Lendingtree Inc - TREE STOCK NEWS

QuoteWizard, a LendingTree company, published a report evaluating states addressing the housing crisis amid rising homelessness predictions due to the pandemic. In 2020, an estimated 568,000 Americans experienced homelessness, with 10.74 million unemployed as of November. Key findings include Colorado ranking first in housing assistance from 2018 to 2019, while Connecticut saw a 23.6% decrease in homelessness. States like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama had the lowest rates of homelessness per 10,000, contrasted with New York, Hawaii, and California, which reported the highest.

LendingTree has appointed two experienced executives, Scott Totman as Chief Technology Officer and Lisa Young as General Counsel, to enhance its leadership team. Totman brings a wealth of fintech experience from OnDeck and Capital One, focusing on aligning technology with strategic initiatives. Young, with a background in global legal affairs at Axiom and Enova, aims to elevate LendingTree's legal function. CEO Doug Lebda emphasizes that these appointments will bolster the company's technology and legal capabilities to better serve consumers in financial decision-making.

In 2020, 29% of Americans lost health insurance coverage, with 51% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials affected. 47% of those laid off or furloughed lost their insurance. Cost remains the primary barrier for the over half of Americans who are uninsured in 2021, as 42% cite affordability issues. Additionally, 45% of health insurance marketplace users found costs higher than expected, with 64% facing issues during the purchasing process. The survey reveals a call for changes in the healthcare marketplace, yet respondents are divided on what those changes should be.

Fair has partnered with LendingTree to become the first used car leasing alternative on the platform, enhancing its market presence. Customers can receive personalized lease options ranging from month-to-month to 3-year plans, simplifying the leasing process without the need for dealer negotiation. Fair offers routine maintenance, roadside assistance, and limited warranties with each vehicle. The partnership aims to improve access to mobility for consumers seeking flexible and affordable car leasing solutions.

LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE) provided a business update on January 12, 2021, revealing better-than-expected Q4 2020 results. Anticipated revenue ranges from $220 million to $222 million, exceeding prior estimates of $200 million to $215 million. Variable marketing margin is expected between $80 million and $82 million, and adjusted EBITDA is forecasted at $24 million to $26 million, up from $13 million to $18 million. Growth in the Home segment saw over 30% revenue increase year-over-year, while the Insurance segment grew by about 20%. Full-year results will be formally reported on February 25, 2021.

QuoteWizard®, a LendingTree company, released a report detailing anxiety and depression trends across U.S. states during the pandemic. The analysis, based on CDC data from April to December 2020, revealed a national average of 32.12% for anxiety and depression, marking a 6.3% increase. Louisiana, Nevada, and Oregon reported the highest rates, while North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin showed the lowest. The report also correlated high stress levels with unemployment rates across states.

Auto insurance rates in the U.S. have decreased by 1.7% in 2021, marking the first decline in over a decade, according to ValuePenguin.com. This change is linked to reduced driving during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in fewer claims. The average auto insurance cost is now $1,636, with states like Arkansas and Ohio seeing significant reductions. However, Michigan remains the most expensive state for auto insurance. Concerns are raised that rates may rebound in 2022 due to increased driving and technological claims costs.