Match Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) Receives Consensus Recommendation of “Hold” from Analysts

Shares of Match Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) have been given an average recommendation of “Hold” by the sixteen ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $35.6429.

Several analysts recently commented on MTCH shares. UBS Group reiterated a “neutral” rating on shares of Match Group in a report on Friday, March 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Match Group from $33.00 to $31.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Match Group in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen lowered Match Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $35.00 price target on Match Group in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th.

Match Group Stock Up 2.2%

MTCH stock opened at $35.51 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $8.26 billion, a PE ratio of 14.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.30. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $31.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of $32.13. Match Group has a 52 week low of $26.80 and a 52 week high of $39.20.

Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The technology company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.00 by ($0.17). The business had revenue of $878.01 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $872.86 million. Match Group had a negative return on equity of 289.29% and a net margin of 17.59%.The firm’s revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.59 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Match Group will post 2.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Match Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 21st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 7th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. This is a boost from Match Group’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 7th. Match Group’s payout ratio is presently 33.61%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Match Group

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MTCH. Woodline Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Match Group during the first quarter worth approximately $662,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in shares of Match Group by 20.4% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 5,260 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $162,000 after purchasing an additional 891 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Match Group by 45.9% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 649,721 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $20,070,000 after purchasing an additional 204,472 shares during the period. Amundi raised its position in shares of Match Group by 1,477.6% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 358,709 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $11,637,000 after purchasing an additional 335,971 shares during the period. Finally, Cresset Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Match Group during the second quarter worth approximately $298,000. 94.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Match Group Company Profile

Match 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.