TREE (LendingTree) Beneish M-Score: -1.52 (As of Jun. 24, 2026)


TREE LendingTree Inc TREE
74 GF Score
Price $38.34
GF Value $59.26
Valuation Possible Value Trap
! 4 Warning Signs
View Full Analysis

What is LendingTree Beneish M-Score?

LendingTree TREE +4.03% 74 Beneish M-Score is -1.52 as of Jun. 24, 2026. GuruFocus rates TREE with a GF Score™ of 74/100 and a GF Value™ of $59.26 (Possible Value Trap). The stock has 4 warning signs investors should review. Among 86 Diversified Financial Services companies, LendingTree ranks worse than 93.02% on this metric.

The zones of discrimination for M-Score is as such:

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.
An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Warning Sign:

Beneish M-Score -1.52 higher than -1.78, which implies that the company might have manipulated its financial results.

The historical rank and industry rank for LendingTree's Beneish M-Score or its related term are showing as below:

TREE' s Beneish M-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: -3.92   Med: -2.66   Max: -0.86
Current: -1.52

During the past 13 years, the highest Beneish M-Score of LendingTree was -0.86. The lowest was -3.92. And the median was -2.66.


LendingTree Beneish M-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for LendingTree's Beneish M-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

LendingTree Beneish M-Score Chart

LendingTree Annual Data
Trend Dec16 Dec17 Dec18 Dec19 Dec20 Dec21 Dec22 Dec23 Dec24 Dec25
Beneish M-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -3.10 -3.62 -2.90 -2.21 -1.73

LendingTree Quarterly Data
Jun21 Sep21 Dec21 Mar22 Jun22 Sep22 Dec22 Mar23 Jun23 Sep23 Dec23 Mar24 Jun24 Sep24 Dec24 Mar25 Jun25 Sep25 Dec25 Mar26
Beneish M-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.35 -2.71 -2.54 -1.73 -1.52

TREE vs RILY, HTH, FRHC: Beneish M-Score Comparison

For the Financial Conglomerates subindustry, LendingTree's Beneish M-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Beneish M-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


LendingTree Beneish M-Score vs Diversified Financial Services Industry

For the Diversified Financial Services industry and Financial Services sector, LendingTree's Beneish M-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where LendingTree's Beneish M-Score falls into.


TREE
74GF Score
LendingTree Inc TREE
Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

LendingTree Beneish M-Score Calculation

The M-score was created by Professor Messod Beneish. Instead of measuring the bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-Score) or business trend (Piotroski F-Score), M-score can be used to detect the risk of earnings manipulation. This is the original research paper on M-score.

The M-Score Variables:

The M-score of LendingTree for today is based on a combination of the following eight different indices:

M=-4.84+0.92 * DSRI+0.528 * GMI+0.404 * AQI+0.892 * SGI+0.115 * DEPI
=-4.84+0.92 * 1.1122+0.528 * 0.9982+0.404 * 1.1639+0.892 * 1.2393+0.115 * 0.796
-0.172 * SGAI+4.679 * TATA-0.327 * LVGI
-0.172 * 0.9802+4.679 * 0.111529-0.327 * 0.7529
=-1.52

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Mar26) TTM:Last Year (Mar25) TTM:
Total Receivables was $117 Mil.
Revenue was 327.267 + 319.688 + 307.792 + 250.116 = $1,205 Mil.
Gross Profit was 315.571 + 308.117 + 296.775 + 240.087 = $1,161 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $244 Mil.
Total Assets was $864 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was $62 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was $22 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was $989 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $129 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $430 Mil.
Net Income was 17.266 + 144.656 + 10.165 + 8.862 = $181 Mil.
Non Operating Income was -0.59 + -0.15 + 0.583 + -0.107 = $-0 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was 11.552 + 16.528 + 28.832 + 27.953 = $85 Mil.
Total Receivables was $85 Mil.
Revenue was 239.728 + 261.522 + 260.789 + 210.14 = $972 Mil.
Gross Profit was 229.82 + 251.778 + 251.417 + 201.729 = $935 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $254 Mil.
Total Assets was $777 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was $92 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was $24 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was $814 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $213 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $455 Mil.




1. DSRI = Days Sales in Receivables Index

Measured as the ratio of Revenue in Total Receivables in year t to year t-1.

A large increase in DSR could be indicative of revenue inflation.

DSRI=(Receivables_t / Revenue_t) / (Receivables_t-1 / Revenue_t-1)
=(117.492 / 1204.863) / (85.241 / 972.179)
=0.097515 / 0.08768
=1.1122

2. GMI = Gross Margin Index

Measured as the ratio of gross margin in year t-1 to gross margin in year t.

Gross margin has deteriorated when this index is above 1. A firm with poorer prospects is more likely to manipulate earnings.

GMI=GrossMargin_t-1 / GrossMargin_t
=(GrossProfit_t-1 / Revenue_t-1) / (GrossProfit_t / Revenue_t)
=(934.744 / 972.179) / (1160.55 / 1204.863)
=0.961494 / 0.963222
=0.9982

3. AQI = Asset Quality Index

AQI is the ratio of asset quality in year t to year t-1.

Asset quality is measured as the ratio of non-current assets other than Property, Plant and Equipment to Total Assets.

AQI=(1 - (CurrentAssets_t + PPE_t) / TotalAssets_t) / (1 - (CurrentAssets_t-1 + PPE_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=(1 - (244.399 + 62.246) / 863.884) / (1 - (254.478 + 91.962) / 777.103)
=0.645039 / 0.55419
=1.1639

4. SGI = Sales Growth Index

Ratio of Revenue in year t to sales in year t-1.

Sales growth is not itself a measure of manipulation. However, growth companies are likely to find themselves under pressure to manipulate in order to keep up appearances.

SGI=Sales_t / Sales_t-1
=Revenue_t / Revenue_t-1
=1204.863 / 972.179
=1.2393

5. DEPI = Depreciation Index

Measured as the ratio of the rate of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in year t-1 to the corresponding rate in year t.

DEPI greater than 1 indicates that assets are being depreciated at a slower rate. This suggests that the firm might be revising useful asset life assumptions upwards, or adopting a new method that is income friendly.

DEPI=(Depreciation_t-1 / (Depreciaton_t-1 + PPE_t-1)) / (Depreciation_t / (Depreciaton_t + PPE_t))
=(23.637 / (23.637 + 91.962)) / (21.518 / (21.518 + 62.246))
=0.204474 / 0.256888
=0.796

Note: If the Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization data is not available, we assume that the depreciation rate is constant and set the Depreciation Index to 1.

6. SGAI = Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index

The ratio of Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) to Sales in year t relative to year t-1.

SGA expenses index > 1 means that the company is becoming less efficient in generate sales.

SGAI=(SGA_t / Sales_t) / (SGA_t-1 /Sales_t-1)
=(988.939 / 1204.863) / (814.107 / 972.179)
=0.82079 / 0.837404
=0.9802

7. LVGI = Leverage Index

The ratio of total debt to Total Assets in year t relative to yeat t-1.

An LVGI > 1 indicates an increase in leverage

LVGI=((LTD_t + CurrentLiabilities_t) / TotalAssets_t) / ((LTD_t-1 + CurrentLiabilities_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=((429.677 + 129.331) / 863.884) / ((455.387 + 212.54) / 777.103)
=0.647087 / 0.859509
=0.7529

8. TATA = Total Accruals to Total Assets

Total accruals calculated as the change in working capital accounts other than cash less depreciation.

TATA=(IncomefromContinuingOperations_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(NetIncome_t - NonOperatingIncome_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(180.949 - -0.264 - 84.865) / 863.884
=0.111529

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator. An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

LendingTree has a M-score of -1.52 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Beneish M-Score →
What does a Beneish M-Score of -1.52 mean?
LendingTree (TREE) has a Beneish M-Score of -1.52 as of Jun. 24, 2026. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on LendingTree and its competitors. According to the industry distribution chart, LendingTree ranks #80 out of 86 companies in the Diversified Financial Services industry, placing it in the top 93%.
Is LendingTree's Beneish M-Score too high?
LendingTree's current Beneish M-Score is -1.52. Based on the distribution chart, LendingTree ranks #80 out of 86 companies in the Diversified Financial Services industry, which is in the bottom quartile relative to peers. Overall, LendingTree has a GF Score™ of 74/100 and is considered Possible Value Trap, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does LendingTree's Beneish M-Score compare to RILY and HTH?
According to the Diversified Financial Services industry distribution chart, LendingTree ranks #80 out of 86 companies for Beneish M-Score. This places LendingTree in the lower half of its industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Beneish M-Score for a Diversified Financial Services company?
A good Beneish M-Score depends on the Diversified Financial Services industry context. However, Beneish M-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Beneish M-Score mean?
A high Beneish M-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on LendingTree and its competitors. LendingTree's current Beneish M-Score is -1.52. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is LendingTree stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, LendingTree (TREE) is currently considered Possible Value Trap. The stock's GF Value™ is $59.26, compared to a current price of $38.34 — trading 35.3% below its estimated fair value. The current Beneish M-Score is -1.52. LendingTree's overall GF Score™ is 74/100 with 4 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Beneish M-Score calculated?
Beneish M-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For LendingTree (TREE), the current Beneish M-Score is -1.52 as of Jun. 24, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is LendingTree (TREE) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, LendingTree stock appears to be undervalued. The current stock price of $38.34 is trading 35.3% below its estimated GF Value™ of $59.26. GuruFocus considers LendingTree to be Possible Value Trap.

Key valuation signals for TREE:

  • Beneish M-Score: -1.52
  • GF Value™: $59.26 vs. price of $38.34 (35.3% below fair value)
  • GF Score™: 74/100 with 4 warning signs

No single metric tells the full story. See the TREE stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


LendingTree Business Description

Other Exchanges 0JTZ:UKT77:Germany
Address 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC, USA, 28203
LendingTree Inc. is a U.S.-based company that mainly operates an online loan marketplace. The company offers online tools and resources to help consumers find loans or other credit-based products, including mortgage loans, reverse mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, auto loans, credit cards, student loans, small business loans, and various related products. It provides consumers with direct access to a wide array of lenders. The company has three reportable segments: Home, Consumer, and Insurance. It generates match fees by connecting consumers with lenders and closing fees from lenders when a transaction is finalized. The company conducts business solely in the United States.
74GF Score

Get the complete analysis for TREE

Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

$38.34
Price
$59.26
GF Value