Short Interest in Match Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) Decreases By 15.9%

Match Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 11,023,255 shares, a decrease of 15.9% from the February 12th total of 13,114,789 shares. Currently, 4.7% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 3,016,809 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,016,809 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.7 days. Currently, 4.7% of the company’s stock are short sold.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MTCH has been the subject of several research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Match Group from $33.00 to $31.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Wolfe Research set a $43.00 target price on shares of Match Group and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Match Group in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $35.00 price target on shares of Match Group in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, UBS Group restated a “neutral” rating on shares of Match Group in a research report on Friday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $35.86.

Match Group Stock Performance

Shares of MTCH traded down $0.20 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $30.88. 1,852,745 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,302,827. The stock has a market cap of $7.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.99, a P/E/G ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 1.30. Match Group has a 1 year low of $26.39 and a 1 year high of $39.20. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $31.20 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $32.95.

Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The technology company reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.00 by ($0.17). Match Group had a negative return on equity of 289.29% and a net margin of 17.59%.The business had revenue of $878.01 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $872.86 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.59 EPS. Match Group’s revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Match Group will post 2.44 EPS for the current year.

Match Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 21st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, April 7th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. This is a boost from Match Group’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. Match Group’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.93%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Match Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Match Group during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new stake in shares of Match Group in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Activest Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of Match Group by 6,523.1% during the fourth quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 861 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 848 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in shares of Match Group in the third quarter worth $28,000. 94.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.