stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
8 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 29.920
Low
33.00
Averages
37.17
High
49.00
Current: 29.920
Low
33.00
Averages
37.17
High
49.00
About MTCH
Match Group, Inc., through its portfolio companies, is a provider of digital technologies designed to help people make connections. The Company’s global portfolio of brands includes Tinder, Hinge, Match, Meetic, OkCupid, Pairs, Plenty Of Fish, Azar, BLK, and more, each built to increase its users' likelihood of connecting with others. Its segments include Tinder, Hinge, Evergreen & Emerging, and MG Asia. Tinder is an online dating platform with swipe technology. It offers Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, or Tinder Platinum subscriptions. Hinge is an application focused on millennial and younger generations in English-speaking countries and several other European markets. It offers two premium subscriptions: Hinge+ and HingeX. MG Asia brands primarily focus on serving various Asian and Middle Eastern markets. MG Asia's brands are Azar and The Pairs. Match is an online dating application, and Meetic, a European online dating brand, are included in the Evergreen & Emerging segment.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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