May 22, 2026
Consumer internet businesses are reshaping how people interact with the world, offering instant connectivity and convenience. However, as noted by StockStory, these companies face significant exposure to fluctuations in consumer spending, and market sentiment appears to be shifting negatively — the industry has declined by 13.2% over the past six months. This drop contrasts sharply with the S&P 500‘s 11.6% return over the same period.
Despite the sector's downturn, some elite firms can sustain earnings growth under any conditions. StockStory highlights one internet stock with a durable competitive advantage while advising caution on two others.
Two Consumer Internet Stocks to Sell
Match Group (NASDAQ:MTCH), with a market capitalization of $8.37 billion, began as a dial-up service before widespread internet adoption and now owns a portfolio of dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, Archer, and OkCupid. Concerns about MTCH stem from intense competition that is diverting traffic from its platform, with its paying users declining by 4.5% annually. Additionally, both user engagement and monetization trends are problematic, as average revenue per user has fallen by 12.1% per year. Sales are projected to decrease by 1.1% over the next 12 months due to weakening demand. Match Group trades at $35.79 per share, with a forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 9x.
LendingTree (NASDAQ:TREE), valued at $505.8 million, operates an online platform connecting consumers with financial service providers for mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and insurance. Concerns include high marketing expenses, suggesting heavy spending is needed to acquire new customers. Its stock price of $36.43 implies a valuation ratio of 0.4x forward price-to-gross profit.
One Consumer Internet Stock to Buy
Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU), with a market capitalization of $18.34 billion, derives its name from the Japanese word for six, as it was the founder's sixth company….