Match Group management commentary: Marketing spend shift drives Q3 2026 adjusted EBITDA above expectations
MTCH•Match Group reported Q3 2026 revenue fell 3% to $891 million, while adjusted EBITDA reached $344 million, above management expectations after marketing spending shifted into the fourth quarter.
1. Revenue and EBITDA
Third-quarter revenue fell 3% to $891 million, reflecting payer declines. Adjusted EBITDA was $344 million, above management expectations primarily because marketing spending shifted into the fourth quarter.
2. Brand performance
Excluding a $61 million legal settlement charge in the prior-year quarter, adjusted EBITDA fell 5%, primarily reflecting higher Tinder and Hinge marketing spending. Tinder's daily active users returned to year-over-year growth in September, which management attributed to product and recommendation improvements. Hinge direct revenue grew 19% on payer growth, while E&E revenue fell 20%, reflecting Azar's app redesign and weakness across other brands.
