LendingTree, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 9, 2026.
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FY2025 · Filed Mar 9, 2026
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION
Company Overview
LendingTree, Inc. is the parent of LT Intermediate Company, LLC, which holds all of the outstanding ownership interests of LendingTree, LLC, and LendingTree, LLC owns several companies (collectively, “LendingTree” or the “Company”).
LendingTree operates what it believes to be the leading online consumer platform that connects consumers with the choices they need to be confident in their financial decisions. The Company offers consumers tools and resources, including free credit scores, that facilitate comparison-shopping for mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, deposit accounts, personal loans, small business loans, insurance quotes and other related offerings. The Company primarily seeks to match in-market consumers with multiple providers on its marketplace who can provide them with competing quotes for loans, deposit products, insurance or other related offerings they are seeking. The Company also serves as a valued partner to lenders and other providers seeking an efficient, scalable and flexible source of customer acquisition with directly measurable benefits, by matching the consumer inquiries it generates with these providers.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LendingTree and all its wholly-owned entities. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives its revenue primarily from match fees and closing fees. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied and promised services have transferred to the customer. In identifying performance obligations, judgment is required around contracts where there was a possibility of bundled services and multiple parties. In applying judgment, the Company considers customer expectations of performance, materiality and the core principles of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company's services are generally transferred to the customer at a point in time.
Variable consideration is included in revenue if it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur.
Revenue from Home products is primarily generated from upfront match fees paid by mortgage Network Partners that receive a loan request, and in some cases upfront fees for clicks or call transfers. Match fees and upfront fees for clicks and call transfers are earned through the delivery of loan requests that originated through the Company's websites or affiliates. The Company recognizes revenue at the time a loan request is delivered to the customer, provided that no significant obligations remain. The Company's contractual right to the match fee consideration is contemporaneous with the satisfaction of the performance obligation to deliver a loan request to the customer.
Revenue from Consumer products is generated by match and other upfront fees for clicks or call transfers, as well as from closing fees and approval fees. Closing fees are derived from lenders on certain auto loans, business loans, personal loans and student loans when the lender funds a loan with the consumer. Approval fees are derived from credit card issuers when the credit card consumer receives card approval from the credit card issuer. Upfront service fees and subscription fees were derived from consumers in the Company's credit services product. Upfront fees paid by consumers were recognized as revenue over the estimated time the consumer was expected to remain a customer and receive services. Subscription fees were recognized over the period a consumer was receiving services. As of the second quarter of 2023, the Company discontinued providing its credit services product to consumers and no longer receives upfront fees and subscription fees.
Under ASC Topic 606, the timing of recognizing revenue for closing fees and approval fees is accelerated to the point when a loan request or a credit card consumer is delivered to the customer, as opposed to when the consumer loan is closed by the lender or credit card approval is made by the issuer. The Company's contractual right to closing fees and approval fees is not contemporaneous with the satisfaction of the performance obligation to deliver a loan request or a credit card consumer to the customer. As such, the Company records a contract asset at each reporting period-end related to the estimated variable consideration on closing fees and approval fees for which the Company has satisfied the related performance obligation but are still pending the loan closing or credit card approval before the Company has a contractual right to payment. The current portion of the contract asset is recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets and the non-current portion is recorded within other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets based on the expected timing of future closed loans or approvals by issuers. The closing fee on an original loan and approval estimate is based on the Company's historical closing rates and historical time between when a consumer request for a loan or credit card is delivered to the lender or card issuer and when the loan is closed by the lender or approved by the card issuer. The closing fee on a renewal loan is estimated using historical renewal and commission rates. The time between satisfaction of the Company's performance obligation and when the Company's right to consideration becomes unconditional varies across products but is generally less than 90 days for auto loans, personal loans, and credit card approvals. The time between satisfaction of the Company's performance obligation and when the Company's right to consideration becomes unconditional for small business loans is approximately 5 years.
Revenue from the Company's Insurance products is primarily generated from upfront match fees and upfront fees for website clicks or fees for calls. Match fees and upfront fees for clicks and call transfers are earned through the delivery of consumer requests that originated through the Company's websites or affiliates. The Company recognizes revenue at the time a consumer request is delivered to the customer, provided that no significant obligations remain. The Company's contractual right to the match fee consideration is contemporaneous with the satisfaction of the performance obligation to deliver a consumer request to the customer.
Our payment terms vary by customer and services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is generally 30 days or less.
Sales commissions are incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers. The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred as the duration of contracts with customers is less than one year, based on the right of either party to terminate the contract with less than one year's notice without compensation to either party. These costs are recorded within selling and marketing expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid money market investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash
Cash escrowed or contractually restricted for a specific purpose is designated as restricted cash.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, current and expected economic conditions and the specific customer's current and expected ability to pay its obligation. Accounts receivable are considered past due when they are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms. Accounts receivable are written off when management deems them uncollectible.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Balance, beginning of the period | $1,407 | $2,222 | $2,317 |
| Charges to earnings | 264 | 171 | 1,752 |
| Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable | (369) | (986) | (2,274) |
| Recoveries collected | 20 | — | 56 |
| Assets held for sale | — | — | 371 |
| Balance, end of the period | $1,322 | $1,407 | $2,222 |
The Company hasthree reportable segments: Home, Consumer, and Insurance. Characteristics which were relied upon in making the determination of the reportable segments include the nature of the products, the organization's internal structure, and the information that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, or CODM, for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, including internally-developed software and significant improvements, are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Due to the rapid advancements in technology and evolution of company products, all internally-developed software is written off at the end of its useful life. Repairs and maintenance and any gains or losses on dispositions are recognized as incurred in current operations.
Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis to allocate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives. The following table presents the estimated useful lives for each asset category:
| Asset Category | Estimated Useful Lives |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment and capitalized software | 1 to 5 years |
| Leasehold improvements | Lesser of asset life or life of lease |
| Furniture and other equipment | 7 years |
Hosting Arrangement that is a Service Contract
Qualifying implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract are capitalized and deferred on a straight-line basis over the term of the hosting arrangement, which is typicallyone tofive years. These costs are capitalized to prepaid and other current assets and other non-current assets on the balance sheet, and the associated amortization expense is included within general and administrative expense on the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The majority of such capitalized implementation costs arise from internal and external labor associated with software development, described below.
Software Development Costs
Software development costs primarily include internal and external labor expenses incurred to develop the software that powers the Company's websites. Certain costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized, either as property and equipment or as a hosting arrangement that is a service contract, based on specific activities tracked, while costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation/operation stage are expensed as incurred. Capitalized software development costs are amortized over an estimated useful life ofone tofive years.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are not amortized. Rather, these assets are tested annually for impairment as of October 1, or more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.
As part of its annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, in each instance, the Company may elect to assess qualitative factors as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the traditional quantitative impairment testing. If the Company’s assessment of these qualitative factors indicates that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. Otherwise, the goodwill reporting unit or long-lived intangible assets, as applicable, must be quantitatively tested for impairment.
The quantitative impairment test for goodwill involves a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by using a market approach and a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis. Determining fair value using a DCF analysis and market analysis requires the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, revenue growth rates, marketing spend, direct operating expenses, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, and market multiples. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined using a DCF valuation analysis that employs a relief-from-royalty methodology in estimating the fair value of trade names and trademarks. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis include the determination of royalty rates, discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the amount and timing of future revenues.
Results of the October 1, 2025, 2024 and 2023 qualitative annual impairment tests indicated that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets were each less than their respective carrying values. Accordingly, no further testing was required.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets with Definite Lives
Long-lived assets include property and equipment, definite-lived intangible assets and operating lease right-of-use assets. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is recorded on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives.
Capitalized implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract are also allocated to and included within long-lived asset groups tested for recoverability.
Long-lived asset groups are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If the carrying amount is deemed to not be recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group exceeds its fair value.
At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company performed its review of impairment triggering events for long-lived asset groups and determined that a triggering event had not occurred.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
The Company classifies assets or disposal groups to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met:
Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset or disposal group;
The asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets or disposal groups;
An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset or disposal group have been initiated;
The sale of the asset or disposal group is probable and transfer of the asset or disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond the Company's control extend the period of time required to sell the asset or disposal group beyond one year;
The asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and
Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
A long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale is initially measured at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held-for-sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset or disposal group until the date of sale. The fair value of a long-lived asset or disposal group, less any costs to sell, is assessed each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and any subsequent changes are reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the asset at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.
Equity Investments
The equity investments do not have a readily determinable fair value and, upon acquisition, the Company elected the measurement alternative to value its investments. Accordingly, the equity investments will be carried at cost less impairment, if any, and subsequently measured to fair value upon observable price changes in an orderly transaction for the identical or similar investments. Additionally, if a qualitative assessment identifies impairment indicators, then the equity investments must be evaluated for impairment and written down to its fair value, if it is determined that the fair value is less than the carrying value. Any gains or losses are included within other (expense) income in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the assumptions used in pricing the asset or liability into the following three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs, such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets obtained from independent sources.
Level 2: Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions, based on the best information available under the circumstances, about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company's non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. These assets are remeasured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized. Such fair value measurements are based predominantly on Level 3 inputs.
Contingent consideration payments related to acquisitions are measured at fair value each reporting period using Level 3 unobservable inputs. The Company's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are uncertain and involve significant judgments by management. Any changes in the fair value of these contingent consideration payments are included in operating income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). At December 31, 2025, the Company hadno outstanding contingent consideration arrangements.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses associated with compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) related to internally-operated customer call centers, third-party customer call center fees, credit scoring fees, credit card fees, website network hosting and server fees.
Product Development
Product development expense consists primarily of compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation), as well as third-party labor costs that are not capitalized, for employees and consultants engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of technology.
Advertising and Promotional Expense
Advertising and promotional costs are expensed in the period incurred (except for production costs which are initially capitalized and then recognized as expense when the advertisement first runs) and principally represent offline costs, including television, print and radio advertising, and online advertising costs, including fees paid to search engines and distribution partners. Advertising and promotional expense was $770.7 million, $595.9 million and $391.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in selling and marketing expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events are considered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Interest is recorded on potential tax contingencies as a component of income tax expense and recorded net of any applicable related income tax benefit.
In accordance with the accounting standard for uncertainty in income taxes, liabilities for uncertain tax positions are recognized based on the two-step process prescribed by the accounting standards. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Stock-Based Compensation
The forms of stock-based awards granted to LendingTree employees are principally restricted stock units (“RSUs”), RSUs with performance conditions, stock options, and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Employee Stock Purchase Rights”). Further, stock options with market conditions, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) with performance conditions and RSAs with market conditions have been granted to the Company's current or former Chief Executive Officer. RSUs are awards in the form of units, denominated in a hypothetical equivalent number of shares of LendingTree common stock and with the value of each award equal to the fair value of LendingTree common stock at the date of grant. RSUs may be settled in cash, stock or both, as determined by the Company's Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The Company does not have a history of settling these awards in cash. Each stock-based award is subject to service-based vesting, where a specific period of continued employment must pass before an award vests. The Compensation Committee can modify the vesting provisions of an award. Certain awards also include performance-based vesting, where certain performance targets set at the time of grant must be achieved before an award vests.
LendingTree recognizes as expense non-cash compensation for all stock-based awards for which vesting is considered probable. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur.
For service-based awards, non-cash compensation is measured at fair value on the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting term. The fair value of stock option awards without a market condition and Employee Stock Purchase Rights are typically estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, while the fair value of an RSU or RSA is measured as the closing common stock price at the time of grant. For performance-based grants, the fair value is measured on the grant date and recognized as non-cash compensation expense, considering the probability of the targets being achieved. Performance-based grants with a market condition are typically valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Non-cash compensation expense for single cliff-vesting grants with a market condition are recognized on a straight-line basis, while graded-vesting grants with a market condition use graded vesting expense attribution.
Excess tax benefits and deficiencies that arise due to the difference in the measure of stock compensation and the amount deductible for tax purposes are recorded in income tax expense within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and are classified as a component of operating cash flows within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Litigation Settlements and Contingencies
Litigation settlements and contingencies consists of expenses related to actual or anticipated litigation settlements.
The Company is involved in legal proceedings on an ongoing basis. If the Company believes that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated liability is accrued in the consolidated financial statements. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, an amount within the range is accrued that, in the Company's judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, the low end of the range is accrued. For those proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable, an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses or a conclusion that an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising directly from the proceeding (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) are not material is disclosed. Legal expenses associated with these matters are recognized as incurred.
Accounting Estimates
Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include: the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets; the determination of income taxes payable and deferred income taxes, including related valuation allowances; litigation accruals; contract assets; various other allowances, reserves and accruals; assumptions related to the determination of stock-based compensation; and the determination of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
Certain Risks and Concentrations
LendingTree's business is subject to certain risks and concentrations including dependence on third-party technology providers, exposure to risks associated with online commerce security and credit card fraud.
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk at December 31, 2025, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, as disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits but are maintained with quality financial institutions of high credit. The Company requires certain Network Partners to maintain security deposits with the Company, which, in the event of non-payment, would be applied against any accounts receivable outstanding.
Due to the nature of the mortgage lending industry, interest rate fluctuations may negatively impact future revenue from the Company's marketplace.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, one network partner accounted for 27% of total consolidated revenue, all of which was recorded within the Insurance segment. For the year December 31, 2024, two network partners accounted for 22% and 11%, respectively, of total consolidated revenue, all of which was recorded within the Insurance segment. For the year ended December 31, 2023 there wereno network partners accounting for more than 10% of total revenue.
Lenders and lead purchasers participating on the Company's marketplace can offer their products directly to consumers through brokers, mass marketing campaigns or through other traditional methods of credit distribution. These lenders and lead purchasers can also offer their products online, either directly to prospective borrowers, through one or more online competitors, or both. If a significant number of potential consumers are able to obtain loans and other products from Network Partners without utilizing the Company's services, the Company's ability to generate revenue may be limited. Because the Company does not have exclusive relationships with the Network Partners whose loans and other financial products are offered on its online marketplace, consumers may obtain offers from these Network Partners without using its service.
Other than a support services office in India, the Company's operations are geographically limited to and dependent upon the economic condition of the United States.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. An entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company adopted this ASU on December 31, 2024. See Note 19—Segment Information for further information.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 which expands annual disclosure requirements for income taxes, primarily through disclosure about disaggregated information about an entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and information on income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted this ASU on December 31, 2025 and elected to apply the guidance on a prospective basis. See Note 12—Income Taxes for further information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 which requires the disaggregated disclosure of specific expense categories, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization, within relevant income statement captions. This ASU also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses along with the definition of selling expenses. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05 which provides a practical expedient permitting an entity to assume that conditions at the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset when estimating expected credit losses for current classified accounts receivable and contract assets. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in both interim and annual reporting periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The guidance in this ASU is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06 for targeted improvements to the accounting for internal-use software. The amendments modernize guidance to consider different methods of software development, updating the requirements for capitalization of software costs. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11 which clarifies interim disclosure requirements in order to improve the consistency, clarity and navigability of interim financial statements. This ASU is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance in this ASU can be applied either on a prospective or a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3—REVENUE
Revenue is as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Revenue: | |||
| Home | $151,764 | $128,854 | $143,753 |
| Personal loans | 114,441 | 101,412 | 100,124 |
| Other Consumer | 138,929 | 121,050 | 178,821 |
| Consumer | 253,370 | 222,462 | 278,945 |
| Insurance | 711,880 | 548,704 | 249,605 |
| Other | 310 | 199 | 199 |
| Total revenue | $1,117,324 | $900,219 | $672,502 |
The total contract asset related to estimated variable consideration was $33.5 million and $20.5 million on December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. At December 31, 2025, $22.5 million was included in prepaid and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
As the contract liability was in the Ovation business that was closed during 2023, there isno contract liability in the accompanying balance sheets. During 2023, the Company recognized revenue of $0.9 million that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 2022.
Revenue recognized in any reporting period includes estimated variable consideration for which the Company has satisfied the related performance obligations but are still pending the occurrence or non-occurrence of a future event outside the Company's control (such as lenders providing loans to consumers or credit card approvals of consumers) before the Company has a contractual right to payment. The Company recognizes increases or decreases to such revenue from prior periods. The Company recognized an increase for closing and approval fees of $0.4 million to such revenue from prior periods in 2025, an increase of $0.4 million to such revenue in 2024, and animmaterial increase to such revenue from prior periods in in 2023.
NOTE 4—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The balance of property and equipment, net is as follows(in thousands):
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer equipment and capitalized software | $29,605 | $32,415 |
| Leasehold improvements | 24,052 | 29,206 |
| Furniture and other equipment | 5,626 | 6,864 |
| Aircraft | — | 2,598 |
| Projects in progress | 1,938 | 5,072 |
| Total gross property and equipment | 61,221 | 76,155 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (28,387) | (33,375) |
| Total property and equipment, net | $32,834 | $42,780 |
Unamortized capitalized software development costs recorded in property and equipment, whether in service or under development, are $13.7 million and $15.1 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Capitalized software development depreciation expense was $12.3 million, $13.5 million and $13.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Long-lived assets located outside the United States, the Company's country of domicile, were immaterial at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
NOTE 5—HOSTING ARRANGEMENTS
The balance of capitalized implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract, which are recorded within prepaid and other current assets and other non-current assets, is as follows(in thousands):
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current portion | Non-current portion | Current portion | Non-current portion | |
| Capitalized implementation costs | $3,067 | $5,910 | $2,631 | $5,745 |
| Projects in progress | 83 | 166 | 470 | 940 |
| Total gross | 3,150 | 6,076 | 3,101 | $6,685 |
| Accumulated amortization | (821) | (2,875) | (1,191) | (2,453) |
| Total net | $2,329 | $3,201 | $1,910 | $4,232 |
Amortization expense included within general and administrative expense on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) associated with these capitalized implementation costs was $3.6 million, $3.8 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 6—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The balance of goodwill, net is as follows(in thousands):
| Goodwill | Accumulated Impairment Loss | Net Goodwill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $903,227 | $(521,688) | $381,539 |
| Changes in goodwill | — | — | — |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | $903,227 | $(521,688) | $381,539 |
| Changes in goodwill | — | — | — |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $903,227 | $(521,688) | $381,539 |
The balance of intangible assets, net is as follows(in thousands):
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets with indefinite lives | $10,142 | $10,142 |
| Intangible assets with definite lives, net | 27,950 | 33,141 |
| Total intangible assets, net | $38,092 | $43,283 |
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The Company's goodwill at December 31, 2025 consists of $59.3 million associated with the Home reporting unit, $166.1 million associated with the Consumer reporting unit, and $156.1 million associated with the Insurance reporting unit.
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company’s market capitalization declined significantly compared to the second quarter of 2023. The closing stock price on September 29, 2023 was $15.50 reflecting a market capitalization below the Company's book value. In addition, the effects of the challenging interest rate environment, low for-sale home inventories and the rise in home prices in the Home reporting unit and consumer price inflation negatively impacting carrier underwriting in the Insurance reporting unit continued to provide revenue headwinds. Based on these factors, it was concluded that a triggering event had occurred and an interim quantitative impairment test was performed as of September 30, 2023. Upon completing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Insurance reporting unit exceeded its fair value which resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $38.6 million. The fair value of the Home and Consumer reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, indicatingno goodwill impairment. The fair values of each reporting unit were determined using a combination of the income approach and the market approach valuation methodologies.
The Company will continue to monitor each of the reporting units and the impact of business or economic changes on the fair value of the reporting unit. Changes in the timing of the recovery of the mortgage business, inflation, interest rates and other changes in current expectations could cause an impairment to the Insurance, Mortgage, or Consumer reporting units.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives relate to the Company's trademarks.
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives
Intangible assets with definite lives relate to the following(dollars in thousands):
| Weighted AverageAmortization Life | Cost | AccumulatedAmortization | Net | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer lists | 13.7 years | $69,100 | $(41,150) | $27,950 |
| Balance at December 31, 2025 | $69,100 | $(41,150) | $27,950 |
| Weighted AverageAmortization Life | Cost | AccumulatedAmortization | Net | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer lists | 13.6 years | $69,700 | $(36,559) | $33,141 |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | $69,700 | $(36,559) | $33,141 |
During 2025 a customer list became fully amortized, reducing the cost and accumulated amortization in the table above.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company made the decision to cease offering its student loan products. Animpairment charge of $1.4 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 associated with student loan customer list intangible assets with an original cost of $6.4 million
Amortization of intangible assets with definite lives is computed on a straight-line basis and, based on balances as of December 31, 2025, future amortization is estimated to be as follows(in thousands):
| Amortization Expense | |
|---|---|
| Year ending December 31, 2026 | $5,092 |
| Year ending December 31, 2027 | 4,948 |
| Year ending December 31, 2028 | 4,539 |
| Year ending December 31, 2029 | 2,767 |
| Year ending December 31, 2030 | 2,767 |
| Thereafter | 7,837 |
| Total intangible assets with definite lives, net | $27,950 |
NOTE 7—EQUITY INVESTMENTS
On February 28, 2020, the Company acquired an equity interest in Stash Financial, Inc. (“Stash”) for $80.0 million. On January 6, 2021, the Company acquired an additional equity interest for $1.2 million. Stash is a consumer investing and banking platform. Stash brings together banking, investing, and financial services education into one seamless experience offering a full suite of personal investment accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, custodial investment accounts, and banking services, including checking accounts and debit cards with a Stock-Back® rewards program.
On October 18, 2021, the Company entered into a stock transfer agreement with third parties to sell a portion of its Stash equity securities for $46.3 million with a cost basis of $18.4 million. The Company recorded a realized gain of $27.9 million based on the sale of Stash equity securities under the stock transfer agreement. In 2021, the Company recorded a net unrealized gain on the investment in Stash of $95.4 million as a result of an adjustment to the fair value of the Stash equity securities based on observable market events.
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company determined there was an impairment indicator related to its Stash investment and performed a valuation of the investment. Based on the valuation, the Company determined the estimated fair value was below the carrying value of the investment and recorded an impairment charge of $113.1 million. The Company determined the fair value by using a market approach and a DCF analysis. Determining the fair value using a DCF analysis and a market analysis requires the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about the appropriate discount rate, perpetual growth rates, including short-term revenue and EBITDA, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, and the revenue exit multiple.
In the third quarter of 2024, the Company was informed that Stash executed a term sheet for additional funding. As a result, the Company determined there was an impairment indicator related to its Stash investment and performed a valuation of the investment. The Company determined the fair value by predominately modeling its value of the investment based on the new funding terms utilizing an option pricing model. Based on the valuation of the Stash investment, the Company determined the estimated fair value was below the carrying value of the investment and recorded an impairment charge of $43.4 million. Determining the fair value using the new funding terms requires the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about the appropriate volatility, risk-free rate of return, time to expiration and liquidation preferences.
In the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded an impairment of $1.2 million on its investment in Stash.
As of December 31, 2025, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Stash was $0.5 million.
In January 2022, the Company acquired an equity interest in EarnUp Inc. (“EarnUp”) for $15.0 million. EarnUp is a consumer-first mortgage payment platform that intelligently automates loan payment scheduling and helps consumers better manage their money and improve their financial well-being.
In the third quarter of 2024, the Company determined there was an impairment indicator related to its EarnUp investment and recorded an impairment charge of $15.0 million.
In the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million on one of its investment in equity securities.
These impairments are included within other income on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
NOTE 8—ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following(in thousands):
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued advertising expense | $69,250 | $59,381 |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 25,707 | 23,504 |
| Accrued professional fees | 1,141 | 1,311 |
| Customer deposits and escrows | 8,114 | 7,673 |
| Current lease liabilities | 4,394 | 5,799 |
| Accrued contingencies | 13,001 | 3,868 |
| Other | 5,196 | 5,649 |
| Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $126,803 | $107,185 |
NOTE 9—LEASES
The Company is a lessee to leases of corporate offices and certain office equipment. The majority of leases for corporate offices includeone or more options to renew, with renewal terms ranging fromtwo tofive years. These renewal options have not been included in the calculation of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, as the Company is not reasonably certain of the exercise of these renewal options. The Company used its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the right-of-use asset and lease liability for each lease.
As of December 31, 2025, right-of-use assets totaled $31.7 million and lease liabilities, the current portion of which is included inaccrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet, totaled $48.0 million. At December 31, 2024, right-of-use assets totaled $52.6 million and lease liabilities totaled $75.0 million.
Lease expense, which is included in general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), consists of the following(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Operating lease cost | $7,954 | $8,515 | $9,506 |
| Short-term lease cost | 69 | 41 | 26 |
| Total lease cost | $8,023 | $8,556 | $9,532 |
Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating leases are as follows:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted average remaining lease term | 10.2 years | 11.1 years | 11.6 years |
| Weighted average discount rate | 8.2% | 5.1% | 5.0% |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $9,879 | $11,355 | $13,705 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $84 | $17 | $861 |
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2025 are as follows(in thousands):
| Operating Leases | |
|---|---|
| Year ending December 31, 2026 | $8,186 |
| Year ending December 31, 2027 | 6,448 |
| Year ending December 31, 2028 | 6,017 |
| Year ending December 31, 2029 | 6,176 |
| Year ending December 31, 2030 | 6,339 |
| Thereafter | 39,856 |
| Total lease payments | 73,022 |
| Less: Interest | 25,031 |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $47,991 |
NOTE 10—EARNINGS PER SHARE and SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss), adjusted on an if-converted basis for the period, by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period.
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods presented(in thousands, except per share amounts):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Numerator: | |||
| Net income (loss) | $151,308 | $(41,704) | $(122,404) |
| Add back interest expense, net of tax attributable to assumed conversion of convertible senior notes | 234 | — | — |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-diluted | $151,542 | $(41,704) | $(122,404) |
| Weighted average basic common shares | 13,584 | 13,269 | 12,941 |
| Effect of stock options | — | — | — |
| Effect of dilutive share awards | 358 | — | — |
| Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of convertible senior notes | 120 | — | — |
| Weighted average diluted common shares | 14,062 | 13,269 | 12,941 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders-basic | $11.14 | $(3.14) | $(9.46) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders-diluted | $10.78 | $(3.14) | $(9.46) |
For the year ended December 31, 2025 the weighted average shares that were anti-dilutive included options to purchase 0.8 million shares of common stock and an immaterial amount of restricted stock units.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company had a net loss and, as a result, no potentially dilutive securities were included in the denominator for computing diluted loss per share, because the impact would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, the weighted average basic shares outstanding was used to compute loss per share. Approximately 0.2 million shares related to potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2024 the weighted average shares that were anti-dilutive included options to purchase 0.9 million shares of common stock and animmaterial amount of restricted stock units.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had a net loss and, as a result, no potentially dilutive securities were included in the denominator for computing diluted loss per share, because the impact would have been anti-dilutive. Accordingly, the weighted average basic shares outstanding was used to compute loss per share. Animmaterial amount of shares related to potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2023 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the weighted average shares that were anti-dilutive, and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share, included options to purchase 1.2 million shares of common stock and 0.5 million restricted stock units.
The convertible notes and the warrants issued by the Company could have been converted into the Company’s common stock, subject to certain contingencies. These convertible notes were settled in 2025 and the warrants have expired and are no longer outstanding. See Note 13—Debt for additional information. The if-converted method is used for diluted net income per share calculation of our convertible notes.
Approximately 0.6 million shares related to the potentially dilutive shares of the Company's common stock associated with the 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2025 were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Approximately 1.2 million shares related to the potentially dilutive shares of the Company's common stock associated with the 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2025 were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2023 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Shares of the Company's stock associated with warrants issued by the Company in 2020 were excluded from the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
See Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation for a full description of outstanding equity awards.
Equity Distribution Agreement
In July 2024, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement in connection with the establishment of an ATM Equity Program under which the Company may sell up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of shares of the Company's common stock. No sales were made under the Equity Distribution Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Common Stock Repurchases
The Company has a plan authorized for the repurchase of LendingTree's common stock. The Company didnot purchase shares of its common stock during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. At December 31, 2025, $96.7 million remains authorized for share repurchase.
NOTE 11—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company currently hastwo active plans; the LendingTree 2023 Stock Plan (the “Equity Award Plan”) and the LendingTree 2023 Inducement Grant Plan (the "Inducement Plan"), under which future awards may be granted. The Equity Award Plan currently covers outstanding stock options to acquire shares of the Company's common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock with performance conditions, RSUs and RSUs with performance conditions, and provides for the future grants of these and other equity awards. Under the Equity Award Plan and the Inducement Plan, the Company is authorized to grant stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and other equity-based awards for up to 3.1 million and 0.1 million, respectively, of LendingTree shares of common stock to employees, and, under the Equity Plan only, to non-employee consultants and directors.
The Equity Award Plan and Inducement Plan each have a stated term often years and provides that the exercise price of stock options granted will not be less than the market price of the common stock on the grant date. The Equity Award Plan and Inducement Plan do not specify grant dates or vesting schedules, as those determinations are delegated to the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. Each grant agreement reflects the vesting schedule for that particular grant, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the authority to modify the vesting provisions of an award.
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards is included in the following line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss)(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Cost of revenue | $173 | $297 | $396 |
| Selling and marketing expense | 2,637 | 3,303 | 5,267 |
| General and administrative expense | 23,672 | 20,478 | 25,180 |
| Product development | 2,720 | 4,501 | 6,333 |
| Restructuring and severance | 255 | — | 2,506 |
| Total non-cash compensation | $29,457 | $28,579 | $39,682 |
In 2025, non-cash compensation within general and administrative expense includes $5.8 million of expense due to the acceleration of certain equity awards associated with our previous Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company recognized $3.4 million, $4.7 million, and $7.4 million, respectively, of income tax benefit, including state taxes, related to non-cash compensation. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 the Company recognized excess tax expense of $0.9 million, $4.4 million, and $7.8 million, respectively.
Stock Options
A summary of changes in outstanding stock options is as follows:
| Number of Options | WeightedAverageExercisePrice | WeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm | AggregateIntrinsicValue(a) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (per option) · (in years) · (in thousands) | ||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2024 | 371,386 | $226.17 | ||
| Granted | — | — | ||
| Exercised | — | — | ||
| Forfeited | — | — | ||
| Expired | (11,909) | 144.89 | ||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2025 | 359,477 | $228.86 | 2.51 | $— |
| Options exercisable | 359,477 | $228.86 | 2.51 | $— |
(a)The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price of $53.09 on the last trading day of 2025 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares covered by in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had the option holder exercised these options on December 31, 2025. The intrinsic value changes based on the market value of the Company's common stock.
As of December 31, 2025, there wasno unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options.
Upon exercise, the intrinsic value represents the pre-tax difference between the Company's closing stock price on the exercise date and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of stock options exercised. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2023, there wereno stock options exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the total intrinsic value of stock options that were exercised was $4.2 million. Cash received from stock option exercises was $1.4 million and there wasno related actual tax benefit realized due to the valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 there wereno stock options granted.
During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the total grant date fair value of options vested was $5.7 million, $6.0 million and $11.9 million, respectively.
Stock Options with Market Conditions
A summary of changes in outstanding stock options with market conditions at target is as follows:
| Number of Options with Market Conditions | WeightedAverageExercisePrice | WeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm | AggregateIntrinsicValue(a) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (per option) · (in years) · (in thousands) | ||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2024 | 699,312 | $227.74 | ||
| Granted | — | — | ||
| Exercised | — | — | ||
| Forfeited | — | — | ||
| Expired | (217,643) | 300.00 | ||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2025 | 481,669 | $195.10 | 0.78 | $— |
| Options exercisable | 481,669 | $195.10 | 0.78 | $— |
(a)The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price of $53.09 on the last trading day of 2025 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares covered by in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had the option holder exercised these options on December 31, 2025. The intrinsic value changes based on the market value of the Company's common stock.
As of December 31, 2025, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options with market conditions.
No stock options with market conditions were granted in 2023, 2024 or 2025.
In December 2020, the Company granted graded-vesting stock options with a market condition to its former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at a premium exercise price of $300, representing an approximate 25% premium over the closing market price of LendingTree's common stock on the date of grant. The performance measurement period ended on March 31, 2025 and the target number of shares expired, as reflected in the table above.
As of December 31, 2025, no additional performance-based nonqualified stock options with a market condition had been earned.
Restricted Stock Units
A summary of changes in outstanding nonvested RSUs is as follows:
| RSUs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Units | Weighted Average Grant DateFair Value | |
| (per unit) | ||
| Nonvested at December 31, 2024 | 569,460 | $46.37 |
| Granted (a) | 561,615 | 42.31 |
| Vested | (369,294) | 50.21 |
| Forfeited | (41,321) | 41.29 |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2025 | 720,460 | $41.50 |
(a)The grant date fair value per share of the RSUs is calculated as the closing market price of LendingTree's common stock at the time of grant.
As of December 31, 2025, there was approximately $19.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.
The total fair value of RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $16.3 million, $10.8 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units with Market Conditions
A summary of changes in outstanding nonvested RSUs with market conditions is as follows:
| RSUs with Market Conditions (a) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Units | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |
| (per unit) | ||
| Nonvested at December 31, 2024 | 46,000 | $35.24 |
| Granted | 145,000 | 36.46 |
| Vested | (60,527) | 35.66 |
| Forfeited | (51,473) | 33.34 |
| Nonvested at December 31, 2025 | 79,000 | $38.39 |
(a)During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company granted RSUs with market conditions that will vest if the Company's 90 trading day average closing stock prices equals or exceeds certain price hurdles ($60.00, $75.00 and $90.00) during the performance period of March 10, 2025 to March 10, 2029, and granted RSUs with market conditions that will vest if the Company's 90 trading day average closing stock prices equals or exceeds certain price hurdles ($75.00 and $90.00) during the performance period of December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2028. Upon achievement of each price hurdle, one-half of the awards will vest upon the later of the achievement date or the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and the other half of the awards will vest on the first anniversary of the achievement date.
For purposes of determining stock-based compensation expense, the weighted average grant date fair value per share of the RSUs with market conditions was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model, which requires the use of various key assumptions.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Expected term (1) | 3.00 - 4.00 years | 5.00 years |
| Expected volatility (2) | 74.09% - 75.11% | 68.06% |
| Risk-free interest rate (3) | 3.52% - 3.91% | 4.13% |
| Expected dividend (4) | — | — |
(1)The expected term of RSUs with market conditions granted was calculated using the respective performance period plus any time-based vesting requirement.
(2)The expected volatility rate is based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock.
(3)The risk-free interest rate is specific to the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields for notes with comparable expected terms as the awards in effect at the grant date.
(4)For all RSUs with market conditions granted, no dividends are expected to be paid over the contractual term of the stock options, resulting in azero expected dividend rate.
As of December 31, 2025, there was approximately $2.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs with market conditions. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years.
The total fair value of RSUs with market conditions that vested during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $3.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), under which a total of 262,731 shares of the Company's common stock were reserved for issuance. The ESPP is a tax-qualified plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the terms of the ESPP, eligible employees are granted options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at
85% of the lesser of (1) the fair market value at time of grant or (2) the fair market value at time of exercise. The offering periods and purchase periods are typically 6-month periods ending on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
During the year ended December 31, 2025,42,270 shares were purchased under the ESPP at a weighted average purchase price of $31.97 per share, resulting in cash proceeds of $1.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024,45,690 shares were purchased under the ESPP at a weighted average purchase price of $28.10 per share, resulting in cash proceeds of $1.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023,64,549 shares were purchased under the ESPP at a weighted average price of $19.03 per share, resulting in cash proceeds of $1.2 million. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024,74,304 and 116,574 shares, respectively, were available for issuance under the ESPP.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company granted Employee Stock Purchase Rights to certain employees with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $14.00, $12.68 and $8.51, respectively, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For purposes of determining stock-based compensation expense, the grant date fair value per share estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model required the use of the following key assumptions:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Expected term (1) | 0.50 years | 0.50 years | 0.50 years |
| Expected dividend (2) | — | — | — |
| Expected volatility (3) | 71% - 79% | 78% - 82% | 82% |
| Risk-free interest rate (4) | 4.24% - 4.29% | 5.28% - 5.33% | 4.76% - 5.50% |
(1)The expected term was calculated using the time period between the grant date and the purchase date.
(2)No dividends are expected to be paid, resulting in azero expected dividend rate.
(3)The expected volatility rate is based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock.
(4)The risk-free interest rate is specific to the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields for notes with comparable expected terms as the Employee Stock Purchase Rights, in effect at the grant date.
NOTE 12—INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Provision
The components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Current income tax (benefit) expense: | |||
| Federal | $104 | $587 | $1,155 |
| State | (637) | 940 | 1,022 |
| Current income tax (benefit) expense | (533) | 1,527 | 2,177 |
| Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: | |||
| Federal | (100,510) | 947 | (3,383) |
| State | (29,241) | 1,846 | (1,309) |
| Deferred income tax (benefit) expense | (129,751) | 2,793 | (4,692) |
| Income tax (benefit) expense | $(130,284) | $4,320 | $(2,515) |
Upon adoption of ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, as described in Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies, the reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes is shown as follows(in thousands, except for percentages):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Federal statutory income tax | $4,415 | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal effect | (23,711) | (112.8)% |
| Foreign tax effects | 57 | 0.3% |
| Effect of cross-border tax laws: | ||
| Global intangible low-taxed income inclusion | 420 | 2.0% |
| Tax credits: | ||
| Research and experimentation tax credit | (1,547) | (7.4)% |
| Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance | (114,973) | (546.9)% |
| Nontaxable or nondeductible items: | ||
| Nondeductible executive compensation | 3,562 | 16.9% |
| Excess tax deductions on non-cash compensation | 799 | 3.8% |
| Other nontaxable or nondeductible | 359 | 1.7% |
| Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | 232 | 1.1% |
| Other, net | 103 | 0.5% |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $(130,284) | (619.7)% |
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit decreased the effective tax rate by 112.8% for the year ended December 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to the releases of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in multiple state jurisdictions where the Company concluded it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will be realized. Valuation allowances remain in place where realization of deferred tax assets is not considered more likely than not. The most significant impacts related to California and Illinois, which together represented more than 50% of the total state tax benefit. The remaining decrease was attributable to a combination of several other state jurisdictions.
The reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 in accordance with the guidance prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09 was as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Federal statutory income tax | $(7,851) | $(26,233) |
| State income taxes, net | (502) | (2,883) |
| Excess tax deductions on non-cash compensation | 3,633 | 6,373 |
| Research and experimentation tax credit | (1,500) | (1,512) |
| Nondeductible executive compensation | 3,245 | 2,174 |
| Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance | 5,045 | 17,087 |
| Remeasurement of state deferred tax | 776 | 73 |
| Expiration of state net operating loss carryforwards | 535 | 595 |
| Global intangible low-taxed income inclusion | 420 | 420 |
| Other, net | 519 | 1,391 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $4,320 | $(2,515) |
Deferred Income Taxes
The tax effects of cumulative temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows(in thousands):
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Provision for accrued expenses | $4,303 | $1,541 |
| Leasing | 11,991 | 19,053 |
| Net operating loss carryforwards (a) | 45,032 | 38,746 |
| Capitalized research and experimentation | 16,577 | 35,861 |
| Non-cash compensation expense(b) | 22,931 | 23,953 |
| Property and equipment | 1,985 | 833 |
| Intangible assets | — | 1,882 |
| Interest | 24,641 | 22,422 |
| Equity investment | 16,538 | 19,659 |
| Tax credits | 16,995 | 15,522 |
| Other | 61 | 71 |
| Total gross deferred tax assets | 161,054 | 179,543 |
| Less: valuation allowance (c) | (18,008) | (167,549) |
| Total deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance | 143,046 | 11,994 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Leasing | (10,080) | (16,379) |
| Intangible and other assets | (7,617) | — |
| Prepaid expenses | (482) | (484) |
| Other | — | (15) |
| Total gross deferred tax liabilities | (18,179) | (16,878) |
| Net deferred taxes | $124,867 | $(4,884) |
(a)At December 31, 2025, the Company had pre-tax consolidated federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) of $148.8 million. The federal NOLs no longer expire under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company's NOLs will be available to offset taxable income, subject to the Internal Revenue Code Section 382 annual limitation. In addition, the Company has state NOLs of approximately $423.1 million at December 31, 2025, a portion of which will expire at various times between 2026 and 2055.
(b)Certain out-of-the-money stock options are expected to expire unexercised, and as a result may be required to reverse the related deferred tax asset for share-based compensation, which could increase income tax expense and our effective tax rate in a future period.
(c)The valuation allowance is related to items for which it is“more likely than not” that the tax benefit will not be realized.
Deferred income taxes are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows(in thousands):
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Deferred income tax assets | $124,867 | $— |
| Deferred income tax liabilities | — | (4,884) |
| Net deferred taxes | $124,867 | $(4,884) |
Valuation Allowance
A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is“more likely than not” that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of each reporting date, management considers both positive and negative evidence regarding the likelihood of future realization of the deferred tax assets.
During 2025, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $149.5 million to reduce the valuation allowance the Company established in 2022 against its net deferred tax assets. Management determined upon review of the deferred tax assets for recoverability that sufficient positive evidence existed to conclude a substantial portion of the valuation allowance was no longer needed. Based on sustained profitability, improved forecasts of future taxable income, and the reversal of existing temporary differences, management concluded that it is more likely than not that we will be able to utilize the deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. The Company maintains a valuation allowance of $18.0 million primarily related to certain states for which it estimates the net operating losses will expire prior to being utilized and other deferred tax assets related to equity investments for which it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In determining the amount of the remaining valuation allowance, the Company considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities. Should there be a change in the valuation allowance in the future, the income tax provision would increase or decrease in the period in which the allowance is changed.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the deferred tax valuation allowance is as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Balance, beginning of the period | $167,549 | $162,504 | $145,401 |
| Charges to earnings | (149,541) | 5,045 | 17,103 |
| Balance, end of the period | $18,008 | $167,549 | $162,504 |
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Balance, beginning of the period | $3,721 | $3,424 |
| Additions based on tax positions of the current period | 225 | 225 |
| Additions (subtractions) based on tax positions of the prior period | 7 | 72 |
| Balance, end of the period | $3,953 | $3,721 |
Interest and, if applicable, penalties are recognized related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits included in income tax expense of an immaterial amount has been recognized for the tax years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2025 interest is not currently required to be recorded, as there have been no tax attributes included in income tax returns filed for those tax periods to require consideration of interest expense.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the accrual for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest, was $4.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, which would benefit the effective tax rate if recognized.
Upon adoption of ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, as described in Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies, cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, during the year ended December 31, 2025 was as follows (in thousands):
| Federal | $305 |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 780 |
| Other U.S. state and local | 314 |
| Foreign - India | 135 |
| Total income taxes paid, net of refunds received | $1,534 |
Tax Audits
LendingTree is subject to audits by federal, state and local authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Income taxes payable include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year returns; however, any amounts paid upon resolution of issues raised may differ from the amount provided. Differences between the reserves for tax contingencies and the amounts owed by the Company are recorded in the period they become known. As of December 31, 2025, the Company is subject to a federal income tax examination for the tax years 2015 through 2024. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local tax examinations for the tax years 2020 through 2024.
NOTE 13—DEBT
Convertible Senior Notes
2025 Notes
On July 24, 2020, the Company issued $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) in a private placement. The 2025 Notes matured on July 15, 2025. The initial conversion rate of the 2025 Notes was 2.1683 shares of the Company's common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2025 Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $461.19 per share).
On July 15, 2025, the Company repaid the $95.3 million outstanding principal amount of the 2025 Notes upon maturity in cash plus $0.2 million of accrued interest. Upon this repayment, the 2025 Notes were extinguished and repaid in full and the Company has no further obligations with respect to the 2025 Notes.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Company repurchased approximately $20.0 million of its 2025 Notes, through individual privately-negotiated transactions with certain holders of the 2025 Notes, for $19.7 million in cash plus an immaterial amount of accrued and unpaid interest. The repurchase resulted in a $0.3 million gain on the extinguishment of debt which is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
In the second quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $161.3 million in principal amount of the 2025 Notes for $151.7 million plus accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $0.3 million. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $7.6 million in principal amount of the 2025 Notes for $7.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $10.1 million and a loss on the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.1 million, both of which are included in interest (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased approximately $190.6 million in principal amount of its 2025 Notes, through individual privately-negotiated transactions with certain holders of the 2025 Notes, for $156.3 million in cash plus accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $0.1 million. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased approximately $100.2 million in principal amount of its 2025 Notes, through individual privately-negotiated transactions with certain holders of the 2025 Notes, for $81.2 million in cash plus accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $0.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $53.3 million, a loss on the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3.2 million and incurred debt repayment costs of $1.6 million, all of which are included in interest (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense on the 2025 Notes of $0.6 million which consisted of $0.3 million associated with the 0.50% coupon rate and $0.3 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During
2024, the Company recorded interest expense on the 2025 Notes of $1.9 million which consisted of $0.9 million associated with the 0.50% coupon rate and $1.0 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During 2023, the Company recorded interest expense on the 2025 Notes of $4.3 million which consisted of $2.1 million associated with the 0.50% coupon rate and $2.2 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs.
A summary of the gross carrying amount and debt issuance costs of the 2025 Notes, all of which is recorded as a current liability in the December 31, 2024 consolidated balance sheet, are as follows(in thousands):
| December 31,2024 | |
|---|---|
| Gross carrying amount | $115,307 |
| Debt issuance costs | 331 |
| Net carrying amount | $114,976 |
Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions
2020 Hedge and Warrants
On July 24, 2020, in connection with the issuance of the 2025 Notes, the Company entered into Convertible Note Hedge (the “2020 Hedge”) and warrant transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock.
The 2020 Hedge transactions cover 1.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock, the same number of shares initially underlying the 2025 Notes. The 2020 Hedge transactions were expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Company's common stock upon conversion of the 2025 Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company could have been required to make in excess of the principal amount of the converted 2025 Notes, as the case may be, in the event that the market price per share of common stock, as measured under the terms of the 2020 Hedge transactions, was greater than the strike price of the 2020 Hedge transactions, which initially corresponds to the initial conversion price of the 2025 Notes, or approximately $461.19 per share of common stock. The 2020 Hedge transactions expired on July 15, 2025 upon the maturity of the 2025 Notes.
On July 24, 2020, the Company sold to the counterparties warrants (the “2020 Warrants”) to acquire 1.2 million shares of the Company's common stock at an initial strike price of $709.52 per share, which represents a premium of 100% over the last reported sale price of the common stock of $354.76 on July 21, 2020. If the market price per share of the common stock, as measured under the terms of the 2020 Warrants, exceeded the strike price of the 2020 Warrants, the 2020 Warrants could have had a dilutive effect. The 2020 Warrants expired on February 11, 2026.
Credit Facilities
2025 Credit Facility
On August 21, 2025, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2025 Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2025 Revolving Facility”), which matures on August 21, 2030, and a $400.0 million term loan facility (the “2025 Term Loan” and together with the 2025 Revolving Facility, the “2025 Credit Facility”), which matures on August 21, 2030. The proceeds of the 2025 Credit Facility was used to refinance the 2021 Credit Facility and 2024 Term Loan (defined below), and will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, and any other purpose not prohibited by the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $399.0 million borrowings outstanding under the 2025 Term Loan bearing interest based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") of 8.22% and had no borrowings under the 2025 Revolving Facility. As of December 31, 2025, borrowings of $4.0 million under the 2025 Term Loan Facility are recorded as current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet.
The full amount of the 2025 Revolving Facility will be available on a same-day basis, with respect to base rate loans and upon advance notice with respect to SOFR rate loans, subject to customary terms and conditions. Under certain conditions, the Company will be permitted to add one or more term loans and/or increase revolving or term loan commitments under the Credit Facility by an amount set at the greater of $58.0 million and 50% of consolidated EBITDA (subject to adjustments for certain prepayments), plus an unlimited amount provided that the first lien net leverage ratio does not exceed 3.10 to 1.00. Additionally, up to $30.0 million of the 2025 Revolving Facility will be available for the issuance of letters of credit.
The Company’s borrowings under the 2025 Credit Facility bear interest at annual rates that, at the Company’s option, will be either:
a base rate generally defined as the sum of (i) the greater of (a) the prime rate of Bank of America, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% and (c) the Benchmark rate (defined below) on a daily basis applicable for an interest period of one month plus 1.0% and (ii) an applicable percentage of 2.00% to 2.50% for loans under the 2025 Revolving Facility and 3.50% for loans under the 2025 Term Loan Facility (3.25% upon achievement of a corporate family rating of B2 (stable) or better from Moody’s which was achieved in January 2026), in each case, based on a first lien net leverage ratio; or
a Benchmark rate generally defined as the sum of (i) Term SOFR and (ii) an applicable percentage of 3.00% to 3.50% for loans under the 2025 Revolving Facility and 4.50% for loans under the 2025 Term Loan Facility (4.25% upon achievement of a corporate family rating of B2 (stable) or better from Moody’s which was achieved in January 2026), in each case, based on a first lien net leverage ratio.
Interest on the Company’s borrowings is payable quarterly in arrears for base rate loans and on the last day of each interest rate period (but not less often than three months) for SOFR rate loans.
The 2025 Credit Facility contains a restrictive financial covenant, which is set at a first lien net leverage ratio of 5.00 to 1.00. The financial covenant will be tested only if the loans and certain other obligations under the 2025 Revolving Facility exceed $20.0 million as of the last date of any fiscal quarter. In addition, the 2025 Credit Facility contains mandatory prepayment events, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for a transaction of this type. The covenants, among other things, restrict additional indebtedness, liens, mergers or certain fundamental changes, asset dispositions, dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, loans and investments and other matters customarily restricted in credit agreements of this type. The Company is required to make mandatory prepayments of the outstanding principal amount of loans under the 2025 Term Loan Facility with the net cash proceeds from certain disposition of assets and the receipt of insurance proceeds upon certain casualty and condemnation events, in each case, to the extent not reinvested within a specified time period, from excess cash flow beyond stated threshold amounts, and from the incurrence of certain indebtedness. The Company has the right to prepay its term loans under the 2025 Credit Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain limitations and a 1.0% soft call premium applicable during the first 6 months following the closing date.
The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2025.
The 2025 Credit Facility requires the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to pledge as collateral, subject to certain customary exclusions, substantially all of its assets, including 100% of the equity in certain domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting equity, and 100% of the non-voting equity, in certain foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2025 Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by the Company's material domestic subsidiaries, which guaranties are secured by the collateral.
With respect to the 2025 Revolving Facility, the Company is required to pay an unused commitment fee quarterly in arrears on the difference between committed amounts and amounts actually borrowed under the 2025 Revolving Facility equal to an applicable percentage of 0.25% to 0.38% per annum based on a first lien net leverage ratio. The Company is required to pay a letter of credit participation fee and a letter of credit fronting fee quarterly in arrears. The letter of credit participation fee is based upon the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters of credit at an applicable percentage of 3.0% to 3.5% based on a first lien net leverage ratio. The letter of credit fronting fee is 0.125% per annum on the face amount of each letter of credit.
In addition to the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the 2021 Credit Facility, debt issuance costs of $1.4 million related to the 2025 Revolving Facility are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2025 Revolving Facility. With respect to the 2025 Term Loan Facility, the Company incurred financing costs of $8.6 million upon closing of which approximately $0.8 million was expensed. The remaining $3.9 million of debt issuance costs related to the 2025 Term Loan Facility and $3.9 million of the original issue discount paid on the 2025 Term Loan Facility are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the term loan.
During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense related to its 2025 Revolving Facility of $0.2 million which consisted of an $0.1 million amount in unused commitment fees and $0.1 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2025 Term Loan of $13.2 million which consisted of $12.7 million associated with borrowings bearing interest based on the SOFR rate, $0.3 million associated with the amortization of debt issuance costs, and $0.2 million associated with the accretion of the original issue discount.
2021 Credit Facility
On September 15, 2021, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”), which was set to mature on September 15, 2026, and a $250.0 million delayed draw term loan facility (the “2021 Term Loan” and together with the Revolving Facility, the “Credit Facility”), which was set to mature on September 15, 2028.
On August 21, 2025, the Company repaid the $242.5 million outstanding principal amount of the 2021 Term Loan in cash plus $1.2 million of accrued interest. The repayment resulted in a $0.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt which is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. The Company also terminated the Revolving Facility on August 21, 2025.
During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense related to its Revolving Facility of $1.3 million which consisted of $0.7 million in unused commitment fees and $0.6 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2021 Term Loan of $13.2 million associated with borrowings bearing interest at the SOFR option rate.
During 2024, the Company recorded interest expense related to its Revolving Facility of $1.8 million which consisted of $0.9 million in unused commitment fees and $0.9 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During 2024, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2021 Term Loan of $22.8 million associated with borrowings bearing interest at the SOFR option rate.
During 2023, the Company recorded interest expense related to its revolving facilities of $1.5 million which consisted of $0.6 million in unused commitment fees and $0.9 million associated with the amortization of the debt issuance costs. During 2023, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2021 Term Loan of $22.2 million associated with borrowings bearing interest at the LIBO rate during the first six months of 2023 and the SOFR option rate during the last six months of 2023.
2024 Term Loan
On March 27, 2024, the Company entered into a $175.0 million first lien term loan facility (the “2024 Term Loan”), which was set to mature on March 27, 2031. The Company drew $125.0 million of the 2024 Term Loan upon closing and drew the remaining $50.0 million on March 27, 2025.
On August 21, 2025, the Company repaid the $160.3 million outstanding principal amount of the 2024 Term Loan in cash plus $0.9 million of accrued interest. The repayment resulted in a $6.7 million loss on the extinguishment of debt which is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations and income.
During 2025, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2024 Term Loan of $10.3 million which consisted of $9.4 million associated with borrowings bearing interest based on the SOFR rate, $0.2 million associated with unused commitment fees, $0.4 million associated with the amortization of debt issuance costs, and $0.3 million associated with the accretion of the original issue discount.
During 2024, the Company recorded interest expense related to the 2024 Term Loan of $11.5 million which consisted of $10.3 million associated with borrowings bearing interest based on the SOFR rate, $0.6 million associated with unused commitment fees, $0.3 million associated with the amortization of debt issuance costs, and $0.3 million associated with the accretion of the original issue discount.
A summary of the gross carrying amount, debt issuance costs, original issue discount, and net carrying value of the Credit Facilities in the December 31, 2025 consolidated balance sheet, are as follows (in thousands):
| December 31,2025 | December 31,2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Portion | ||
| Gross carrying amount | $4,000 | $10,313 |
| Debt issuance costs | 37 | 169 |
| Unamortized original issue discount | 37 | 189 |
| Net carrying amount | $3,926 | $9,955 |
| Long-term Portion | ||
| Gross carrying amount | $395,000 | $349,062 |
| Debt issuance costs | 3,634 | 2,333 |
| Unamortized original issue discount | 3,672 | 2,605 |
| Net carrying amount | $387,694 | $344,124 |
NOTE 14—COMMITMENTS
Bonds
The Company has funding commitments that could potentially require performance in the event of demands by third parties or contingent events, as follows(in thousands):
| Commitments Due By Period | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Less Than1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More Than5 years | |
| Surety bonds (a) | $3,243 | $3,243 | $— | $— | $— |
(a) State laws and regulations generally require businesses which engage in mortgage brokering activity to maintain a mortgage broker or similar license. Mortgage brokering activity is generally defined to include, among other things, receiving valuable consideration for offering assistance to a buyer in obtaining a residential mortgage or soliciting financial and mortgage information from the public and providing that information to an originator of residential mortgage loans. The Company maintains surety bonds in all states requiring them in the event of a claim.
NOTE 15—CONTINGENCIES
Overview
LendingTree is involved in legal proceedings on an ongoing basis. In assessing the materiality of a legal proceeding, the Company evaluates, among other factors, the amount of monetary damages claimed, as well as the potential impact of non-monetary remedies sought by plaintiffs (e.g., injunctive relief) that may require it to change its business practices in a manner that could have a material and adverse impact on the Company's business. With respect to the matters disclosed in this Note 15, unless otherwise indicated, the Company is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of such non-monetary remedies.
In the ordinary course of business, we are party to litigation involving property, contract, intellectual property and a variety of other claims. The amounts that may be recovered in such matters may be subject to insurance coverage.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had litigation settlement accruals of $13.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively. The litigation settlement accruals relate to litigation matters that were either settled or a firm offer for settlement was extended or an estimated settlement range has been determined, thereby establishing an accrual amount that is both probable and reasonably estimable.
Legal Matter
On or about October 29, 2019, Joseph Mantha filed a class action lawsuit against QuoteWizard.com, LLC alleging claims in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. On August 16, 2024, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts granted the plaintiff’s motion to certify a class. The Company participated in a mediation in April 2025 and reached a preliminary agreement on the terms of settlement for $19 million. The settlement was approved by the court on September 29, 2025, and the matter was dismissed with prejudice. A liability of $12.6 million for this matter is included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025. The settlement is scheduled to be paid over three equal installments. The first payment was made in October 2025, the second payment was made in January 2026 and the final payment is due in the second quarter of 2026.
NOTE 16—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Other than the equity investments, the carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments are equal to fair value at December 31, 2025. See Note 7—Equity Investments in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information on the equity investments.
NOTE 17—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved an additional $0.5 million contribution to the LendingTree Foundation that the Company paid in 2023. Officers of the Company serve as officers of the LendingTree Foundation.
NOTE 18—BENEFIT PLANS
The Company operates a retirement savings plan for its employees in the United States that is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees are eligible to enroll in the plan upon date of hire. Participating employees may contribute up to 50% of their pre-tax earnings, but not more than statutory limits ($23,500 for 2025, $23,000 for 2024, and $22,500 for 2023). The company match contribution is fifty cents for each dollar a participant contributes to the plan, with a maximum contribution of 6% of a participant's eligible earnings. Matching contributions are invested in the same manner as each participant's voluntary contributions in the investment options provided under the plan. LendingTree stock is not included in the available investment options or the plan assets. Funds contributed to the plan vest according to the participant's years of service, withone year of service vesting at 33%, two years of service vesting at 66%, andthree years or more of service vesting at 100%. Matching contributions were approximately $2.6 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
NOTE 19—SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages its business and reports its financial results through the following three operating and reportable segments: Home, Consumer, and Insurance. Characteristics which were relied upon in making the determination of the reportable segments include the nature of the products, the organization's internal structure, and the information that is regularly reviewed by the CODM, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources.
The Home segment includes the following products: purchase mortgage, refinance mortgage, and home equity loans and lines of credit. The Consumer segment includes the following products: credit cards, personal loans, small business loans, auto loans, deposit accounts, and other credit products such as credit repair and debt settlement. The credit repair business was closed at the end of the second quarter of 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company made the decision to cease offering its student loan products. The Insurance segment consists of insurance quote products and sales of insurance policies in our agency businesses. The insurance agency business was closed in the second quarter of 2025.
The following tables are a reconciliation of segment profit, which is the Company's primary segment profitability measure, to income before income taxes. Segment cost of revenue and marketing expense represents the portion of selling and marketing expense attributable to variable costs paid for advertising, direct marketing and related expenses, that are directly attributable to the segments' products. This measure excludes overhead, fixed costs and personnel-related expenses.
| Year Ended December 31, 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Consumer | Insurance | Other | Total | |
| (in thousands) | |||||
| Revenue | $151,764 | $253,370 | $711,880 | $310 | $1,117,324 |
| Segment cost of revenue and marketing expense | 103,421 | 123,922 | 537,463 | 471 | 765,277 |
| Segment profit (loss) | 48,343 | 129,448 | 174,417 | (161) | 352,047 |
| Cost of revenue | 42,525 | ||||
| Brand and other marketing expense | 47,627 | ||||
| General and administrative expense | 112,888 | ||||
| Product development | 45,251 | ||||
| Depreciation | 16,459 | ||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 5,190 | ||||
| Restructuring and severance | 1,633 | ||||
| Litigation settlements and contingencies | 15,661 | ||||
| Operating income | 64,813 | ||||
| Interest expense, net | (46,787) | ||||
| Other income | 2,998 | ||||
| Income before income taxes | $21,024 | ||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Consumer | Insurance | Other | Total | |
| (in thousands) | |||||
| Revenue | $128,854 | $222,462 | $548,704 | $199 | $900,219 |
| Segment cost of revenue and marketing expense | 88,958 | 111,925 | 389,474 | 294 | 590,651 |
| Segment profit (loss) | 39,896 | 110,537 | 159,230 | (95) | 309,568 |
| Cost of revenue | 36,072 | ||||
| Brand and other marketing expense | 45,312 | ||||
| General and administrative expense | 108,705 | ||||
| Product development | 46,358 | ||||
| Depreciation | 18,300 | ||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 5,889 | ||||
| Restructuring and severance | 508 | ||||
| Litigation settlements and contingencies | 3,797 | ||||
| Operating income | 44,627 | ||||
| Interest expense, net | (27,849) | ||||
| Other expense | (54,162) | ||||
| Loss before income taxes | $(37,384) | ||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Consumer | Insurance | Other | Total | |
| (in thousands) | |||||
| Revenue | $143,753 | $278,945 | $249,605 | $199 | $672,502 |
| Segment cost of revenue and marketing expense | 95,871 | 140,068 | 146,101 | 708 | 382,748 |
| Segment profit (loss) | 47,882 | 138,877 | 103,504 | (509) | 289,754 |
| Cost of revenue | 38,758 | ||||
| Brand and other marketing expense | 50,840 | ||||
| General and administrative expense | 117,700 | ||||
| Product development | 47,197 | ||||
| Depreciation | 19,070 | ||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 7,694 | ||||
| Goodwill impairment | 38,600 | ||||
| Restructuring and severance | 10,118 | ||||
| Litigation settlements and contingencies | 388 | ||||
| Operating loss | (40,611) | ||||
| Interest income, net | 21,685 | ||||
| Other expense | (105,993) | ||||
| Loss before income taxes | $(124,919) | ||||
The CODM does not review information on segment assets and as such, no segment asset information is reported herein.
NOTE 20—RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
During September 2023, the Company initiated workforce reductions of 14 employees. The Company incurred approximately $0.9 million in severance charges in connection with the workforce reductions, consisting of cash expenditures for employee separation costs of approximately $0.7 million and non-cash charges for the accelerated vesting of certain equity awards of approximately $0.2 million. The cash payments were completed by the third quarter of 2024.
On April 6, 2023, the Company made the decision to close the Ovation credit services business ( the "Ovation Closure".) The Ovation Closure includes the elimination of approximately 197 employees, or 18%, of the Company's workforce. As a result of the Ovation Closure, the Company incurred $2.1 million in restructuring expense in connection with cash expenditures for employee separation costs. In connection with the Ovation Closure, in the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $4.2 million, of which $2.1 million related tointangible assets, $1.7 million related to property and equipment, and $0.4 million related to an operating lease right-of-use asset. The cash payments for the Ovation Closure were completed in the first quarter of 2024.
On March 24, 2023, the Company committed to a workforce reduction plan (the “Reduction Plan”), to reduce operating costs. The Reduction Plan includes the elimination of approximately 162 employees, or 13%, of the Company’s workforce. As a result of the Reduction Plan, the Company incurred approximately $5.3 million in severance charges in connection with the workforce reduction, consisting of cash expenditures for employee separation costs of approximately $4.3 million and non-cash charges for the accelerated vesting of certain equity awards of approximately $1.0 million. The Reduction Plan, including cash payments, was completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
| Accrued Balance at December 31, 2023 | Income Statement Impact | Payments | Accrued Balance at December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2023 action | ||||
| Employee separation payments | 254 | (7) | (247) | — |
| Q2 2023 action | ||||
| Employee separation payments | 34 | 4 | (38) | — |
| Q1 2023 action | ||||
| Employee separation payments | 421 | 15 | (436) | — |
| $709 | $12 | $(721) | $— | |
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