UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 4, 2020

 

MATCH GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-37636 26-4278917
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

8750 North Central Expressway, Suite 1400

Dallas, TX 75231

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 576-9352

 

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

xWritten communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

xSoliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol   Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001   MTCH   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02.Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

Item 7.01.Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On February 4, 2020, Match Group, Inc. (“Match Group”) announced that it had released its results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2019. The full text of the related press release, which is posted on the “Investor Relations” section of Match Group’s website at https://ir.mtch.com and appears in Exhibit 99.1 hereto, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished under both Item 2.02 “Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and Item 7.01 “Regulation FD Disclosure.”

 

***

 

No Offer or Solicitation / Additional Information and Where To Find It

 

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

This communication is being made in respect of a proposed transaction involving IAC/InterActiveCorp (“IAC”), IAC Holdings, Inc. (“New IAC”) and Match Group. In connection with the proposed transaction, IAC, New IAC and Match Group intend to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including a joint registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by IAC and New IAC that will include a preliminary joint proxy statement of IAC and Match Group. The information in the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus will not be complete and may be changed. Each of IAC and Match Group will deliver the definitive joint proxy statement to their shareholders as required by applicable law. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or any other document that may be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.

 

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF IAC AND MATCH GROUP ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

 

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by IAC (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on IAC’s website at www.iac.com. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Match Group (when they become available) may also be obtained free of charge on Match Group’s website at www.mtch.com.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

IAC and Match Group and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from their respective shareholders in favor of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about IAC’s directors and executive officers is available in IAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2019, and IAC’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019. Information about Match Group’s directors and executive officers is available in Match Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019 and Match Group’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019. Additional information regarding participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available.

 

 

 

Item 9.01.Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description
99.1   Press Release of Match Group, Inc., dated February 4, 2020
104   Inline XBRL for the cover page of this Current Report on Form 8-K

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  MATCH GROUP, INC.
   
   
  By: /s/ Gary Swidler
    Gary Swidler
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 Date: February 4, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Page 1 of 12

 

 

 

Match Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results

 

Dallas, TX—February 4, 2020—Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) reported fourth quarter and full year 2019 financial results today and separately released an investor presentation, which is available on the Investor Relations section of its website at https://ir.mtch.com.

 

Q4 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

 

Total Revenue grew 20% over the prior year quarter to $547 million.

 

Average Subscribers increased 19% to 9.8 million, up from 8.2 million in the prior year quarter, and ARPU increased 1 cent to $0.59.

 

Tinder Average Subscribers were 5.9 million in Q4 2019, an increase of 36% over the prior year quarter. Tinder Direct Revenue grew 39% over the prior year quarter.

 

Operating income was $180 million, an increase of 19% over the prior year quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 22% over the prior year quarter to $215 million.

 

Entered into a definitive agreement providing for the full separation of Match Group from the remaining businesses of IAC, expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

 

FULL YEAR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

 

Total Revenue grew 19% over the prior year to $2.1 billion.

 

Tinder Direct Revenue was $1.2 billion, an increase of 43% over the prior year.

 

Operating income was $649 million, an increase of 17% over the prior year, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 19% over the prior year to $779 million.

 

Operating cash flow was $658 million and Free Cash Flow was $620 million.

 

Key Financial and Operating Metrics

 

  Q4 2019   Q4 2018   Change 
(In thousands, except EPS and ARPU)            
Revenue  $547,167   $457,344    20%
Operating Income  $180,201   $151,001    19%
Operating Income Margin   33%   33%   (0.1)pt
Net earnings attributable to shareholders  $132,226   $115,544    14%
Diluted EPS  $0.45   $0.39    15%
Adjusted EBITDA  $214,712   $175,590    22%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin   39%   38%   0.8pt
Average Subscribers   9,809    8,234    19%
ARPU  $0.59   $0.58    1%
YTD Operating Cash Flow  $658,402   $603,455    9%
YTD Free Cash Flow  $619,648   $572,501    8%

 

See reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP measures starting on page 6.

 

 

 

 

Page 2 of 12

 

Separation from IAC and Related Events

 

On December 19, 2019, Match Group and IAC entered into a definitive agreement providing for the full separation of Match Group from the remaining businesses of IAC. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020, subject to a number of conditions, including (among other required approvals) the approval by a majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of Match Group common stock held by the disinterested stockholders of Match Group and approvals by a majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of IAC common stock and IAC Class B common stock, each voting as a separate class. Additional details regarding the transaction can be found in filings by Match Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

On January 31, 2020, the previously announced contribution of two office buildings in Los Angeles to Match Group from IAC in exchange for 1.4 million shares of Match Group common stock was completed.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we generated operating cash flow of $658 million and Free Cash Flow of $620 million, both increasing over the prior year primarily due to increased net earnings.

 

We net settled all stock options that were exercised and restricted stock units that vested during the quarter ended December 31, 2019, utilizing $36 million of cash to pay employee withholding taxes, and we issued 0.5 million fewer dilutive shares as a result, at an effective price of $73.69. We repurchased 0.4 million shares during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 for $30 million on a trade date basis at an average price of $72.57, further mitigating the dilutive impact of stock-based compensation activity. As of January 31, 2020, a total of 9.9 million shares remain available under the repurchase program that has been authorized by our Board of Directors.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $466 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.6 billion of long-term debt. The Company has a $500 million revolving credit facility, which was undrawn as of December 31, 2019, and currently remains undrawn. Match Group’s trailing twelve-month leverage as of December 31, 2019 is 2.1x on a gross basis and 1.5x on a net basis.

 

As described more fully in the presentation to investors, dated December 19, 2019, available on our investor relations website at https://ir.mtch.com, and which was also filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2019, the proposed transaction to separate Match Group from IAC would include the assumption by Match Group of $1.7 billion face value of exchangeable notes and related hedging instruments from IAC and payment of a $3.00 per share consideration to all shareholders, which totals approximately $840 million. We expect to fund the consideration through a combination of cash on hand and approximately $500 million of new borrowings.

 

As of December 31, 2019, Match Group had a total of 280.8 million common and class B common shares outstanding; and IAC’s economic ownership interest and voting interest in Match Group were 80.7% and 97.5%, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

In the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018, Match Group recorded an income tax provision of $19 million and $21 million, respectively. The provisions in both periods are lower than the statutory rate of 21% due to excess tax benefits generated by the exercise or vesting of stock-based awards.

 

Conference Call

 

Match Group will audiocast a conference call to answer questions regarding its fourth quarter and full year financial results on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. This call will include the disclosure of certain information, including forward-looking information, which may be material to an investor’s understanding of Match Group’s business. The live audiocast will be open to the public, and the investor presentation reviewing the results has been posted, on Match Group’s investor relations website at https://ir.mtch.com.

 

 

 

 

Page 3 of 12

 

GAAP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

MATCH GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

   Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Revenue  $547,167   $457,344   $2,051,258   $1,729,850 
Operating costs and expenses:                    
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   142,070    111,210    527,184    410,000 
Selling and marketing expense   100,308    103,148    427,440    419,954 
General and administrative expense   70,587    50,173    254,966    180,286 
Product development expense   38,397    33,499    151,960    132,030 
Depreciation   8,341    7,909    32,450    32,968 
Amortization of intangibles   7,263    404    8,727    1,318 
Total operating costs and expenses   366,966    306,343    1,402,727    1,176,556 
Operating income   180,201    151,001    648,531    553,294 
Interest expense   (23,144)   (18,959)   (91,719)   (73,417)
Other (expense) income, net   (5,863)   3,088    (2,026)   7,765 
Earnings from continuing operations, before tax   151,194    135,130    554,786    487,642 
Income tax provision   (19,177)   (21,147)   (20,361)   (14,673)
Net earnings from continuing operations   132,017    113,983    534,425    472,969 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax               (378)
Net earnings   132,017    113,983    534,425    472,591 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   209    1,561    306    5,348 
Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders  $132,226   $115,544   $534,731   $477,939 
                     
Net earnings per share attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders:                    
Basic  $0.47   $0.42   $1.91   $1.73 
Diluted  $0.45   $0.39   $1.81   $1.61 
                     
Basic shares outstanding   280,171    278,107    280,490    277,005 
Diluted shares outstanding   293,669    295,139    295,333    296,775 
                     
Stock-based compensation expense by function:                    
Cost of revenue  $833   $519   $3,693   $2,287 
Selling and marketing expense   1,187    1,073    5,112    3,599 
General and administrative expense   8,948    8,529    42,863    32,346 
Product development expense   7,939    6,100    38,056    27,799 
Total stock-based compensation expense  $18,907   $16,221   $89,724   $66,031 

 

 

 

 

Page 4 of 12

 

MATCH GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

   December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018 
   (In thousands) 
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents  $465,676   $186,947 
Accounts receivable, net   116,459    99,052 
Other current assets   94,200    57,766 
Total current assets   676,335    343,765 
           
Right of use assets   43,288     
Property and equipment, net   65,940    58,351 
Goodwill   1,239,584    1,244,758 
Intangible assets, net   228,324    237,640 
Deferred income taxes   140,726    134,347 
Long-term investments   5,076    9,076 
Other non-current assets   24,439    25,124 
TOTAL ASSETS  $2,423,712   $2,053,061 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable  $20,191   $9,528 
Deferred revenue   218,843    209,935 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   178,578    135,971 
Total current liabilities   417,612    355,434 
           
Long-term debt, net   1,603,483    1,515,911 
Income taxes payable   12,597    13,918 
Deferred income taxes   18,285    20,174 
Other long-term liabilities   51,068    21,760 
           
Redeemable noncontrolling interest   709     
           
Commitment and contingencies          
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Common stock   77    72 
Class B convertible common stock   210    210 
Additional paid-in capital   (171,765)   (57,575)
Retained earnings   988,509    453,778 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (147,438)   (137,166)
Treasury stock   (349,808)   (133,455)
Total Match Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity   319,785    125,864 
Noncontrolling interests   173     
Total shareholders’ equity   319,958    125,864 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $2,423,712   $2,053,061 

 

 

 

 

Page 5 of 12

 

MATCH GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Cash flows from operating activities attributable to continuing operations:          
Net earnings from continuing operations  $534,425   $472,969 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations:          
Stock-based compensation expense   89,724    66,031 
Depreciation   32,450    32,968 
Amortization of intangibles   8,727    1,318 
Deferred income taxes   (7,472)   (19,639)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration fair value adjustments       320 
Other adjustments, net   8,536    230 
Changes in assets and liabilities          
Accounts receivable   (17,862)   17,272 
Other assets   (24,301)   (14,606)
Accounts payable and other liabilities   29,076    20,769 
Income taxes payable and receivable   (4,379)   12,765 
Deferred revenue   9,478    13,058 
Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations   658,402    603,455 
Cash flows from investing activities attributable to continuing operations:          
Net cash (used) acquired in business combinations   (3,759)   1,136 
Capital expenditures   (38,754)   (30,954)
Purchases of investments       (3,800)
Other, net   1,063    (4,143)
Net cash used in investing activities attributable to continuing operations   (41,450)   (37,761)
Cash flows from financing activities attributable to continuing operations:          
Borrowings under the Credit Facility   40,000    260,000 
Principal payments on Credit Facility   (300,000)    
Proceeds from Senior Notes offering   350,000     
Debt issuance costs   (5,593)   (1,281)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based awards       12 
Withholding taxes paid on behalf of employees on net settled stock-based awards   (203,177)   (207,720)
Dividends       (556,372)
Purchase of treasury stock   (216,353)   (133,455)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests   (1,650)   (9,980)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration payments       (185)
Other, net   (74)   (574)
Net cash used in financing activities attributable to continuing operations   (336,847)   (649,555)
Total cash provided by (used in) continuing operations   280,105    (83,861)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   (1,442)   (1,760)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   278,663    (85,621)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period   187,140    272,761 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period  $465,803   $187,140 

 

 

 

 

Page 6 of 12

 

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

 

MATCH GROUP RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

   Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Net earnings attributable to Match Group, Inc. shareholders  $132,226   $115,544   $534,731   $477,939 
Add back:                    
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (209)   (1,561)   (306)   (5,348)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax               378 
Income tax provision   19,177    21,147    20,361    14,673 
Other expense (income), net   5,863    (3,088)   2,026    (7,765)
Interest expense   23,144    18,959    91,719    73,417 
Operating Income   180,201    151,001    648,531    553,294 
Stock-based compensation expense   18,907    16,221    89,724    66,031 
Depreciation   8,341    7,909    32,450    32,968 
Amortization of intangibles   7,263    404    8,727    1,318 
Acquisition-related contingent consideration fair value adjustments       55        320 
Adjusted EBITDA  $214,712   $175,590   $779,432   $653,931 
                     
Revenue  $547,167   $457,344   $2,051,258   $1,729,850 
Operating income margin   33%   33%   32%   32%
Adjusted EBITDA margin   39%   38%   38%   38%

 

MATCH GROUP RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING CASH FLOW FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO FREE CASH FLOW

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to continuing operations  $658,402   $603,455 
Capital expenditures   (38,754)   (30,954)
Free Cash Flow  $619,648   $572,501 

 

 

 

 

Page 7 of 12

 

MATCH GROUP RECONCILIATION OF GAAP REVENUE TO NON-GAAP REVENUE, EXCLUDING FOREIGN EXCHANGE EFFECTS

 

  Three Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   Change   % Change   2018 
(Dollars in thousands, except ARPU)                
Revenue, as reported  $547,167   $89,823    20%  $457,344 
Foreign exchange effects   5,333                
Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects  $552,500   $95,156    21%  $457,344 
                     
(Change calculated using non-rounded numbers)                    
ARPU, as reported  $0.59         1%  $0.58 
Foreign exchange effects                   
ARPU, excluding foreign exchange effects  $0.59         2%  $0.58 
                     
International ARPU, as reported  $0.56         (1)%  $0.56 
Foreign exchange effects   0.01                
International ARPU, excluding foreign exchange effects  $0.57         1%  $0.56 

 

  Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2019   Change   % Change   2018 
(Dollars in thousands, except ARPU)                
Revenue, as reported  $2,051,258   $321,408    19%  $1,729,850 
Foreign exchange effects   47,459                
Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects  $2,098,717   $368,867    21%  $1,729,850 
                     
(Change calculated using non-rounded numbers)                    
ARPU, as reported  $0.58         2%  $0.57 
Foreign exchange effects   0.02                
ARPU, excluding foreign exchange effects  $0.60         4%  $0.57 
                     
International ARPU, as reported  $0.56         %  $0.56 
Foreign exchange effects   0.03                
International ARPU, excluding foreign exchange effects  $0.59         5%  $0.56 

 

 

 

 

Page 8 of 12

 

DILUTIVE SECURITIES

 

Match Group has various tranches of dilutive securities. The table below details these securities and their potentially dilutive impact (shares in millions; rounding differences may occur).

 

   1/31/2020 
Share Price  $78.22 
Absolute Shares   282.7 
Vested Options and Awards     
Match Group Options   3.2 
IAC Equity Awards   0.3 
Total Dilution - Vested Options and Awards   3.5 
      
Unvested Options and Awards     
Match Group Options   4.4 
Match Group RSUs   1.4 
Total Dilution - Unvested Options and Awards   5.8 
      
Total Dilution   9.2 
% Dilution   3.2%
Total Diluted Shares Outstanding   291.9 

 

The dilutive securities presentation in the above table is calculated using the methods and assumptions described below; these are different from GAAP dilution, which is calculated based on the treasury stock method.

 

Options — The table above assumes the option exercise price and the estimated income tax benefit from the tax deduction received upon the exercise of options (both vested and unvested awards) is used to repurchase Match Group shares.

 

Match Group is currently net settling all exercised options net of both the exercise price and employee withholding taxes. If the table above assumed options were also net settled for employee withholding taxes at a 50% withholding rate, the dilution shown above would be reduced by 2.0 million and 2.8 million shares for vested and unvested options, respectively, and the withholding taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the employees would be $160.2 million and $220.1 million for vested and unvested options, respectively.

 

RSUs — The table above assumes RSUs are settled net of withholding taxes, as is our practice, and the dilutive effect is presented as the net number of shares that would be issued upon vesting assuming a withholding tax rate of 50%. Withholding taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the employees upon vesting would have been $202.1 million, assuming the stock price in the table above and a 50% withholding rate.  The table above also assumes the estimated income tax benefit from the tax deduction received upon the vesting of Match Group RSUs is used to repurchase Match Group shares.

 

IAC Equity Awards — IAC Equity awards represent options and market-based restricted stock units denominated in the shares of IAC that have been issued to employees of Match Group. Upon the exercise or vesting of IAC Equity awards, IAC will settle the awards with shares of IAC, and Match Group will issue additional shares of Match Group to IAC as reimbursement. The table above assumes the estimated income tax benefit from the tax deduction received upon the exercise or vesting of IAC denominated equity awards is used to repurchase Match Group shares.

 

 

 

 

Page 9 of 12

 

PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Match Group reports Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, and Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects, all of which are supplemental measures to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Free Cash Flow measures are among the primary metrics by which we evaluate the performance of our business, on which our internal budget is based and by which management is compensated. Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects provides a comparable framework for assessing how our business performed without the effect of exchange rate differences when compared to prior periods. We believe that investors should have access to, and we are obligated to provide, the same set of tools that we use in analyzing our results. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Match Group endeavors to compensate for the limitations of the non-GAAP measures presented by providing the comparable GAAP measures with equal or greater prominence and descriptions of the reconciling items, including quantifying such items, to derive the non-GAAP measures. We encourage investors to examine the reconciling adjustments, which we describe below, between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.

 

Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures

 

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) is defined as operating income excluding: (1) stock-based compensation expense; (2) depreciation; and (3) acquisition-related items consisting of (i) amortization of intangible assets and impairments of goodwill and intangible assets, if applicable, and (ii) gains and losses recognized on changes in the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful for analysts and investors as this measure allows a more meaningful comparison between our performance and that of our competitors. The above items are excluded from our Adjusted EBITDA measure because they are non-cash in nature. Adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations because it excludes certain expenses.

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues. We believe Adjusted EBITDA margin is useful for analysts and investors as this measure allows a more meaningful comparison between our performance and that of our competitors. Adjusted EBITDA margin has certain limitations in that it does not take into account the impact to our consolidated statement of operations of certain expenses.

 

Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations, less capital expenditures. We believe Free Cash Flow is useful to investors because it represents the cash that our operating businesses generate, before taking into account non-operational cash movements. Free Cash Flow has certain limitations in that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the cash balance for the period, nor does it represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures. Therefore, we think it is important to evaluate Free Cash Flow along with our consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

We look at Free Cash Flow as a measure of the strength and performance of our businesses, not for valuation purposes. In our view, applying “multiples” to Free Cash Flow is inappropriate because it is subject to timing, seasonality and one-time events. We manage our business for cash and we think it is of utmost importance to maximize cash – but our primary valuation metric is Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects is calculated by translating current period revenues using prior period exchange rates. The percentage change in Revenue Excluding Foreign Exchange Effects is calculated by determining the change in current period revenues over prior period revenues where current period revenues are translated using prior period exchange rates. We believe the impact of foreign exchange rates on Match Group, due to its global reach, may be an important factor in understanding period over period comparisons if movement in rates is significant. Since our results are reported in U.S. dollars, international revenues are favorably impacted as the U.S. dollar weakens relative to other foreign currencies, and unfavorably impacted as the U.S dollar strengthens relative to other foreign currencies. We believe the presentation of revenue excluding foreign exchange effects in addition to reported revenue helps improve the ability to understand Match Group’s performance because it excludes the impact of foreign currency volatility that is not indicative of Match Group’s core operating results.

 

 

 

 

Page 10 of 12

 

Non-Cash Expenses That Are Excluded From Our Non-GAAP Measures

 

Stock-based compensation expense consists principally of expense associated with the grants of stock options, RSUs, performance-based RSUs and market-based awards. These expenses are not paid in cash, and we include the related shares in our fully diluted shares outstanding using the treasury stock method. Performance-based RSUs and market-based awards are included only to the extent the applicable performance or market condition(s) have been met (assuming the end of the reporting period is the end of the contingency period). To the extent stock-based awards are settled on a net basis, the Company remits the required tax-withholding amounts from its current funds.

 

Depreciation is a non-cash expense relating to our property and equipment and is computed using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated useful lives, or, in the case of leasehold improvements, the lease term, if shorter.

 

Amortization of intangible assets and impairments of goodwill and intangible assets are non-cash expenses related primarily to acquisitions. At the time of an acquisition, the identifiable definite-lived intangible assets of the acquired company, such as customer lists, trade names and technology, are valued and amortized over their estimated lives. Value is also assigned to acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets, which comprise trade names and trademarks, and goodwill that are not subject to amortization. An impairment is recorded when the carrying value of an intangible asset or goodwill exceeds its fair value. We believe that intangible assets represent costs incurred by the acquired company to build value prior to acquisition and the related amortization and impairment charges of intangible assets or goodwill, if applicable, are not ongoing costs of doing business.

 

Gains and losses recognized on changes in the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements are accounting adjustments to report contingent consideration liabilities at fair value. These adjustments can be highly variable and are excluded from our assessment of performance because they are considered non-operational in nature and, therefore, are not indicative of current or future performance or the ongoing cost of doing business.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Direct Revenue - is revenue that is received directly from end users of our products and includes both subscription and à la carte revenue.

 

Indirect Revenue - is revenue that is not received directly from end users of our products, substantially all of which is advertising revenue.

 

Subscribers - are users who purchase a subscription to one of our products. Users who purchase only à la carte features are not included in Subscribers.

 

Average Subscribers - is the number of Subscribers at the end of each day in the relevant measurement period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.

 

Average Revenue per Subscriber (“ARPU”) - is Direct Revenue from Subscribers in the relevant measurement period (whether in the form of subscription or à la carte) divided by the Average Subscribers in such period and further divided by the number of calendar days in such period. Direct Revenue from users who are not Subscribers and have purchased only à la carte features is not included in ARPU.

 

Leverage on a gross basis - is calculated as principal debt balance divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the period referenced.

 

Leverage on a net basis - is calculated as principal debt balance less cash and cash equivalents divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the period referenced.

 

 

 

 

Page 11 of 12

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

 

This press release and our conference call, which will be held at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 5, 2020, may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans” and “believes,” among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to: Match Group’s future financial performance, Match Group’s business prospects and strategy, anticipated trends, the expected timing of the separation of Match Group from IAC/InterActiveCorp, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, among others: competition, our ability to maintain user rates on our higher monetizing dating products, our ability to attract users to our dating products through cost-effective marketing and related efforts, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, our ability to distribute our dating products through third parties and offset related fees, the integrity and scalability of our systems and infrastructure (and those of third parties) and our ability to adapt ours to changes in a timely and cost-effective manner, our ability to protect our systems from cyberattacks and to protect personal and confidential user information, risks relating to certain of our international operations and acquisitions, certain risks relating to our relationship with IAC, and the risks inherent in separating Match Group from IAC, including uncertainties related to, among other things, the costs and expected benefits of the proposed transaction, the calculation of, and factors that may impact the calculation of, the exchange ratio at which shares of IAC capital stock will be converted into the right to receive new shares of the post-separation Match Group in connection with the transaction, the expected timing of the transaction or whether it will be completed, whether the conditions to the transaction can be satisfied, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement (including the failure to receive any required approvals from the stockholders of IAC and Match Group or any required regulatory approvals), any litigation arising out of or relating to the proposed transaction, the ability of the parties to successfully consummate the financing transactions contemplated to be completed in connection with the proposed transaction, the expected tax treatment of the transaction, and the impact of the transaction on the businesses of IAC and Match Group. Certain of these and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in Match Group’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unknown or unpredictable factors that could also adversely affect Match Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations may arise from time to time. In light of these risks and uncertainties, these forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only reflect the views of Match Group management as of the date of this press release. Match Group does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

 

No Offer or Solicitation / Additional Information and Where To Find It

 

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

This communication is being made in respect of a proposed transaction involving IAC, IAC Holdings, Inc. (“New IAC”) and Match Group. In connection with the proposed transaction, IAC, New IAC and Match Group intend to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including a joint registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by IAC and New IAC that will include a preliminary joint proxy statement of IAC and Match Group. The information in the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus will not be complete and may be changed. Each of IAC and Match Group will deliver the definitive joint proxy statement to their shareholders as required by applicable law. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or any other document that may be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.

 

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF IAC AND MATCH GROUP ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

 

 

 

 

Page 12 of 12

 

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by IAC (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on IAC’s website at www.iac.com. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Match Group (when they become available) may also be obtained free of charge on Match Group’s website at www.mtch.com.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

IAC and Match Group and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from their respective shareholders in favor of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about IAC’s directors and executive officers is available in IAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2019, and IAC’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019. Information about Match Group’s directors and executive officers is available in Match Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019 and Match Group’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019. Additional information regarding participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available.

 

About Match Group

 

Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of dating products available globally. Our portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Hinge®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, and OurTime®, as well as a number of other brands, each designed to increase our users’ likelihood of finding a meaningful connection. Through our portfolio companies and their trusted brands, we provide tailored products to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our products are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.

 

Contact Us

 

Lance Barton

Match Group Investor Relations

(212) 314-7400

 

Justine Sacco

Match Group Corporate Communications

(212) 445-5088

 

Match Group

8750 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75231, (214) 576-9352 https://mtch.com