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In private equity, pulling a public company off the market requires an alignment of the stars. Buyout shops need a precise playbook:
Predictable cash generation to service debt An equity discount worth exploiting Balance sheet capacity for financial engineering Clear operational levers to pull A check size big enough to actually move the needle for a multi-billion-dollar fund. When a target checks all five boxes, the conversation rapidly shifts from if a deal makes sense to how quickly it can be executed.
Below are four U.S.-listed names screening well against that framework. Each has been beaten down, throws off real free cash flow, and has levers a sponsor could pull.
4. Papa John’s International Papa John’s International (NASDAQ:PZZA) has a market cap of just $998.6 million, and shares closed most recently at $30.35, down 30.0% over the past year. That sub-$1 billion equity check is a rounding error for a mid-market sponsor.
The franchise-heavy model produces a royalty-like revenue stream, with FY26 adjusted EBITDA guided to $200 to $210 million, implying an EV/EBITDA around 11x. Q1 FY26 was weak: revenue fell 7.7% to $478.6 million and free cash flow was negative $6.2 million after refranchising 85 stores. Management targets $30 million in corporate cost savings and $60 million in supply chain savings through 2027, the exact playbook PE runs itself.
Comparable sales in North America down 6.4% represents some risk. Plausible acquirers include Roark Capital or Apollo.
3. Etsy Etsy (NASDAQ:ETSY | ETSY Price Prediction) closed at $80.91, still 61.3% below its 2021 peak despite a 45.9% year-to-date rally. Its forward P/E is 15x, and its EV/EBITDA is 24x.
FY25 free cash flow was $638.75 million on capex of just $54.66 million, a capital-light marketplace profile. The $1.2 billion Depop sale to eBay gives new CEO Kruti Patel Goyal a clean, single-brand focus and a cash position of $1.4 billion. Q1 FY26 GMS grew 5.5%, the second straight quarter of expansion.
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The risk here is consumer discretionary exposure. Silver Lake and Advent are plausible acquirers.
2. Match Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH) checks nearly every box. Shares at $37.40 are 76.5% below their five-year high. The forward P/E is 14x, and EV/EBITDA is 11x, cheap for a business owning Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish.
FY25 operating cash flow was $1.08 billion and free cash flow was $1.02 billion, growing every year since 2022. Hinge revenue jumped 28% to $194 million in Q1 FY26, with a path to $1 billion by 2027. Management returned $975 million to shareholders in FY25. Debt of $4.0 billion is manageable against that FCF. Tinder’s ongoing turnaround is a risk, and Blackstone and KKR are plausible acquirers.
1. Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC) is the textbook take-private candidate. Shares at $25.36 are 54.5% below where they traded a decade ago. The forward P/E is 13x, the price-to-book is 0.73, and the dividend yields 6.3%.
FY25 free cash flow was $3.66 billion, up 15.9%, and Q1 FY26 delivered $766 million in FCF alone. The Heinz, Kraft, Philadelphia, Lunchables, and Ore-Ida brand roster is exactly the moat sponsors underwrite for a decade. New CEO Steve Cahillane bought 213,106 shares at $23.4616 on May 12, 2026. The company paused its previously announced separation, freeing capital for a broader transaction. Analyst sentiment is cautious, with an average target of just $23.97, precisely the setup a sponsor wants: low expectations, high cash generation. Key risks include organic sales guided down 1.5% to 3.5%. Plausible acquirers include 3G Capital and Apollo.
What Happens to Shareholders When a Buyout Hits When a leveraged buyout offer lands, target shareholders typically receive a cash premium of 20% to 40% over the unaffected price. For beaten-down names like Kraft Heinz, where the market has priced in years of underperformance, a take-private premium could deliver in weeks what public-market patience has failed to produce in years. The names above may well test that thesis next.
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Match Group Inc (NASDAQ:MTCH)'s Tinder is showing tentative signs of improving user trends, but Jefferies said it remains too early to call a turnaround.
The brokerage said Match Group's most recent quarter showed early signs of improvement in new user registrations and monthly active user (MAU) declines, a trend that appears to have held up based on third-party MAU and download data.
Jefferies added that Tinder revenue and payers could outperform Street estimates this year if user givebacks come in lower than budgeted.
Still, the firm cautioned that it does not view recent product changes as materially altering Tinder's trajectory.
Jefferies is modeling Match Group's second-quarter total revenue down 1% year-over-year and Tinder payers down 110,000 quarter-over-quarter, largely in line with Street estimates and guidance. The firm sees possible upside toward the high end of guidance if a guided roughly $20 million Azar headwind and roughly $10 million Tinder UX testing impact prove less severe than expected.
Third-quarter revenue is expected to worsen to down 2% year-over-year as Tinder user givebacks pick up in the second half, with Jefferies modeling a 5% year-over-year decline in Tinder payers for the rest of the year. The firm noted Match Group still has roughly $45 million of givebacks budgeted after using less than expected earlier in the year, meaning payer declines could be more modest than expected if givebacks again come in below plan.
Jefferies also continues to expect revenue pressure from Azar's lower-monetizing relaunch over coming quarters.
While Match Group is targeting flat Tinder MAU growth by the end of 2027, Jefferies said it remains skeptical that incremental changes like branding refreshes and feature launches can drive a durable turnaround.
Jefferies called recent Tinder product changes, including Double Date, Astrology Mode and new event formats, helpful but still early. It does not expect the recent Tinder rebrand to materially shift user growth trends.
The firm remains concerned about structural challenges in the dating category and made no changes to its estimates. Its price target is based on 8x FY27 EBITDA, with a Hold rating and $35 price target on the stock.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) will release financial results for the second quarter 2026 on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 after-market close. The company will host its quarterly conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 p.m. ET on the same day.
A live webcast of the conference call, along with supplemental investor materials, can be accessed at https://ir.mtch.com. A replay of the webcast will be available through the same link following the conference call.
Match Group About Match Group
Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Hinge®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, Azar®, BLK®, and more, each built to increase our users' likelihood of connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.
SummaryMatch Group remains a Buy, with valuation still implying a significant discount even after a 20% rally.MTCH posted strong Q1 results: 4% revenue growth, a 42% net income increase, and a 25% higher Adj. EBITDA, despite a 5% decline in payers.Tinder's user decline is offset by price hikes, but Hinge's 15% YoY growth and international expansion are key future drivers while they work on their pillar's turnaround.Solid balance sheet, robust cash flow, and ongoing turnaround efforts position MTCH well for industry growth despite macro and competitive risks.Jonathan Kitchen/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Introduction During my last coverage of Match Group (MTCH), I upgraded it to a Strong Buy, initiating a position not long afterwards as the re-rating setup was too compelling to ignore at that point, with
3.17K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of MTCH either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Match Group (MTCH) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
Match Group has a long history in the dating app space, being the parent company behind popular apps like Tinder and Hinge as well as legacy sites like Match.com. The stock has been hammered over the past five years as the market seems to rerate dating app stocks. But now I think MTCH provides value in two ways. Match is a cash-generating slow-grower, with underrated network effects giving it pricing power. And with new CEO Spencer Rascoff at the helm, the Tinder turnaround effort provides potential for upside.
On June 17, 2026, Match Group Inc MTCH shares fell 3.4% to $35.30, continuing a mixed performance over the past month. The stock has traded in a 52-week range between $28.81 and $39.20.
GF Value™ verdict: shares are currently priced at $35.30, which is 6.9% below the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90.GF Score™ of 82/100 indicates a strong overall performance across key financial metrics.Notable signal: insider activity shows that insiders sold $0.2M in the last 3 months, with no buying reported. Is MTCH Overvalued or Undervalued? Match Group Inc is currently trading at $35.30, which is below the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90, suggesting that the stock is undervalued by approximately 6.9%. This margin of safety may present a buying opportunity for investors looking for stocks with solid fundamentals but trading below intrinsic value. The GF Valuation label indicates that the stock is fairly valued, which aligns with the current market environment but also highlights potential growth opportunities given the undervaluation relative to its estimated intrinsic value.
GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with investing in a company with a Financial Strength rating of 4/10, indicating potential weaknesses in its balance sheet and overall financial health.
How Does MTCH's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 13.5x 18.6x Forward P/E 13.3x N/A The current P/E (TTM) of 13.5x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.6x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the view that MTCH is undervalued in relation to its historical performance.
What Does MTCH's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 82/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 6/10 Valuation 9/10 Momentum 8/10 The GF Score™ of 82/100 suggests that Match Group Inc has strong fundamentals, particularly in the areas of profitability and valuation, where it scored 8/10 and 9/10, respectively. However, the Financial Strength score of 4/10 indicates that the company may face challenges in maintaining a robust financial position, which could be a concern for long-term investors.
What Are Insiders Doing with MTCH Stock? Recent insider activity shows that insiders sold $0.2M worth of shares in the last three months, with no buying activity reported. This pattern may suggest a lack of confidence from insiders in the short-term outlook of the company, which could be a red flag for potential investors. However, it is also important to note that insider selling does not always indicate negative sentiment, as it may be part of personal financial planning or diversification strategies.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Match Group Inc MTCH appears to be undervalued at the current price of $35.30, which is 6.9% lower than the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90. However, potential investors should consider the company's financial strength indicators and recent insider selling when evaluating their investment decisions.
For the complete analysis, visit the Match Group Inc MTCH stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is MTCH's GF Score™?
MTCH has a GF Score™ of 82/100, indicating strong overall performance across key financial metrics, which suggests a favorable long-term outlook.
Is MTCH overvalued or undervalued?
MTCH is currently undervalued, with a GF Value™ estimate of $37.90 compared to its current price of $35.30, representing a 6.9% upside potential.
What is MTCH's P/E ratio?
MTCH's P/E ratio is 13.5x, which is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.6x, suggesting the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Kevin Warsh just had his first meeting as the new Federal Reserve chairman. In what was a highly anticipated decision, the world's most powerful central bank chose unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged within a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
Half of the meeting's participants also expect at least one rate hike in 2026. This is unwelcome news for investors who were hoping for a more accommodative interest rate policy. Blame it on elevated inflation levels.
But Costco Wholesale (COST 1.29%) shareholders aren't worried. Here is one clear reason why the Fed's moves are no match for this top retail stock.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Consumers always want low prices Costco is such an unbelievably resilient business that it really doesn't matter what stance central bankers are taking. Whether rates are rising or falling, the consumers who shop at the company's warehouses want low prices on high-quality goods. This will always be the case.
Just this decade, there have been multiple examples of this company continuing to perform at a high level regardless of the macro situation.
When the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the global economy in 2020, most retailers were devastated. Costco, on the other hand, shone. In fiscal 2020 (ended Aug. 30, 2020), it reported same-store sales (SSS) growth of 7.7%. Households were able to rely on Costco's warehouses as one-stop shops to get all of their essentials.
In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve embarked on an aggressive pace of raising interest rates to combat surging inflation. Costco was unfazed. SSS grew 14.4% and 3% in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
Even in today's climate, as May's Consumer Price Index reached a level not seen in three years due to the Middle East conflict, Costco keeps humming along. During the four-week period that ended May 31, the business posted an SSS gain of 12.5%. Even excluding changes in gas prices and foreign exchange, this key metric rose 8%.
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Stability might be why shares are always expensive If you're an investor who's concerned about the highly uncertain economic environment, then it's natural to wonder if you should buy Costco shares right now. Owning the stock can add some peace of mind. Even with shares trading 13% off their peak, though, I'm not sure adding the business to your portfolio is a smart move.
Costco's stable financial performance might be the main reason the stock is always expensive. The market is asking investors to pay a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.9. Despite the company's consistent SSS growth, that's a steep valuation that offers no margin of safety.
Eligible Customers May Receive Up to $1,000 to Pay Past‑Due Bills
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Match My Payment Program has provided nearly $30 million in matching payments to help more than 78,000 customers catch up on past-due energy bills since the program began one year ago. Limited funds are still available for a short time.
PG&E launched the Match My Payment Program last June, offering a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $1,000 for qualifying low-to moderate-income customers to pay past-due energy bills to stop service disconnections.
In 2026, PG&E expanded its bill relief efforts by committing $50 million to support programs including Match My Payment and PG&E's Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH). REACH provides income-eligible customers with a bill credit of up to $800 based on the past-due balance. The emergency assistance is available for customers with a disconnection notice.
"PG&E Match My Payment provides meaningful support for many customers whose incomes don't typically qualify for other assistance, said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. "The strong response over the past year shows the difference a dollar‑for‑dollar match can make for families who are behind on their energy bills."
Since 2025, the three counties with the highest number of approved applications and funding include Fresno, Kern, and San Joaquin. In these three counties combined, PG&E has distributed more than $12.5 million in bill assistance.
PG&E Match My Payment recipients can receive multiple matches throughout the year by paying at least $50 toward a past-due balance of $100 or more. Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines. For example, a family of four earning less than $132,000 annually may qualify. This is double the income limit of the PG&E REACH program.
Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply while funds last. PG&E works with the nonprofit Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) to process applications.
Coordinated Support for REACH Recipients
Customers who receive up to $800 in a REACH grant may also qualify for up to $1,000 through Match My Payment, for combined support of up to $1,800, or while funds last. Eligibility for PG&E's REACH program follows federal income guidelines, which are lower than those for the PG&E Match My Payment Program.
Other Income-eligible Assistance Programs
Customers are also encouraged to check if they qualify for PG&E's other assistance programs including:
California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE): provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and 35% or more on electricity (compared to non-CARE bundled customers). Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): eligibility guidelines provide a monthly discount of 18% on electricity, regardless of household size. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. Payments may vary by location and funding availability. Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers. Customers may also qualify for Medical Baseline, which offers an additional allotment of energy at the lower baseline rate or a discount on rate plans without baselines, and priority shutoff notifications for those who depend on power for certain medical needs. Enrollment requires certification by a qualified medical practitioner.
To learn more about PG&E's assistance programs, use the free Savings Finder tool or visit pge.com/billhelp.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news
On June 15, 2026, Match Group Inc MTCH shares rose 3.0% today, currently trading at $35.96. Over the past week, the stock has gained 5.2% and is up 12.7% year-to-date. The stock has fluctuated between a 52-week high of $39.20 and a low of $28.81.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $35.96 vs GF Value™ of $37.90, indicating a 5.1% undervaluation.GF Score™: 82/100 (Strong), suggesting strong potential for long-term returns.Most notable signal: Insider activity shows $0.2 million in insider sales over the last 3 months with no buying activity. Is MTCH Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, Match Group Inc MTCH is currently undervalued, with a current price of $35.96 compared to a GF Value™ of $37.90, reflecting a margin of safety of 5.1%. This undervaluation presents an opportunity for investors looking for potential gains. However, it is important to consider the GF Valuation label, which indicates that the stock is fairly valued despite the current price being below its intrinsic value. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
While the stock appears to be undervalued, potential investors should be cautious of market volatility and the company's historical performance. The overall market sentiment and individual company performance can greatly impact future price movements.
How Does MTCH's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 13.7x 18.8x Forward P/E 13.5x N/A Match Group's current P/E (TTM) of 13.7x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.8x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average. The forward P/E of 13.5x also supports this observation. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, suggesting that MTCH is undervalued relative to its historical performance.
What Does MTCH's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 82 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 6/10 Valuation 10/10 Momentum 8/10 The GF Score™ of 82/100 indicates that Match Group has strong potential for long-term returns. The strongest area is the Valuation rank at 10/10, suggesting that the stock is priced attractively compared to its intrinsic value. On the other hand, the Financial Strength rank of 4/10 indicates potential weaknesses in this area, which could pose risks for investors looking for stability.
What Are Insiders Doing with MTCH Stock? In the past three months, insiders sold approximately $0.2 million worth of shares with no reported buying activity. This trend of selling could suggest a lack of confidence in the company's short-term prospects or a reallocation of personal investments. However, without any buying activity, it remains unclear whether insiders believe the current price presents an attractive investment opportunity.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™, Match Group Inc MTCH is currently undervalued. Despite its potential for growth, investors should consider the broader market context and the company's financial health before making any decisions.
For the complete analysis, visit the Match Group Inc MTCH stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is MTCH's GF Score™?
MTCH has a GF Score™ of 82/100, indicating strong potential for long-term returns based on its fundamental strengths.
Is MTCH overvalued or undervalued?
MTCH is currently undervalued according to the GF Value™, suggesting there may be an opportunity for growth based on its intrinsic value.
What is MTCH's P/E ratio?
The current P/E (TTM) ratio for MTCH is 13.7x, which is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.8x, indicating the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Perhaps lost in the shuffle of the June 11 risk-on equity market rally -- one fueled in part by the White House saying it nixed military strikes against Iran -- was the May reading of the Producer Price Index (PPI) released early in the day.
The report wasn't pretty. It showed a 1.1% increase, meaning the wholesale inflation rate over the prior 12 months was 6.5%, the highest level since November 2022. Typically, companies' higher input costs are passed on to shoppers, suggesting some vulnerability for consumer staples stocks. That's not the case across the board. Just look at Coca-Cola (KO +0.11%).
Coca-Cola is one consumer stock with buffers against rising producer prices. Image source: Getty Images.
Outpacing the S&P 500 by a margin of more than 2-to-1 this year, the beverage stock hit a 52-week high the day before the PPI report. That's not a coincidence. Rather, it's a testament to Coca-Cola's execution prowess amid a tough operating climate.
Not just a pricing power story As noted above, companies across a variety of industries often raise prices on customers to offset higher producer costs. Due to its enviable brand recognition and status as the purveyor of multiple premium soft drink brands, Coca-Cola could probably get away with some price hikes to soften the blow of elevated input costs. Still, the company isn't leaning on that option.
That's to the benefit of both investors and shoppers, because rival PepsiCo went down that road and lost billions of dollars in sales as cost-sensitive consumers said, "Enough is enough." Well-run companies learn from rivals' missteps, and Coca-Cola appears to have learned valuable lessons from Pepsi's pricing gaffes. Indeed, Coca-Cola is facing some inflationary headwinds, including constrained aluminum and plastic supplies due to the war in Iran.
For investors, the good news is that the company has levers it can pull to juice sales without pinching consumers. Those include pushing drinks that are less commodities-intensive (less sugar). Those moves are working because some on Wall Street say Coca-Cola is somewhat "insulate" from inflation-induced cost pressures and can maintain its appeal to both high-end and cost-conscious consumers.
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Consider this. On June 10, Morgan Stanley named Coca-Cola its top pick in the beverage space, with one of the reasons for that bull call being the company's ability to hold prices in the face of inflation in superior fashion relative to some rivals.
Don't forget the dividend Another point of allure with Coca-Cola is its status as a blue chip dividend stock. The shares yield 2.6%, and the payout has grown for 64 consecutive years. Obviously, a six-decade-plus run of steadily rising dividends is impressive in its own right, but it pays to dig deeper.
Typically, consistent dividend raisers are high-quality companies that can offer investors some protection when markets turn sour.
Coca-Cola's dividend growth is also relevant in the inflation protection conversation. The stock's 2.6% yield matches the average rate of inflation over the past two decades, and it's well above the five-year forward breakeven level of 2.2%. At the end of the day, no stock is the "perfect" inflation fighter, but long-term investors looking for a friend in the face of rising prices may want to give Coca-Cola a look.
Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH | MTCH Price Prediction) stock got a double dose of positive analyst attention on May 6. The company saw TD Cowen raise its MTCH stock price target to $46 from $44 while keeping a Buy rating, citing “several positive user signals” at Tinder during the quarter. UBS analyst Stephen Ju lifted his target to $38 from $34, keeping a Neutral rating following better-than-expected Q1 2026 results and Q2 guidance.
The split between TD Cowen’s bullish $46 Buy and UBS’s cautious $38 Neutral captures the central debate around Match Group stock: is the long-awaited Tinder turnaround real, or stabilization that may not translate into renewed growth? For prudent investors, the answer matters because Tinder remains the company’s largest revenue contributor. For broader context on dating app sector dynamics, see our recent Match Group coverage.
Ticker Company Firm Action Old Rating New Rating Old Target New Target MTCH Match Group TD Cowen Price target raised Buy Buy $44 $46 MTCH Match Group UBS Price target raised Neutral Neutral $34 $38 The Analyst’s Case TD Cowen’s Match Group stock price target raised to $46 reflects optimism that Tinder’s product overhaul is showing up in user behavior. The firm flagged “several positive user signals” from the quarter as evidence the multi-year turnaround now has supporting data.
UBS framed its view as “constructive but still cautious.” Stephen Ju cited Match Group’s slower MAU declines, improving retention, and modest payer trend improvement, while flagging ongoing investment spending and mixed regional pressure. The Neutral rating suggests that UBS wants more proof before underwriting re-acceleration.
Company Snapshot Match Group operates Tinder, Hinge, Match, Plenty of Fish, OkCupid, Meetic, and several smaller brands. Tinder Q1 2026 direct revenue came in at $455 million, with payers down 5% to 8.6 million, a meaningful improvement from the 8% decline in Q4 2025.
Hinge remains the bright spot, with Q1 direct revenue of $194 million (+28%) and payers up 15% to 2.0 million. CEO Spencer Rascoff reiterated Hinge’s “Path to $1 billion business by 2027.”
Why the Move Matters Now MTCH stock trades at around $38.50, near the top of its 52-week range of $26.18 to $38.94. The shares are up 19% year to date and 20% over the past month, helped by Tinder’s March MAU decline of 7%, the slowest rate in 31 months.
At a forward P/E ratio of 10x and trailing P/E ratio of 16x, Match Group stock isn’t priced for heroic re-acceleration. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.20, with $959 million remaining on its buyback authorization.
What It Means for Your Portfolio The bull case rests on a simple sequence: stabilization first, re-acceleration later. Match Group has poured product investment and AI-driven recommendation work into Tinder, and Q1 metrics suggest the worst of the user erosion may be behind it.
The bear case is equally defensible. Hinge’s outperformance has masked Tinder weakness for years, and if Hinge growth eventually decelerates while Tinder only stabilizes, the consolidated growth profile stays muted. Tinder’s March monthly active user (MAU) decline of FY2026 revenue guidance of $3.41 billion to $3.54 billion (roughly flat at the midpoint) underscores that risk.
For prudent Match Group investors, the gap between TD Cowen’s $46 Buy and UBS’s $38 Neutral is the story. Stabilization appears real, yet conviction on durable growth requires more quarters of data. Modest position sizing while the turnaround thesis matures looks reasonable.
Match Group Inc (NASDAQ:MTCH) shares edged higher on Wednesday after the online dating company reported first quarter results that modestly exceeded Wall Street expectations, supported by growth in Hinge and early signs of stabilization at Tinder.
The company posted adjusted earnings of $0.95 per share for Q1 2026, ahead of analyst estimates of $0.92.
Revenue came in at $864 million, topping expectations of $855 million and marking a 4% increase year over year, though it was flat on a foreign exchange-neutral basis.
Net income rose 42% from a year earlier to $167 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 25% to $343 million, representing a margin of 40%. Operating cash flow totaled $194 million, with free cash flow of $174 million.
Growth was driven in part by a 10% increase in revenue per payer to $20.90, offset by a 5% decline in total payers to 13.5 million.
Within its portfolio, Hinge continued to deliver strong revenue growth, supported by product innovation and the rollout of features such as Face Check, which the company said reduced interactions with bad actors by 20% to 30%.
At Tinder, management pointed to improving engagement trends, with new user registrations returning to year-over-year growth in March for the first time in nearly two years. Monthly active user declines also moderated during the period.
Match Group also highlighted ongoing cost discipline and capital allocation efforts. During the quarter, the company repurchased $60 million worth of shares and paid $44 million in dividends, while deploying additional cash to offset dilution from employee equity awards. Diluted shares outstanding declined 5% from a year earlier.
Looking ahead, Match Group expects second-quarter revenue in the range of $850 million to $860 million, representing a decline of 2% to flat year over year. Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $325 million and $330 million, implying continued margin expansion.
Jefferies analysts reiterated their ‘ Hold’ rating on Match and raised its price target to $35 from $30, citing early signs of a product-driven recovery at Tinder.
The firm highlighted improving trends in key metrics, including Tinder payers declining 5% year over year in Q1 versus an 8% drop in Q4, moderating monthly active user declines, and a return to year-over-year growth in registrations in March.
However, Jefferies cautioned that it does not expect further improvement in payer declines in the near term and pointed to ongoing structural concerns in the online dating category, particularly around Gen Z engagement.
“Given multiple false starts in the past, we're hesitant to say there's a turnaround underway,” they wrote.
Shares of Match Group were up about 1.6% to about $38 in afternoon trading following the report.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) announced today that Steven Bailey, Chief Financial Officer of Match Group, will participate in a fireside chat at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference on Tuesday, May 19 at 3:35 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). A live webcast and replay of the fireside chat will be available at https://ir.mtch.com/news-and-events/events.
About Match Group
Match Group (PRNewsfoto/Match Group) Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Hinge®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, Azar®, BLK®, and more, each built to increase our users' likelihood of connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.
Match topped revenue estimates as Tinder user declines moderated and Hinge delivered 28% direct revenue growth. Summary
Tinder’s reset is gaining traction, but second-quarter revenue may still decline.
Match Group MTCH gave investors a first-quarter report that looked stronger than Wall Street expected, as revenue rose 4% from a year earlier to $864 million, ahead of the $855 million estimate. The result suggests the company's turnaround strategy may be starting to show signs of traction, particularly as Tinder's user declines moderated and newer product features appeared to resonate with younger daters. Match cited growing momentum from Tinder's ongoing product enhancements, while shares rose less than 1% in extended trading after the report. The stock has gained 18% this year, compared with a 5% increase in the S&P 500, giving investors another reason to watch whether the company's product reset can possibly translate into more durable user and revenue growth.
The sharper focus is still on Tinder, where monthly active users fell 7% in March, improving from a 10% decline a year earlier and marking the slowest drop in two and a half years. New user registrations grew for the first time since 2024, though only by 1%, while the company also said retention among Gen Z women in the US increased. Tinder generated first-quarter revenue of $454.7, up 2% year-over-year, and Wall Street estimates the app will produce roughly $1.8 billion in revenue this fiscal year. The company pointed to newer features such as Astrology Mode, which lets users add birth details to their profile and view deeper compatibility insights with potential matches, along with face verification designed to reduce interactions with bad actors. CEO Spencer Rascoff said the results are being driven by a combination of resonating features and marketing working alongside them, adding that Tinder is trying to shift how people have viewed the brand for a decade toward what he described as a fun way to safely meet new people.
Still, the second-quarter outlook leaves investors with a more measured setup. Match expects total second-quarter revenue of $850 million to $860 million, which would mark a decline of as much as 2% from a year earlier, compared with Wall Street's roughly $857 million estimate. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are expected to come in between $325 million and $330 million for the quarter. Rascoff took the top job early last year after three activist investors amassed stakes and pushed for change, and he has since led an internal reorganization and management shake-up aimed at accelerating product development. Beyond Tinder, Match also owns Hinge, OkCupid and Match.com, with Hinge delivering 28% year-over-year direct revenue growth, largely driven by international expansion and new AI-powered features. Hinge also rolled out face verification, and the company said the app remains on track to become a $1 billion business by 2027.
On May 12, 2026, Match Group Inc MTCH shares fell 3.2% to a current price of $35.77. This decline comes amid a 52-week range of $26.80 to $39.20, highlighting recent volatility in share performance.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $35.77, which is 5.6% below GF Value™ of $37.89.GF Score™ is 84/100, indicating a strong overall assessment.Notable signal: Insider activity shows that insiders sold $2.0M in shares over the last three months, with no buying activity. Is MTCH Overvalued or Undervalued? The current price of Match Group Inc MTCH at $35.77 is below the GF Value™ of $37.89, suggesting that the stock is undervalued by approximately 5.6%. This provides a potential margin of safety for investors considering entry points, as the GF Valuation label indicates that the stock is fairly valued overall. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
While the undervaluation presents an opportunity, it is essential to note the risks associated with the stock. The financial strength rating of 4/10 indicates that the company may face challenges in maintaining its operational robustness. Therefore, while there is a potential upside based on the current price relative to GF Value™, investors should be cautious of the underlying financial health of the company.
How Does MTCH's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 13.7x 19.4x Forward P/E 13.5x N/A Match Group's current P/E (TTM) of 13.7x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 19.4x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical averages. The forward P/E of 13.5x further corroborates this trend. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, supporting the notion that MTCH is undervalued relative to its historical performance.
What Does MTCH's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 84/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 6/10 Valuation 9/10 Momentum 8/10 The GF Score™ of 84/100 indicates a strong overall stock quality, with particularly high ratings in Valuation (9/10) and Profitability (8/10). However, the Financial Strength score of 4/10 highlights a notable weakness, suggesting that while the company has strong profit metrics and attractive valuation, its financial stability may be a concern for potential investors. The growth score of 6/10 indicates moderate expectations for future growth, which adds a layer of complexity to the investment thesis.
What Are Insiders Doing with MTCH Stock? In the last three months, insiders have sold $2.0M worth of shares with no reported buying activity. This pattern may suggest a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the future performance of the stock, as typically, insider buying is viewed as a positive signal. The absence of buying could imply that insiders do not see immediate value at current price levels.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Match Group Inc MTCH appears to be undervalued at its current price of $35.77. However, potential investors should weigh this valuation against the company's financial strength concerns and insider selling activity, which may signal caution.
For the complete analysis, visit the Match Group Inc MTCH stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is MTCH's GF Score™?
MTCH's GF Score™ is 84/100, indicating a strong overall assessment based on multiple key financial metrics.
Is MTCH overvalued or undervalued?
MTCH is currently undervalued with a GF Value™ of $37.89, suggesting a potential upside from its current price of $35.77.
What is MTCH's P/E ratio?
MTCH's P/E ratio (TTM) is 13.7x, which is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 19.4x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical averages.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
, /PRNewswire/ -- Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) announced today that Steven Bailey, Chief Financial Officer of Match Group, will participate in a fireside chat at the TD Cowen Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Wednesday, May 27 at 9:05 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The discussion is expected to cover Match Group's business, strategy, and financial details. A live webcast and replay of the fireside chat will be available at https://ir.mtch.com/news-and-events/events.
About Match Group
Match Group (PRNewsfoto/Match Group) Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Hinge®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, Azar®, BLK®, and more, each built to increase our users' likelihood of connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.
Match Group Inc (NASDAQ:MTCH) investor meetings with management have reinforced growing confidence that Tinder’s product improvements are beginning to translate into financial stabilization, even as 2026 is expected to remain a rebuilding year for the app, according to UBS analysts.
Following a fireside chat with CFO Steven Bailey, UBS said the key takeaway was that early gains in Tinder engagement and retention are increasingly showing up in monetization metrics.
Payers declined 5% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, an improvement from an 8% decline in the prior quarter, while revenue per payer rose 7% year over year, outpacing the 6% growth seen in Q4 2025. Retention trends also improved, with a 3% year-over-year increase among US Gen Z women in March 2026.
UBS noted that management sounded more confident that Tinder revenue could stabilize sooner than previously expected, depending in part on the pace of planned user investments.
The analysts said Tinder’s underlying engagement indicators are also showing signs of improvement. Metrics such as Sparks and Sparks Coverage increased 6% year over year in March 2026, reversing a 1% decline a year earlier.
Management indicated that payer declines are still expected to run around 5% year over year in the coming quarters, reflecting continued user-focused “givebacks,” but suggested revenue stabilization may occur before payer growth turns positive.
On Hinge, UBS highlighted management’s view that the app remains under-monetized relative to its high-intent user base. The company pointed to opportunities in pricing tiers and à la carte features, along with international expansion, particularly in Europe, while noting Hinge has yet to meaningfully expand into Asia. Management also suggested Hinge could eventually reach EBITDA margins near 40% at scale, assuming it surpasses $1 billion in revenue.
Capital allocation discussions reiterated that share buybacks remain the primary focus, supported by confidence in long-term free cash flow per share growth of 23% in fiscal 2025. While Match remains open to selective acquisitions such as Sniffies, UBS said management clearly framed M&A as secondary to buybacks.
The company also discussed artificial intelligence initiatives, describing AI as a driver of product improvement and revenue enhancement rather than a cost-cutting tool. Management highlighted productivity gains from AI coding tools and broader internal adoption, noting that AI has also contributed to moderating hiring following last year’s restructuring.
UBS maintained a Neutral rating on Match Group and a $38 price target, based on 8x estimated adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 billion for the Q2 2027 to Q1 2028 period.
Shares of UBS traded hands at about $36 on Thursday, up about 11% so far this year.
Match Group remains a Hold as Tinder's improvements are not yet translating into growth. Q1 2026 showed better-than-expected results: revenue up 4% y/y, adj. EBITDA margin expanded to 40%. Tinder's user engagement metrics are stabilizing, but MAUs and payers still decline; Hinge's growth is strong but not yet scale-defining.
Tinder is rolling out live events, AI tools and group dating features to reengage younger users amid dating app fatigue. Summary
Tinder’s turnaround strategy now centers on AI, live events and social group connections.
Match Group MTCH is trying to turn Tinder's user fatigue problem into a fresh growth story, as the company pushes live events, AI-powered features and a broader product redesign to bring younger daters back into the app. At a recent Tinder pickleball event near Santa Monica State Beach, the line stretched out the door and the venue hit capacity, giving investors a direct look at how the company is testing real-world meetups as an alternative to endless swiping. Tinder's audience is more than 50% under 30, but the app has been losing users as Gen Z daters change how they approach online dating.
Spencer Rascoff, who took over Match Group early last year and later became Tinder CEO, is putting Tinder at the center of the turnaround because of its scale and revenue importance. Tinder is the No. 1 dating app in more than 185 countries and accounted for more than half of Match's total revenue last year. The company is now rolling out or testing a wider product reset, including live events, face verification, astrology and music modes, Double Date, virtual speed dating, AI-driven Chemistry features, a cleaner redesign and a planned Groups concept that could let users meet through larger friend-based gatherings. Rascoff also said about 80% of Tinder's code is currently written with AI tools, showing how deeply the company is using AI internally as it tries to accelerate product development.
The early numbers suggest the strategy could be gaining traction, though the turnaround is still in progress. Match recently reported a 4% increase in first-quarter revenue, above Wall Street estimates, with Rascoff saying Tinder is “working much better now” after product enhancements. For investors, the key question is whether Tinder can shift from a tired swipe-first brand into a broader connection platform without losing the simplicity that made the product work in the first place. If live events, AI matching and group-based dating improve user outcomes, Tinder could possibly rebuild momentum with younger daters while giving Match a stronger growth narrative after a difficult stretch.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) today announced the launch of its new quarterly CEO Connection Series, hosted by CEO Spencer Rascoff, beginning with Decoding Gen Z Dating. The event will feature perspectives from Match Group's Consumer Research and Brand Strategy teams on how Gen Z is reshaping connection and dating culture, as well as how Match Group is evolving alongside those shifts.
Match Group (PRNewsfoto/Match Group) The event will be held on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). A live webcast will be available at https://ir.mtch.com/investor-relations/news-events/events-archive and streamed on Spencer Rascoff's LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
About Match Group
Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Hinge®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, Azar®, BLK®, and more, each built to increase our users' likelihood of connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.
Ford (NYSE: F | F Price Prediction) and General Motors (NYSE: GM) recently posted Q1 2026 results, and the contrast in how each is returning cash was the most striking takeaway. GM authorized a new $6 billion buyback in January and lifted its dividend. Ford kept its payout flat and bought back a fraction of that. Same industry, very different playbooks.
Buybacks Carry GM. Reinvestment Carries Ford. GM produced $2.95 billion in operating cash flow in Q1 and repurchased $800 million of stock, on top of $6.04 billion bought back across 2025. The diluted share count fell to 926 million from 1.002 billion year over year. CEO Mary Barra raised the dividend 20% to $0.18 per quarter and lifted full-year EBIT-adjusted guidance to $13.5 billion to $15.5 billion. GMNA margin reached 10.1%, and GM took a $1.08 billion charge to right-size its EV capacity rather than chase volume.
Ford went the other way. CEO Jim Farley used Q1 to fund growth and reinvestment. The $311 million in Q1 buybacks is roughly a rounding error against GM’s pace, and Ford ran $0 in annual repurchases from 2021 through 2025. The dividend stayed at $0.15 quarterly. Cash is going into Ford Energy, Ford Pro software (subs up 30% to 879,000), and a Model e program still generating losses of $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion this year.
Where the Capital Really Goes Lens Ford GM Q1 2026 Buybacks $311M $800M Quarterly Dividend $0.15 $0.18 (raised 20%) Dividend Yield 3.6% 0.7% Forward P/E 10 7 Core Bet Ford Energy, EV ramp Truck margins, shrinking float Farley framed it this way: “We are well-prepared to deliver for our customers and shareholders as we enter one of the most intensive product, software, and physical services rollouts in our history.” Translation: cash is earmarked for the build.
The Next Test Is Cash Discipline Investors will be watching whether GM can keep buying back stock without sliding into negative free cash flow. For Ford, the question is simpler: does Model e narrow losses fast enough to justify skipping buybacks while the stock trades below $17?
Why GM Is Currently Winning the Cash-Return Game For income-focused investors, Ford’s 3.6% yield is hard to ignore, and continued growth in Ford Pro software keeps the thesis alive. However, GM’s combination of a shrinking share count, raised guidance, and a cheaper forward multiple makes for a more disciplined capital-return setup. Ford rallied 63.7% over the past year and GM 72.3%, so the market already senses the gap. If Ford Energy starts producing real revenue, or if GM’s tariff exposure widens beyond the current $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion band, that might be reason to reconsider.
3 Big Earnings Misses: Is It Time to Buy the Dip?Match Group NASDAQ: MTCH Chief Financial Officer Steven Bailey said Tinder is showing signs that recent product and marketing changes are beginning to translate into stronger user trends and better financial metrics.
Speaking at an investor conference, Bailey said the company’s thesis for improving Tinder is “starting to be proven out,” with early product engagement indicators moving first, followed by broader user and financial metrics.
Get Match Group alerts:
3 Stocks Ringing in The New Year With Large Buyback AnnouncementsBailey pointed to improvements in “Sparks” and “Sparks Coverage,” which he described as measures of meaningful connections, as well as better monthly active user trends and retention. He said Tinder’s MAUs improved from down 10% to down 7%, while retention has also improved.
“That’ll lead to better financial results,” Bailey said. “We’re already starting to see that in payers and revenue, too, where at Tinder, revenue’s coming better than expected lately.”
Tinder Sees Broad-Based Registration Improvement Bumble's Valuation Hits an All-Time Low, Can Its Fortunes Change?Bailey said Tinder recently recorded 1% year-over-year growth in registrations, which he described as the first such increase in “many, many years.” He said the gains were broad-based across many user groups, including men and women, older and younger users, and both U.S. and international markets.
Bailey attributed the improvement to three main factors: a shift in marketing toward more lower-funnel spending, an overall increase in marketing investment, and the traction of new features such as Double Date.
“Features like Double Date, that’s really resonated with Gen Z, is helping that word of mouth flywheel that’s so important to the overall equation, too,” Bailey said.
He said one in four Gen Z women in the U.S. are using Double Date, a feature that lets users pair with a friend and match with other pairs. Bailey said the feature is appealing because it is “fun,” “lightweight,” “lower pressure” and perceived as safer.
In-Person Events Seen as Brand and Engagement Tool Bailey said Match Group is also placing more emphasis on in-real-life, or IRL, connections at Tinder, particularly for Gen Z users. He said the company has piloted about 20 events in Los Angeles and expects to complete 30 soon.
Bailey said the company does not currently view events as a major revenue driver. Instead, he said they are intended to change perceptions of Tinder from a “hookup app” or a source of “swipe fatigue” into an app for meeting new people and forming meaningful real-life connections.
According to Bailey, attendance at the Los Angeles events has been about 85%, and feedback from attendees has been “incredibly strong.” He said about 50% of Gen Z users in Los Angeles surveyed by Tinder expressed interest in attending an event.
Bailey said Tinder is not aiming to become an events company. Instead, it plans to partner with existing events businesses and serve as the technology platform that helps make connections happen.
Algorithm and AI Work Drive Engagement Bailey said changes to Tinder’s recommendation algorithms have been the “biggest win of the year” and are responsible for about two-thirds of the improvement in engagement and retention metrics.
He said the company has shifted algorithmic weighting away from generating as many likes as possible and toward user outcomes and meaningful connections. Bailey said the changes have improved retention while producing less of a revenue hit than the company had anticipated.
Bailey said Tinder currently has six algorithm tests live and continues to look for ways to feed more data into its systems while keeping the user experience light. He cited tests involving AI-enabled camera roll features, which could help users select better photos, improve profiles and provide additional insights to recommendation algorithms with user permission.
“AI is better at inferring what you like, what you dislike,” Bailey said, adding that AI can help gather user data in a less burdensome way than lengthy profile questionnaires.
Hinge Growth Remains Strong Bailey also discussed Hinge, which he said delivered 28% revenue growth in the first quarter and remains on track toward Match Group’s expectation of $1 billion in revenue in 2027, with expanding margins.
He said Hinge still has a long runway for monetization in core markets and is seeing strong growth in Europe. Bailey said revenue in European expansion markets has grown 100% year-over-year for the past three quarters.
Bailey said Hinge has also shown promising early performance in Latin America, including becoming the No. 2 or No. 3 dating app in Mexico and entering Brazil. He said those results give Match Group confidence that Hinge can become a global brand, with Asia representing a largely untapped opportunity.
“We’re, to be honest, talking more and more now about, okay, we’re going to get to the billion through basically momentum,” Bailey said. “How do we get to the $2 billion?”
Bailey said Match Group is keeping Tinder and Hinge distinct, with Tinder positioned around “fun” and Hinge around “focus.” He said users commonly use multiple dating apps, creating opportunities for cross-sell and bundling across Match Group’s portfolio.
Margins, Sniffies Investment and Buybacks Bailey said Match Group’s 2025 margin outlook includes several one-time costs. Excluding those costs, he said margins are roughly flat year-over-year at about 37.5%, by design.
He said the company has generated about $100 million in headcount-related savings and roughly $125 million in in-app payment fee-related savings, and has reinvested much of that into Tinder and Hinge product and marketing.
Bailey also discussed Match Group’s $100 million investment in Sniffies, describing it as a large minority stake that is off-balance sheet and not consolidated. He said Sniffies has about 3 million monthly active users and is the No. 2 player in the non-heterosexual male category. Bailey said Match Group plans to support Sniffies in areas such as trust and safety and in working toward returning to the App Store with a safe-for-work product. He also said Match Group is shutting down Archer, which did not find the product-market fit the company wanted.
On capital allocation, Bailey said Match Group remains a strong free cash flow generator, producing about $1.1 billion in free cash flow in recent years. He said the company expects to reduce its share count by 5% to 7% annually over the next few years through buybacks.
Bailey said free cash flow per share grew more than 20% year-over-year last year and is expected to grow in the high teens this year, calling capital allocation an “underappreciated part” of the company’s turnaround story.
About Match Group NASDAQ: MTCHMatch Group, Inc NASDAQ: MTCH is a leading provider of online dating products and services. The company owns and operates a diverse portfolio of consumer brands that connect singles through digital platforms. Its flagship offerings include Match.com, Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid and PlentyOfFish, which together serve users looking for long-term relationships, casual encounters and social networking opportunities.
Originating with the launch of Match.com in 1995, Match Group has grown through a combination of organic development and strategic acquisitions.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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On June 02, 2026, Match Group Inc MTCH shares fell 3.9% to close at $35.32. This decline adds to a challenging month where the stock has decreased by 8.7%. Over the last 52 weeks, MTCH has traded between a high of $39.20 and a low of $28.81.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $35.32 is 6.8% below the GF Value™ of $37.88.GF Score™: 82/100, indicating a strong investment potential based on multiple factors.Most notable signal: Insider activity shows $2.0M in sales over the last 3 months with no buying activity. Is MTCH Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, Match Group Inc MTCH is currently undervalued, with a current price of $35.32 compared to a fair value estimate of $37.88, representing a 6.8% margin of safety. This assessment suggests that there may be an investment opportunity, especially for those looking for stocks with potential upside. However, it is crucial to note that the GF Valuation label indicates that the stock is fairly valued. This means that while there is potential for appreciation, investors should remain cautious and consider the broader market conditions and the company's financial health.
GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. The current undervaluation, while attractive, is accompanied by the need for careful consideration of the company's financial strength and market dynamics.
How Does MTCH's Valuation Compare to Its History? MetricCurrentHistorical P/E (TTM)13.5x18.9x Forward P/E13.3xN/A The current P/E ratio of 13.5x is significantly below the 5-year median P/E of 18.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a discount to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the notion that the stock is currently undervalued.
What Does MTCH's GF Score™ Tell Us? MetricRating GF Score™82 Financial Strength4/10 Profitability8/10 Growth6/10 Valuation9/10 Momentum10/10 The GF Score™ of 82/100 indicates that Match Group Inc has strong potential for long-term returns, particularly in terms of valuation and momentum, where it scores 9 and 10 respectively. However, the financial strength score of 4/10 highlights a notable weakness that investors should take into account when assessing overall risk. The profitability rank of 8/10 further strengthens the case for MTCH's potential, though growth at 6/10 suggests room for improvement in expanding revenues.
What Are Insiders Doing with MTCH Stock? In the last three months, insiders have sold $2.0 million worth of shares, with no recorded buying activity during this period. This pattern of selling may indicate a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the company's short-term performance, which could be a red flag for potential investors. Such activity often raises questions about the company's future prospects and the overall sentiment among those closest to the company's operations.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Match Group Inc MTCH is currently undervalued in the market. However, the mixed signals from insider activity and financial strength metrics warrant caution. Investors should weigh these factors carefully before making any decisions.
For the complete analysis, visit the Match Group Inc MTCH stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is MTCH's GF Score™?
MTCH's GF Score™ is 82/100, indicating a strong investment potential based on multiple factors including profitability and valuation.
Is MTCH overvalued or undervalued?
MTCH is currently undervalued according to GF Value™, with a price of $35.32 compared to a fair value estimate of $37.88.
What is MTCH's P/E ratio?
MTCH's P/E ratio is 13.5x, which is 29% below its 5-year median P/E of 18.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a discount compared to its historical valuation.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
New campaign features global-inspired recipes, a multi-city food truck tour, creator collaborations, a sweepstakes and more, inspired by the summer's biggest soccer tournament
, /PRNewswire/ -- As soccer fans around the world gather to cheer on their favorite teams this summer, TUMS is bringing fans together over another shared passion: food. An extension of Haleon's partnership with U.S. Soccer, TUMS has announced the launch of the "TUMS Food Match Cup," a first-of-its-kind campaign inspired by the global flavors, traditions and team passions that make soccer's biggest tournament season unforgettable. From bold culinary mashups and creator collaborations to immersive fan experiences and daily sweepstakes, the TUMS Food Match Cup celebrates the intersection of soccer fandom, food culture and fast-acting heartburn relief — helping fans stay focused on the action, not their symptoms.
TUMS Food Match Cup logo
TUMS Food Match Cup "Soccer's biggest moments bring fans from around the world together, and food is often at the center of those celebrations — whether it's spicy street tacos, grilled favorites or comforting classics shared while cheering on your team," said Patricia Melo, Brand Director for TUMS. "With the TUMS Food Match Cup, we wanted to celebrate that sense of global unity through original recipe mashups inspired by countries competing on the pitch, combining iconic flavors and dishes from around the world into unexpected, crave-worthy creations, all paired with trusted heartburn relief that helps fans stay focused on the celebration."
Featured dishes include:
The Plantain Dog, a sweet-and-savory fusion inspired by flavors from the USA and Paraguay Kimchi Carnitas Tacos, blending Korean and Mexican culinary traditions Raclette Poutine, combining Swiss alpine comfort food with a Canadian classic Throughout the tournament, fans can visit TUMSFoodMatchCup.com to spin the daily wheel for a chance to unlock a new recipe mashup inspired by competing countries and their signature cuisines, along with a recommended TUMS product pairing. Fans can also enter daily for a chance to win prizes, including U.S. Soccer merchandise, special savings offers from TUMS and the grand prize: a $200 Ticketmaster e-gift card that can be used toward U.S. Soccer tickets.
The campaign will also be amplified through additional creator partnerships, including a partnership with chef, creator and cookbook author Joshua Weissman.
"To me, food and soccer have this incredible ability to bring people together and spark a sense of connection and creativity," said Joshua Weissman. "Working with TUMS on the Food Match Cup gave me the chance to help celebrate unexpected flavors and culinary traditions in a way that encompasses the energy and excitement that fans are feeling all summer long."
TUMS is also bringing the campaign directly to fans through the Food Match Cup Food Truck Tour, a multi-city experience designed to celebrate the excitement of match day through globally inspired flavors and interactive fan engagement. The tour will stop in Los Angeles, Houston, Kansas City, Dallas and New York City, making 14 stops at retail locations, including Walmart and Kroger, as well as the Gameday Goal Zone Pre-Match Hospitality event at MetLife Stadium.
Visitors can sample tournament-inspired dishes from the TUMS food truck, capture memories through interactive photo opportunities, enjoy giveaways and receive TUMS samples and products — all designed to help ensure heartburn doesn't interrupt the excitement of game day.
Fans can follow along throughout the tournament to discover new recipe mashups, enter the sweepstakes and find upcoming tour stops at TUMSFoodMatchCup.com and on @TUMSOfficial across Instagram and TikTok.
About TUMS
TUMS is the #1 recommended antacid brand by doctors, pharmacists and OBGYNs. As America's #1 antacid brand, TUMS offers a wide variety of flavors and formats with something for everyone. TUMS Chewy Bites provide tasty, effective multi-symptom relief from heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion and upset stomach so you can savor the moment. TUMS Gummy Bites go to work in seconds* for occasional heartburn relief and feature a soft, easy-to-chew format with multi-benefit relief from occasional sour stomach, acid indigestion and upset stomach.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About Haleon
Haleon (LSE/NYSE: HLN) is a globally leading consumer company that is solely focused on better everyday health. Haleon's product portfolio spans three major categories - Oral Health, Over-the-Counter (OTC), and Wellness. Its long-standing brands - such as Advil, Centrum, Parodontax, Sensodyne, Theraflu, and TUMS - are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding. For more information on Haleon and its brands, please visit www.haleon.com or contact [email protected].
