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Bumble Inc. (BMBL)

CIK: 0001830043. SIC: 7370 Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc.. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-03-16.

SIC breadcrumb: Services > Business Services > SIC 7370 Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc.

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1830043. Latest filing source: 0001830043-26-000027.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Business

Read BMBL's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.

Risk Factors

Read BMBL's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue965,658,000USD20252026-03-16
Net income-693,138,000USD20252026-03-16
Assets1,425,078,000USD20252026-03-16

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-16. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001830043.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Download these verified figures (annual + quarterly, with per-value filing provenance): JSON · CSV

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2019202020212022202320242025
Revenue488,940,000539,546,000760,910,000903,503,0001,051,830,0001,071,643,000965,658,000
Net income66,146,000-110,299,000309,815,000-79,746,000-4,213,000-557,008,000-693,138,000
Operating income93,253,000-77,238,000-134,683,000-102,844,00053,373,000-700,474,000-805,778,000
Diluted EPS0.00-0.041.45-0.62-0.03-4.61-5.95
Operating cash flow101,392,00053,069,000104,837,000132,941,000182,086,000123,441,000250,366,000
Share buybacks0.000.001,018,365,0000.00112,830,000192,113,00028,682,000
Assets3,637,268,0003,776,996,0003,692,621,0003,625,127,0002,524,887,0001,425,078,000
Liabilities1,552,487,0001,307,227,0001,239,042,0001,287,854,0001,175,833,000743,969,000
Stockholders' equity2,083,973,0001,608,196,0001,627,815,0001,635,015,000824,535,000569,993,000
Cash and cash equivalents57,449,000128,029,000369,175,000402,559,000355,642,000204,319,000175,760,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2019202020212022202320242025
Net margin13.53%-20.44%40.72%-8.83%-0.40%-51.98%-71.78%
Operating margin19.07%-14.32%-17.70%-11.38%5.07%-65.36%-83.44%
Return on equity-5.29%19.26%-4.90%-0.26%-67.55%-121.60%
Return on assets-3.03%8.20%-2.16%-0.12%-22.06%-48.64%
Liabilities / equity0.740.810.760.791.431.31
Current ratio1.042.672.372.012.472.21

Industry Peer Context

Each number-line places BMBL against the min, median, and max of latest reported values among companies in the same SIC industry when at least three peers report that ratio.

Net margin peer context

BMBL Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 31.BMBL Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 31.31 SIC peersMin -81.3%Median 2.4%Max 60.8%BMBL -71.8%

Operating margin peer context

BMBL Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 31.BMBL Operating margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 31.31 SIC peersMin -125.9%Median 4.2%Max 75.8%BMBL -83.4%

ROE peer context

BMBL ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 27.BMBL ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 27.27 SIC peersMin -121.6%Median 4.5%Max 201.6%BMBL -121.6%

ROA peer context

BMBL ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 32.BMBL ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 7370; peer count 32.32 SIC peersMin -48.6%Median 1.6%Max 45.9%BMBL -48.6%

Financial Charts

BMBL revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL RevenueLatest point: FY2025 = $965.7MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearReported revenue$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.

BMBL net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Net incomeLatest point: FY2025 = -$693.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearNet income-$750.0M$0.0B$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

BMBL operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL operating income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Operating incomeLatest point: FY2025 = -$805.8MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating income-$1.0B$0.0B$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.

BMBL diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Diluted EPSLatest point: FY2025 = -$5.95/shareSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDiluted EPS (USD/share)-$6.00/share$0.00/share$4.00/shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

BMBL operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Operating cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $250.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating cash flow$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.

BMBL share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Share buybacksLatest point: FY2025 = $28.7MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearShare buybacks$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.

BMBL assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL AssetsLatest point: FY2025 = $1.4BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearAssets$0.0B$2.0B$4.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.

BMBL liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL LiabilitiesLatest point: FY2025 = $744.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearLiabilities$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.

BMBL stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Stockholders' equityLatest point: FY2025 = $570.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearStockholders' equity$0.0B$1.0B$2.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.

BMBL cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL cash and cash equivalents, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.BMBL Cash and cash equivalentsLatest point: FY2025 = $175.8MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCash and cash equivalents$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001830043-26-000027; filed 2026-03-16. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001830043.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q12022-03-310.13reported discrete quarter
2022-Q22022-06-30-0.03reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-300.14reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-30259,735,0006,753,0000.05reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-30275,510,00016,671,0000.12reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-31273,637,000-26,026,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-31267,775,00024,617,0000.19reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-30268,615,00027,395,0000.22reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-30273,605,000-613,199,000-5.11reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-31261,648,0004,179,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-31247,101,00013,444,0000.13reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-30248,229,000-253,744,000-2.45reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-30246,163,00037,338,0000.33reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-31224,165,000-490,176,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-31212,383,00045,211,0000.34reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

BMBL quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL Quarterly RevenueLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $212.4MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Revenue$0.0B$250.0M$500.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001830043-26-000060; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.

BMBL quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL Quarterly Net incomeLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $45.2MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Net income-$750.0M$0.0B$250.0M2023-Q22023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001830043-26-000060; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

BMBL quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.BMBL Quarterly Diluted EPSLatest point: 2026-Q1 = $0.34/shareSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q1.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Diluted EPS (USD/share)-$6.00/share$0.00/share$1.50/share2022-Q12022-Q22022-Q32023-Q22023-Q32024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32026-Q1

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001830043-26-000060; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001830043-26-000060.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-06. Report date: 2026-03-31.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in Part I, “Item 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited).” This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” herein and Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors" in our 2025 Form 10-K.

Overview

We provide online dating and social networking applications through free, subscription and in-app purchases of products servicing North America, Europe and various other countries around the world. Bumble operates a family of apps, including Bumble, BFF and Badoo. Bumble app, launched in 2014, is one of the first dating apps built with women at the center. Bumble app is a leader in the online dating sector across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products. Badoo app’s focus is to make finding meaningful connections easy, fun and accessible for a mainstream global audience. Badoo app continues to be a market leader in several countries in Europe and Latin America. Building on the BFF mode in Bumble app, in July 2023, we officially launched a standalone Bumble For Friends app, which we relaunched in September 2025 as BFF in the United States, our dedicated app for friend-finding, group connections and community-building.

Year-to-Date ended March 31, 2026 Consolidated Results

For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we generated:

•Total revenue of $212.4 million and $247.1 million, respectively;

•Bumble App Revenue of $172.7 million and $201.8 million, respectively;

•Badoo App and Other Revenue of $39.7 million and $45.3 million, respectively;

•Net earnings of $52.6 million and $19.8 million, respectively, representing net earnings margin of 24.8% and 8.0% respectively; and

•Adjusted EBITDA of $82.6 million and $64.4 million, respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA margin of 38.9% and 26.1%, respectively;

•Net cash provided by operating activities of $77.2 million and $43.2 million, respectively, and operating cash flow conversion of 146.8% and 218.1%, respectively; and

•Free cash flow of $73.8 million and $40.8 million, respectively, representing free cash flow conversion of 89.4% and 63.4%, respectively.

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Key Operating and Financial Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating and financial metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these non-GAAP and operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures.

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The following metrics were calculated excluding paying users of and revenue generated from Official, advertising and partnerships or affiliates. The Bumble For Friends app was relaunched as BFF in the United States in September 2025. The Company has not sought to generate revenue from the BFF app and therefore it is excluded from our key operating metrics as of March 31, 2026..

(In thousands, except ARPPU)Three Months Ended March 31, 2026Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Bumble App Paying Users2,082.02,708.4
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,084.31,306.3
Total Paying Users3,166.34,014.7
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$27.65$24.84
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$11.26$10.72
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$22.04$20.24
(In thousands, except per share data and percentages)Three Months Ended March 31, 2026Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue212,383247,101
Net earnings52,62219,831
Net earnings attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders45,21113,444
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders
Basic earnings (loss) per share$0.35$0.13
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$0.34$0.13
(In thousands)March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Total assets$1,472,905$1,425,078
Cash and cash equivalents245,589175,760
Long-term debt, net including current maturities587,490588,465

Profitability and Liquidity

We use net earnings (loss) and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to assess our profitability and liquidity, respectively. In addition to net earnings (loss) and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, we also use the following measures:

•Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest and derivative (gains) losses, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, changes in fair value of investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, impairment loss, and restructuring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

•Free cash flow. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion are key measures we use to assess our financial performance and are also used for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion are helpful to investors, analysts and other interested parties because they can assist in providing a more consistent and comparable overview of our operations across our historical financial periods. In addition, these measures are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate and assess performance.

See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information and a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow.

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Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors, including those discussed below.

Growth Strategy

As previously disclosed, we have implemented a business strategy and transformation plan intended to deliver durable member value and drive long-term sustainable revenue. As part of this strategy, we have focused on fostering a vibrant and healthy membership base and improving the member experience through product innovation, including modernizing our technology and increased use of artificial intelligence in our products and in the optimization of our operations. To align with these priorities, we have (a) strategically shifted away from paid member acquisition in favor of brand and organic investment and (b) limited performance marketing to targeted usage aimed at acquiring quality members who we believe will be additive to the health of our membership base. As we transition from the completion of the quality reset to our membership base, our primary focus has shifted to improving the member experience through product innovation. As we address these areas of focus, our revenue and paying users have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted in the short term. Furthermore, if we do not successfully implement this strategy, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

See also “If we fail to retain existing members or add new members, or if our members decrease their level of engagement with our products or do not convert to paying users, our revenue, financial results and business may be significantly harmed” and “We are subject to certain risks as a mission-based company” in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Brands, Products and Operations” of our 2025 Form 10-K.

Macroeconomic Conditions

Macroeconomic conditions, including the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, slower growth or economic recession, changes to fiscal, monetary, and trade policy, including the introduction of higher tariffs by the U.S. government, inflationary pressures that may affect consumer spending, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, have impacted and may continue to impact our results of operations, as well as our members who face greater pressure on disposable income. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results.

For additional information, see Part I, “We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, our expenses, and our ability to execute strategic plans” in “Item 1A—Risk Factors—General Risk Factors” of our 2025 Form 10-K.

Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $450.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock with repurchases under the program to be made on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or other means, including privately negotiated transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we did not repurchase any shares of Class A common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we repur

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-03-16. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include without limitation those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

We provide online dating and social networking applications through free subscription and in-app purchases of products servicing North America, Europe and various other countries around the world. Bumble operates a family of apps, including Bumble, BFF, and Badoo. Bumble app, launched in 2014, is one of the first dating apps built with women at the center. Bumble app is a leader in the online dating sector across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products. Badoo app’s focus is to make finding meaningful connections easy, fun and accessible for a mainstream global audience. Badoo app continues to be a market leader in several countries in Europe and Latin America. Building on the BFF mode in Bumble app, in July 2023, we officially launched a standalone Bumble For Friends app, which we relaunched in September 2025 as BFF in the United States, our dedicated app for friend-finding, group connections and community-building.

Overview of Financial Results

For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we generated:

•Total Revenue of $965.7 million, $1,071.6 million and $1,051.8 million, respectively;

•Bumble App Revenue of $783.0 million, $866.3 million, and $844.8 million, respectively;

•Badoo App and Other Revenue of $182.6 million, $205.4 million, and $207.1 million, respectively;

•Net loss of $895.3 million, or (92.7)% of revenue, which included a $1,039.0 million impairment loss, $768.4 million, or (71.7)% of revenue, which included an $892.2 million impairment loss, and $1.9 million, or (0.2)% of revenue, respectively;

•Adjusted EBITDA of $313.6 million, $304.1 million and $275.6 million, respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA margins of 32.5%, 28.4% and 26.2%, respectively;

•Net cash provided by operating activities of $250.4 million, $123.4 million and $182.1 million, respectively; and

•Free cash flow of $238.7 million, $114.1 million and $167.2 million, respectively, representing free cash flow conversion of 76.1%, 37.5% and 60.7%, respectively.

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Key Operating Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to the section “Certain Definitions” at the beginning of this Annual Report for the definitions of our Key Operating Metrics.

The following metrics were calculated excluding paying users and revenue generated from Official, advertising and partnerships or affiliates. For periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2023, our key operating metrics exclude paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz; beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, they include Fruitz through July 2025, when the business was sold. Prior period information and key operating metrics have not been recast to include paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz. Although the Bumble For Friends app was relaunched as BFF in the United States in September 2025, the Company continues to generate revenue

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from the legacy Bumble For Friends app. As of December 31, 2025, the BFF app has not generated any revenue and therefore is excluded from our key operating metrics.

(in thousands, except ARPPU)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Bumble App Paying Users2,434.42,807.32,517.4
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,237.71,342.01,203.3
Total Paying Users3,672.14,149.33,720.7
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$26.80$25.72$27.97
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$11.48$11.85$12.70
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$21.64$21.23$23.03

Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Growth Strategy

As previously disclosed, we have implemented a new strategy and transformation plan intended to deliver durable member value and drive long-term sustainable revenue. As part of this strategy, we have focused on fostering a vibrant and healthy membership base, improving the member experience through product innovation, including modernizing our technology and increased use of artificial intelligence in our products and in the optimization of our operations. To align with these priorities, we have (a) strategically shifted away from paid member acquisition in favor of brand and organic investment and (b) limited performance marketing to targeted usage aimed at acquiring quality members who we believe will be additive to the health of our membership base. As we address these areas of focus, our member growth and success in attracting new members, member engagement and monetization may be negatively impacted. In addition, efforts to improve the health of our membership base, including trust and safety initiatives, such as the removal of bad actors from our apps, and strategically reducing paid performance marketing for member acquisition, have recently and may continue to adversely affect revenue and paying users in the short term. Furthermore, if we do not successfully implement our new strategy, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

See also “If we fail to retain existing members or add new members, or if our members decrease their level of engagement with our products or do not convert to paying users, our revenue, financial results and business may be significantly harmed” and “We are subject to certain risks as a mission-based company” in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Brands, Products and Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Growth in Monetization

Our apps monetize via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our members pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. We acquire new members through investments in our brand, supported by strategic use of marketing and word of mouth from existing members and others. We convert these members to Paying Users by introducing premium features which maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections and improving their experience.

Our revenue growth primarily depends on Paying Users and ARPPU. We continually develop new monetization features and improve existing features in order to increase adoption of in-app purchases and our subscription programs striking a balance between the number of Paying Users and ARPPU. We also test new pricing strategies, including different pricing tiers and user segmentation and share those insights across our apps to optimize monetization. In 2025, we have experienced declines in paying users and revenue, which may limit near-term revenue growth and increase our reliance on a combination of future paying user growth, improvements in ARPPU, and monetization efficiency.

While we see opportunity for growth in our core online dating market driven by the steady growth of the global singles population, increasing adoption of online dating both in the United States and globally and increasing propensity to pay for online dating, we may also face challenges increasing our Paying Users. These challenges may include the prevailing global economic climate, competition from alternative products, lack of appealing product features, enforcement of restrictive payment policies from in-app payment systems provided by Apple and Google, and slower rates of growth in the online dating market.

Many variables will impact our ARPPU, including the number of Paying Users and mix of monetization offerings on our platform, as well as the effect of demographic shifts and geographic differences on all of these variables. Our pricing is in local currency and may

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vary between markets. As foreign currency exchange rates change, translation of the statements of operations into U.S. dollars could negatively impact revenue and distort year-over-year comparability of operating results. If paying users decline or ARPPU does not increase as expected, our revenue, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Expansion into New Geographic Markets

We are focused on growing our platform globally, including through entering new markets and investing in under-penetrated markets. As we introduce Bumble app or BFF app to new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America, we can leverage the local insights and scale of Badoo app’s existing global footprint to efficiently enter new markets. Badoo app and BFF app can also leverage Bumble’s marketing expertise and strength in North America to support growth in that market.

Expanding into new geographies and in existing geographies will require increased investment in marketing, as well as localization of product features and services. Potential risks to our expansion into new geographies and in existing geographies will include ongoing compliance with evolving foreign laws and local regulatory requirements.

As we expand into certain new geographies, we may see an increase in members who prefer to access premium features through our in-app purchase options rather than through our subscription packages which could impact our ARPPU. We may also see a lower propensity to pay as we enter certain new markets.

Investing in Growth While Driving Long-Term Profitability

Our mission-driven strategy ensures that values guide our business decisions and our business performance enables us to drive impact through investment in technology, marketing and product innovation, balancing growth with long-term margins.

We expect to continue to invest in technology and product innovation to drive growth while improving margins over the long term. Key investment areas for our platform include artificial intelligence capabilities, including improving our matching and content moderation technologies; features that enhance trust and safety on our platform; new offerings that enhance member engagement and retention; marketing, and personalization capabilities; and new subscription and consumable offerings to drive incremental value to Paying Users.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain our talent, including engineers, data scientists, product designers and product developers. We believe that people want to work at a company that has purpose and aligns with their personal values, and therefore our ability to recruit talent is aided by our mission and brand reputation. We compete for talent within the technology industry.

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in member growth, member engagement, Paying User growth, and monetization on our platform. Historically, we have seen an increase in all of these metrics in January due in part to seasonal demand in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, and during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Macroeconomic Conditions

Macroeconomic conditions, including the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, slower growth or economic recession, changes to fiscal, monetary and trade policy, including the introduction of higher tariffs by the U.S. government, inflationary pressures that may affect consumer spending, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, have impacted and may continue to impact our results of operations, as well as our members who face greater pressure on disposable income. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results.

For additional information, see Part I, “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, our expenses and our ability to execute strategic plans” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

Secondary Offerings

On March 8, 2023, the Company completed a secondary offering of 13.75 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of the Blackstone Selling Stockholders and the Founder at a price of $22.80 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 7.2 million Class A shares of common stock for the period ended March 31, 2023, which were issued in exchange for Common Units held by the selling stockholders.

Bumble did not sell any shares of Class A common stock in these offerings and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sales. Bumble paid the costs associated with the sales of shares by the selling stockholders, net of the underwriting discounts.

Share Repurchase Program

We have a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $450.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock with repurchases under the program to be made on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or other means, including privately negotiated transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased 4.7 million shares of Class A common stock for $28.7 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 25.1 million shares of Class A common stock and 2.0 million Common Units for $214.4 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 7.8 million shares of Class A common stock and 3.2 million Common Units for $157.1 million. As of December 31, 2025, all treasury shares were retired. As of December 31, 2025, a total of $50.1 million remains available for repurchase under the repurchase program.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Share Repurchase Program, Note 14, Shareholders’ Equity—Share Repurchase Program and Note 18, Related Party Transactions—Share Repurchase, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with certain reorganization transactions and our IPO, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provided for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realized, or was deemed to realize, as a result of the Company's allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement.

On November 5, 2025, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the tax receivable agreement (the “TRA Amendment”) with Blackstone, the Founder of the Company and certain other pre-IPO owners. The TRA Amendment provided for one-time settlement payments of approximately $186.0 million as consideration for the complete and full termination of the Company’s payment obligations and the relinquishing of all TRA parties' payment rights under the tax receivable agreement (the “TRA Buyout”). Immediately prior to the TRA Amendment, Blackstone elected to exchange all of its Common Units for the Company's Class A common stock. We made cash settlement payments of $185.7 million to Blackstone, the Founder and certain other pre-IPO owners in connection with the TRA Buyout.

Also see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impairment Charges

During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded a total impairment charge of $1,039.0 million, consisting of impairment charges associated with our indefinite-lived intangible assets of $370.0 million, definite-lived intangible assets of $12.8 million and goodwill of $656.2 million. The impairment charges associated with indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill were the result of our quantitative impairment tests due to impairment triggering events identified during the year, namely, a sustained decline in our stock price and the resulting decrease in the market capitalization during the fourth quarter of 2025 and a revision to our 2025 outlook during the second quarter of 2025, which reflected a strategic shift to improve the health of our membership base. The impairment charges associated with definite-lived intangible assets were in connection with the Official app shutdown and Fruitz sale during the year, as well as our reassessment of our trademark portfolio in connection with changes in our business priorities and geographic focus.

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During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a total impairment charge of $892.2 million, consisting of impairment charges associated with our indefinite-lived intangible assets of $670.3 million, definite-lived intangible assets and long -lived assets of $24.7 million and goodwill of $197.2 million. These impairment charges were the result of our quantitative impairment tests due to impairment triggering events identified during the third quarter of 2024, namely, a sustained decline in our stock price and the resulting decrease in the market capitalization, as well as a revision to our 2024 outlook.

There were no impairment charges recorded for the year end December 31, 2023.

We have historically recorded impairment charges related to our indefinite-lived assets, long-lived assets, definite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. It is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A change in corporate strategy, a further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill,—Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and —Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Note 6, Sale of a Business, and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Acquisition

On July 1, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Geneva Technologies Inc.(“Geneva”) for total cash consideration of $17.5 million, net of cash acquired, of which $17.2 million was allocated to developed technology and $0.3 million was allocated to other assets and liabilities. For additional information, see Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restructuring

In June 2025, we announced our decision to reduce our global workforce (the “2025 Restructuring Plan”) by approximately 240 roles, representing approximately 30% of our employees, as we realign our operating structure to optimize execution on our strategic priorities. As a result, we expect to incur approximately $15.0 million of total non-recurring charges through the first quarter of 2026, consisting primarily of employee severance, benefits, and related charges for impacted employees.

In February 2025, we announced our decision to discontinue our operation of the Fruitz and Official apps. The Official app was discontinued during the second quarter of 2025 and Fruitz was sold to a third party in July 2025. We incurred $1.4 million of expenses through the third quarter of 2025, primarily related to employee severance, benefits and related charges for impacted employees.

In February, 2024, we announced our decision to reduce our global workforce (the “2024 Restructuring Plan” and, together with the 2025 Restructuring Plan, the “2025 and 2024 Restructuring Plans”) by approximately 350 roles to better align our operating model with future strategic priorities and to drive stronger operating leverage. The 2024 Restructuring Plan was completed in the third quarter of 2024, and we incurred $20.4 million in total non-recurring charges during the year ended December 31, 2024, consisting primarily of employee severance, benefits, and related charges for impacted employees.

For additional information, see Note 9, Restructuring, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Adjustment

The consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 include cumulative adjustments to general and administrative expense of $9.2 million, and interest expense, net, of $0.8 million, respectively, related to certain indirect tax obligations incurred in prior periods. The Company concluded that this adjustment was not material to its financial statements for any of the prior periods.

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Components of Results of Operations

Our business is organized into a single reportable segment.

Revenue

We monetize the Bumble, Bumble For Friends, Badoo, Fruitz and Official apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our members pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage and estimated breakage revenue associated with unused in-app purchases.

We also earn revenue from online advertising and partnerships, which are not a significant part of our business. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of in-app purchase fees due on payments processed through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Purchases on Android, mobile web and desktop may have additional payment methods, such as credit card or via telecom providers. These purchases incur fees which vary depending on payment method. Purchase fees are deferred and expensed over the same period as revenue.

Cost of revenue also includes data center expenses such as rent, power and bandwidth for running servers, cloud hosting costs, employee compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee related costs, impairment of capitalized aggregator costs associated with breakage revenue and restructuring charges. Expenses relating to member care functions such as member support, moderators and other auxiliary costs associated with providing services to members such as fraud prevention are also included within cost of revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of brand marketing, digital and social media spend, field marketing, restructuring charges, compensation expense (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and marketing functions.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources. General and administrative expense also consists of transaction costs, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, expenses associated with facilities, information technology, external professional services, legal costs, settlement of legal claims and accruals for future legal obligations that are deemed probable and estimable, restructuring charges, certain indirect taxes and other administrative expenses.

Product development expense

Product development expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of product offerings and related technology, as well as restructuring charges.

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense is primarily related to computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, developed technology, user base, white label contracts, trademarks and other definite-lived intangible assets.

Impairment loss

Impairment loss relates to impairment charges to indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets, and goodwill as applicable.

Interest income (expense), net

Interest income (expense), net consists of interest income received on money market funds and interest rate swaps, fair value changes in interest rate swaps, and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

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Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists of insurance reimbursement proceeds, impacts from foreign exchange transactions, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, sub-lease income, changes in fair value of investments in equity securities and gain (loss) on sale of businesses.

Income tax benefit (provision)

Income tax benefit (provision) represents the income tax benefit or expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These foreign jurisdictions have different statutory tax rates than the United States. Our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information for the periods presented:

Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Revenue$965,658$1,071,643$1,051,830
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue281,515318,835307,835
Selling and marketing expense165,450261,172270,380
General and administrative expense138,075128,521221,649
Product development expense121,513100,725130,565
Depreciation and amortization expense25,85670,61668,028
Impairment loss1,039,027892,248
Total operating costs and expenses1,771,4361,772,117998,457
Operating earnings (loss)(805,778)(700,474)53,373
Interest expense, net(42,448)(39,945)(21,534)
Other expense, net(12,750)(4,827)(26,537)
Income (loss) before income taxes(860,976)(745,246)5,302
Income tax provision(34,369)(23,128)(7,170)
Net loss(895,345)(768,374)(1,868)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(202,207)(211,366)2,345
Net loss attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders$(693,138)$(557,008)$(4,213)

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The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information as a percentage of revenue for the periods presented:

Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Revenue100.0%100.0%100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue29.2%29.8%29.3%
Selling and marketing expense17.1%24.4%25.7%
General and administrative expense14.3%12.0%21.1%
Product development expense12.6%9.4%12.4%
Depreciation and amortization expense2.7%6.6%6.5%
Impairment loss107.6%83.3%0.0%
Total operating costs and expenses183.4%165.4%94.9%
Operating earnings (loss)(83.4)%(65.4%)5.1%
Interest expense, net(4.4)%(3.7)%(2.0)%
Other expense, net(1.3)%(0.5)%(2.5)%
Income (loss) before income taxes(89.2)%(69.5%)0.5%
Income tax provision(3.6)%(2.2)%(0.7)%
Net loss(92.7)%(71.7)%(0.2)%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(20.9)%(19.7%)0.2%
Net loss attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders(71.8)%(52.0)%(0.4)%

The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense included in operating costs and expenses:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Cost of revenue$18$690$4,054
Selling and marketing expense1,420(1,296)9,803
General and administrative expense13,38922,67352,008
Product development expense16,3624,17838,473
Total stock-based compensation expense$31,189$26,245$104,338

The increase in stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2025 from the same period in 2024 was primarily due to lower forfeitures. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2024 from the same period in 2023 was primarily due to forfeitures and headcount reductions. Negative amount represents expense reversal associated with forfeitures that exceeded expenses recognized during the period presented.

The following table sets forth our revenue across apps for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Bumble App$783,011$866,289$844,774
Badoo App and Other182,647205,354207,056
Total Revenue$965,658$1,071,643$1,051,830

Total revenue was $965.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1,071.6 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by a decline in Total Paying Users, partially offset by an increase in Total ARPPU and favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

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Bumble App Revenue was $783.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $866.3 million for the same period in 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by a 13.3% decline in Bumble App Paying Users to 2.4 million, partially offset by a 4.2% increase in Bumble App ARPPU to $26.80 and favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $182.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $205.4 million for the same period in 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by a 7.8% decline in Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.2 million and a 3.1% decrease in Badoo App and Other ARPPU to $11.48, partially offset by favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Total revenue was $1,071.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1,051.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users, partially offset by a decline in Total ARPPU and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Bumble App Revenue was $866.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $844.8 million for the same period in 2023. This increase was primarily driven by an 11.5% increase in Bumble App Paying Users to 2.8 million, partially offset by an 8.0% decline in Bumble App ARPPU to $25.72 and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $205.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $207.1 million for the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a 6.7% decrease in Badoo App and Other ARPPU to $11.85 and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by a 11.5% increase in Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.3 million. We began to include paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz in our key operating metrics in the fourth quarter of 2023 and prior period key operating metrics have not been recast.

Cost of revenue

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Cost of revenue$281,515$318,835$307,835
Percentage of revenue29.2%29.8%29.3%

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased by $37.3 million, or 11.7%, as compared to the same period in 2024, driven primarily by a decrease in in-app purchase fees due to lower revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024 due to the reduction in Apple fees as a result of opting into Apple’s European Union terms in the first quarter of 2025.

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $11.0 million, or 3.6%, as compared to the same period in 2023, driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 29.8%, compared to 29.3% for the same period in 2023, primarily due to the adoption of Google Play and user choice billing in many of our markets and to a lesser extent an increase in subscription costs, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions.

Selling and marketing expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Selling and marketing expense$165,450$261,172$270,380
Percentage of revenue17.1%24.4%25.7%

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased by $95.7 million, or 36.7%, as compared to the same period in 2024. The change was primarily due to a $88.6 million decrease in marketing costs and a $9.1 million decrease in personnel costs from restructuring-related headcount reductions, partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in stock-based compensation driven by higher restructuring-related forfeitures in the 2024 period.

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $9.2 million, or 3.4%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily due to an $11.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation driven by forfeitures and headcount reductions, and a $6.7 million decrease in personnel-related costs associated with our 2024 Restructuring Plan, partially offset by an $8.6 million increase in marketing costs.

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General and administrative expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
General and administrative expense$138,075$128,521$221,649
Percentage of revenue14.3%12.0%21.1%

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased by $9.6 million, or 7.4%, as compared to the same period in 2024. The change was primarily driven by a $17.7 million unfavorable fluctuation in changes in fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities and $12.3 million increase in indirect taxes recorded in the 2025 period, partially offset by a $9.3 million decrease in stock-based compensation primarily due to the departure of officers in the first half of 2025, a $7.2 million decrease in personnel costs from restructuring-related headcount reductions and a $3.7 million decrease in legal and professional fees.

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $93.1 million, or 42.0%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily driven by a $67.8 million decrease in legal and professional fees, a $29.3 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions, a $4.7 million decrease in insurance expenses, and a $1.5 million decrease in personnel-related costs associated with our 2024 Restructuring Plan, partially offset by a $9.4 million unfavorable fluctuation in changes in fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities.

Product development expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Product development expense$121,513$100,725$130,565
Percentage of revenue12.6%9.4%12.4%

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased by $20.8 million, or 20.6%, as compared to the same period in 2024. The change was primarily driven by a $12.2 million increase in stock-based compensation due to equity awards granted in 2025 and higher restructuring-related forfeitures in the 2024 period, a $4.5 million increase in subscription expense and a $2.9 million increase in personnel costs.

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $29.8 million, or 22.9%, as compared to the same period in 2023.The change was primarily driven by a $34.0 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions.

Depreciation and amortization expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Depreciation and amortization expense$25,856$70,616$68,028
Percentage of revenue2.7%6.6%6.5%

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased by $44.8 million, or 63.4%, as compared to the same period in 2024, primarily driven by the full amortization of Bumble and Badoo's developed technology in February 2025.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $2.6 million, or 3.8%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to the increased amortization of intangible assets, driven by the acquisition of Geneva developed technology in July 2024.

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Impairment loss

(In thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Impairment loss$1,039,027$892,248$
Percentage of revenue107.6%83.3%

During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized impairment charges associated with our indefinite-lived intangible assets of $370.0 million, definite-lived intangible assets of $12.8 million and goodwill of $656.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded total impairment charges associated with our indefinite-lived intangible assets of $670.3 million, definite-lived intangible assets and long -lived assets of $24.7 million and goodwill of $197.2 million. There were no impairment charges recorded for the same period in 2023.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill,—Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and —Long-lived Assets and Definite-lived Intangible Assets, Note 6, Sale of a Business, and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Interest expense, net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Interest expense, net$(42,448)$(39,945)$(21,534)
Percentage of revenue(4.4)%(3.7)%(2.0)%

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $2.5 million, or 6.3%, compared to the same period in 2024. The change was due to a $2.3 million interest expense on certain indirect tax liabilities, a decrease in interest income on our interest rate swaps and a decrease in interest rates on our investments in money market funds, partially offset by a decrease in interest paid on our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement.

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $18.4 million, or 85.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. The change was due to a decrease in interest income on our interest rate swaps and a decrease in investments in money market funds.

Other expense, net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Other expense, net$(12,750)$(4,827)$(26,537)
Percentage of revenue(1.3)%(0.5)%(2.5%)

Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased by $7.9 million, compared to the same period in 2024. The change was primarily driven by a $15.9 million unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange gains and losses, partially offset by a $7.6 million favorable impact related to tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement.

Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $21.7 million, compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily due to $13.8 million net loss on interest rate swaps in 2023, a $6.0 million increase in net foreign currency exchange gains, and a 2.0 million favorable impact related to tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement.

Income tax provision

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Income tax provision$(34,369)$(23,128)$(7,170)
Effective tax rate(4.0)%(3.1%)135.2%

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Income tax provision was $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher foreign taxes resulting from a shift in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.

Income tax provision was $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the accrual of Pillar Two minimum taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in 2024.

For further detail of income tax matters, see Note 4, Income Taxes, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, H.R.1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was enacted in the U.S., which includes a broad range of tax reform provisions, including extending and modifying certain key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions (both domestic and international), and provisions allowing accelerated tax deductions for qualified property and research expenditures. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others to be implemented through 2027. The enactment of the legislation did not have a material impact on our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Pillar Two Minimum Tax

On December 20, 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") released the Pillar Two model rules providing a framework for implementing a 15% minimum tax, also referred to as the Global Anti-Base Erosion ("GloBE") rules, on earnings of multinational companies with consolidated annual revenue exceeding €750 million. Pillar Two legislation has been enacted in certain jurisdictions where we operate, including the UK and certain EU member states, and is effective for our financial year beginning January 1, 2024. We have performed an assessment of our exposure to Pillar Two income taxes, including our ability to qualify for transitional safe harbor relief under the GloBE rules. While we expect to qualify for transitional safe harbor relief in most jurisdictions in which we operate, there are a limited number of jurisdictions where the transitional safe harbor is not available, including for certain entities classified as “stateless” constituent entities under the Pillar Two model rules. Our income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, includes the effects of Pillar Two minimum taxes based on currently enacted legislation and guidance. We are monitoring the implementation of Pillar Two legislation (both proposed and enacted) by individual countries, including the release of administrative guidance on the application of the GloBE rules, and will continue to evaluate the potential impact to our financial position. On January 5, 2026, the OECD released Administrative Guidance containing the Side-by-Side agreement (“SbS System”) as part of a broader package of Administrative Guidance on Pillar Two. The SbS System introduces two new Pillar Two safe harbours: (i) the Side-by-Side Safe Harbour (“SbS SH”) for MNE Groups headquartered in jurisdictions with both eligible domestic and worldwide tax systems; and (ii) the Ultimate Parent Entity Safe Harbour (“UPE SH”) for MNE Groups with a UPE located in a jurisdiction that has an eligible domestic tax system but not an eligible worldwide tax system. The Central Record for purposes of the Global Minimum Tax was updated on January 5, 2026 to reflect that the United States is an eligible jurisdiction for the SbS SH. We expect the SbS SH will have significant future impact to the Company and our Pillar Two computations, however, given the absence of implementing legislation as of December 31, 2025, no impact has been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2025. Accordingly, we are still evaluating the potential consequences of Pillar Two on our longer-term financial position.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP, however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to the underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain expenses, including income tax (benefit) provision, interest and derivative (gains) losses, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expenses, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, changes in fair value of investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, impairment loss, and costs associated with restructuring, as management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings.

We also provide Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, we believe free cash flow and free cash flow conversion provide useful information regarding how cash provided by (used in) operating activities compares to the capital expenditures required to maintain and grow our business, and our available liquidity, after funding such capital expenditures, to service our debt, fund strategic initiatives, effectuate discretionary share repurchases and strengthen our balance sheet, as well as our ability to convert our earnings to cash. Additionally, we believe such metrics are widely used by investors, securities analysts, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating liquidity and debt-service capabilities. We calculate free cash flow and free cash flow conversion using methodologies that we believe can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better understand underlying trends in our business.

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Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our non-GAAP financial measures as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

•Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;

•Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

•Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude stock-based compensation expense and employer costs related to stock-based compensation, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, an important part of how we attract and retain our employees and a significant recurring expense in our business;

•Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the interest and derivative (gains) losses, net or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, and free cash flow does not reflect the cash requirements to service principal payments on our indebtedness;

•Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect income tax (benefit) provision we are required to make; and

•Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes and does not reflect our future contractual commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a liquidity measure and should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or to distribute to stockholders or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage investors to review the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and not rely on a single financial measure to evaluate our business. We also strongly urge investors to review the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, the computation of Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net earnings (loss) margin which is net earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue, the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, and the computation of free cash flow conversion as compared to operating cash flow conversion, which is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss) in each case set forth below.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest and derivative (gains) losses, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, changes in fair value of investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, impairment loss, and restructuring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. Operating cash flow conversion represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss).

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The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented:

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net loss$(895,345)$(768,374)$(1,868)
Add back:
Income tax provision34,36923,1287,170
Interest and derivative (gains) losses, net(1)42,44839,94535,340
Depreciation and amortization expense25,85670,61668,028
Stock-based compensation expense31,18926,245104,338
Employer costs related to stock-based compensation(2)1,7512,6384,535
Litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements(3)7,05210,73071,918
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (4)12,137(3,777)2,185
Restructuring costs(5)14,59720,355
Transaction and other costs(6)1,8401,6722,309
Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability(2,500)(20,208)(29,569)
Changes in fair value of investments in equity securities516543843
Tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense(7)7008,34110,341
Impairment loss(8)1,039,027892,248
Adjusted EBITDA$313,637$304,102$275,570
Net loss margin(92.7)%(71.7)%(0.2)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin32.5%28.4%26.2%
Net cash provided by operating activities$250,366$123,441$182,086
Less:
Capital expenditures(11,682)(9,319)(14,935)
Free cash flow$238,684$114,122$167,151
Operating cash flow conversion***
Free cash flow conversion76.1%37.5%60.7%

*Not meaningful

(1)Includes interest income received on money market funds and interest rate swaps, fair value changes in interest rate swaps, and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

(2)Represents employer portion of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes domestically, National Insurance contributions in the United Kingdom and comparable costs internationally related to the settlement of equity awards.

(3)Represents certain litigation costs, net of insurance proceeds, associated with pending litigations or settlements of litigation that arise outside of the ordinary course of business.

(4)Represents foreign exchange (gain) loss due to foreign currency transactions.

(5)Represents costs associated with discontinuing the operations of the Fruitz and Official apps and the 2025 and 2024 Restructuring Plans, such as severance, benefits and other related costs.

(6)Represents transaction and other costs primarily related to acquisitions and divestiture of business.

(7)Represents recognized adjustments to the tax receivable agreement liability.

(8)Represents impairment charges to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, Fruitz asset held for sale, the Official asset group and trademarks in 2025, as well as the indefinite-lived intangible assets, Fruitz asset group, and goodwill in 2024.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

As of December 31, 2025, we had $175.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $28.6 million from December 31, 2024. Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and capital expenditures, acquisition of businesses, funding of our debt obligations and any voluntary prepayments, partnership tax distributions, income tax payments and effectuating share repurchases as discussed below. Our obligations under the tax receivable agreement were a primary use of liquidity in 2025, but such obligations were fully settled in November 2025 as discussed below.

As discussed in Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, we have determined that we will need to refinance the $588.5 million of term loans outstanding under our Credit Agreement that mature on January 29, 2027 in order to meet the debt obligations at maturity. On March 13, 2026, the Company, through one of our subsidiaries, Buzz Finco L.L.C. (the “Borrower”), entered into a binding commitment letter, dated as of March 13, 2026 (the “Commitment Letter”) with Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC (and certain accounts or funds affiliated therewith or managed thereby) and STORY3 Capital Partners, LLC, (collectively, the “Commitment Parties”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Commitment Parties have committed to provide a $475.0 million senior secured term loan facility to fund, together with cash on hand, the refinancing in full of all of the Borrower’s outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement. The funding of the term loan facility provided for in the Commitment Letter is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions that management has concluded are within the Company's control. If we are unable to complete the refinance or otherwise repay the term loans by the maturity date, such failure would constitute an event of default and could result in the exercise of remedies against our assets.

We have a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $450.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock with repurchases under the program to be made on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or other means, including privately negotiated transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased 4.7 million shares of Class A common stock for $28.7 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 25.1 million shares of Class A common stock and 2.0 million Common Units for $214.4 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 7.8 million shares of Class A common stock and 3.2 million Common Units for $157.1 million. As of December 31, 2025, all treasury shares were retired. As of December 31, 2025, a total of $50.1 million remains available for repurchase under the repurchase program.

In connection with the TRA Buyout in November 2025, we made cash settlement payments of $185.7 million to Blackstone, the Founder of the Company and certain other pre-IPO owners as consideration for the complete and full termination of our payment obligations and the relinquishing of all TRA parties' payment rights under the tax receivable agreement.

In August 2025, we made a $25.0 million voluntary principal payment on our Incremental Term Loan.

In June 2025, we announced our decision to reduce our global workforce by approximately 240 roles, representing approximately 30% of our employees, as we realign our operating structure to optimize execution on our strategic priorities. As a result, we expect to incur approximately $15.0 million of total non-recurring charges through the first quarter of 2026, consisting primarily of employee severance, benefits, and related charges for impacted employees. In February 2025, we announced our decision to discontinue our operation of the Fruitz and Official apps. The Official app was discontinued during the second quarter of 2025 and Fruitz was sold to a third party in July 2025. We incurred $1.4 million of expenses through the third quarter of 2025, primarily related to employee severance, benefits and related charges for impacted employees. On February 27, 2024, we announced the adoption of our 2024 Restructuring Plan, which was completed in the third quarter of 2024. We incurred $20.4 million of total non-recurring charges. During the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we made cash payments of $14.3 million and $19.9 million, respectively, in connection with our restructuring activities.

In December 2025, we amended a multi-year agreement with one of our third-party service providers related to cloud services with minimum spend commitments. Refer to “Contractual Obligations and Contingencies” for additional information.

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Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2025Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$250,366$123,441$182,086
Investing activities(11,682)(26,754)(24,755)
Financing activities(268,122)(250,828)(198,891)

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $250.4 million, $123.4 million and $182.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net losses of $895.3 million, $768.4 million, and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, were offset by non-cash adjustments of $1,132.0 million, $979.2 million, and $175.3 million, respectively. Additionally, assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 changed by $13.7 million, $(87.4) million, and $8.7 million, respectively, primarily due to changes in accounts receivables of $15.1 million, $5.8 million, and $(36.0) million, respectively, driven by timing of cash receipts; changes in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $16.0 million, $(19.0) million, and $1.5 million, respectively, driven by marketing spend, certain indirect tax obligations, personnel-related expenses, taxes payable, tax receivable agreement liability payment; and changes in legal liabilities of nil, $(65.8) million, and $45.2 million, respectively, driven by litigation accruals and settlement payments.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $11.7 million, $26.8 million, and $24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Capital expenditures were $11.7 million, $9.3 million, and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid $17.4 million to acquire intangible assets from Geneva, net of deferred tax liabilities of $0.5 million. We used $9.8 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Official for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $268.1 million, $250.8 million, and $198.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we made total cash payments of $194.7 million related to the tax receivable agreement, which includes $185.7 million used for the TRA Buyout and $8.9 million used for the tax receivable agreement payments. Additionally, we used $28.7 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock and $5.2 million for cash distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we used $192.1 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock, $11.9 million for tax receivable agreement payments, $22.2 million for the repurchase of Common Units and $7.9 million for cash distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we used $112.8 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock, $44.3 million for the repurchase of Common Units and $19.3 million for cash distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we used $8.8 million, $10.7 million and $16.7 million, respectively, for shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock units. During each of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we used $5.8 million to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Original Term Loan. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we made a $25.0 million voluntary principal payment on our Incremental Term Loan.

Indebtedness

Credit Agreement

We and certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries, including Borrower are party to a credit agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which we borrowed $575.0 million through a seven-year term loan (“Original Term Loan”) and $275.0 million through a seven-year incremental term loan (the “Incremental Term Loan,” and collectively with the Original Term Loan, the “Term Loans”). In addition, the Credit Agreement provides for a $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing on June 17, 2026 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and up to $25.0 million through letters of credit. The forward-looking term rate is based on the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”), plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% with respect to the

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Term Loans and 0.00% with respect to loans under the Revolving Credit Facility (Term SOFR plus such credit spread adjustment, “Adjusted Term SOFR”).

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either (i) Adjusted Term SOFR for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (subject to a floor of 0.0% on the Original Term Loan and 0.50% on the Incremental Term Loan), plus an applicable margin or (ii) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect as last quoted by the Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) Adjusted Term SOFR, for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% (subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum), in each case, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for loans under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries and is subject to reduction after the consummation of our IPO.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (which is subject to a decrease to 0.375% per annum based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries) to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The Borrower must also pay customary letter of credit fees and an annual administrative agency fee.

As of December 31, 2025, the outstanding balance under the Term Loans was $590.6 million, and amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility were $50.0 million. The Original Term Loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Original Term Loan outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Original Term Loan, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. The Incremental Term Loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Incremental Term Loan, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. Following the $200.0 million aggregate principal payment of outstanding indebtedness during the three months ended March 31, 2021, quarterly installment payments on the Incremental Term Loan are no longer required for the remaining term of the facility. In August 2025, we made a $25.0 million voluntary principal payment on the Incremental Term Loan. Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, are due and payable in full at maturity on June 17, 2026.

See Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, and Note 21, Subsequent Event, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, for additional information.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

Payments due
(In thousands)TotalLess than 1 yearMore than 1 year
Long-term debt, including interest$590,563$5,750$584,813
Operating lease liabilities, including imputed interest11,6804,3747,306
Other (1)67,86112,06455,797
Total$670,104$22,188$647,916

(1)We have contractual obligations with various third parties. On December 12, 2025, we amended an agreement with one of our third party service providers related to cloud services. Under the amended terms, we are committed to pay minimum amounts to the third-party over five consecutive years beginning in December 2025 for a total amount of $56.0 million. If we fail to meet a minimum annual commitment in any period or upon early termination as defined in the agreement, we will be required to pay any unsatisfied minimum commitment amounts, subject to certain rollover provisions. As of December 31, 2025, the minimum commitment remaining with this third-party was $55.2 million. In addition, we have an agreement with another third party related to cloud services, under which we are committed to pay a total of $12.4 million over a period of 36 months, beginning October 2024. At the end of the 36 months, or upon early termination, any unused consumption capacity will expire unless a renewal agreement is executed. As of December 31, 2025, the total commitment fee remaining with this third-party was $4.4 million. The remaining contractual obligation of $8.2 million as of December 31, 2025 relates to individually immaterial contractual obligations with various other third-party service providers.

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Additionally, we have the following contractual obligations not reflected in the table set forth above:

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in January 2020, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement, consisting of an earn-out payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited of up to $150.0 million. The timing and amount of such payments that we may be required to make is not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as the payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited is dependent upon the achievement of a specified return on invested capital by our Sponsor. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which often require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our critical estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. This discussion is provided to supplement the descriptions of our accounting policies contained in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of net assets acquired. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of October 1 or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

During each annual impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to: (i) deterioration in macroeconomic conditions or changes in market competitiveness; (ii) significant changes in cash flows and cost factors; (iii) changes in planned use of the assets; (iv) a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period; and (v) a significant change in the Company’s market capitalization relative to its net book value.

As a result of the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will perform a quantitative test by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record a goodwill impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Alternatively, we are permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment.

We consider both the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis. The market approach utilizes comparable public company information and key valuation multiples and considers a market control premium and guideline transactions, when applicable. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit is highly sensitive to changes in management’s estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the revenue growth rate, discount rate and valuation multiples. Additionally, adverse macroeconomic factors, including, but not limited to, slower economic growth, a higher cost of borrowing, inflationary pressures, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, may impact the estimated fair value of a reporting unit.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our goodwill, and as a result, we performed interim impairment tests. Based on the results of the tests, we recognized impairment charges of $654.4 million and $197.2 million for goodwill during 2025 and 2024, respectively. We also recorded a $1.8 million impairment charge in connection with Fruitz asset held for sale during the year ended 2025. There were no impairment charge to goodwill for the same period in 2023.

Given the aforementioned impairment charges recorded in 2025 and 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A change in corporate strategy, a further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

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For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the asset level annually as of October 1 or more frequently if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the intangible asset is impaired, we perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the fair value, which is based on expected future cash flows, exceeds the carrying value, the asset is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value of the asset.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets, and as a result, we performed interim impairment tests. Based on the results of the tests, we recognized impairment charges of $370.0 million and $670.3 million for indefinite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. No impairment charge was recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for 2023.

Given the aforementioned impairment charges recorded in 2025 and 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A change in corporate strategy, a further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives

We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the asset group level whenever events or changes of circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of an asset group may not be recoverable. Our definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of developed technology and definite-lived brands. An asset group is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The carrying value of such assets or asset groups 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 or asset group. If the carrying value is deemed not to be recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the assets or asset group exceeds its fair value. The remaining estimated useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets are routinely reviewed and, if the estimate is revised, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized over the revised estimated useful life.

Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could result in an impairment charge. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues. We may make various assumptions and estimates when performing our impairment assessments, particularly as it relates to cash flow projections. Cash flow estimates are by their nature subjective and include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and forecasted operating performance, revenue trends and operating margins. These estimates could also be adversely impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments, or other market conditions affecting our industry.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our definite-lived intangible assets, and as a result, we performed interim impairment tests. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized impairment charges of $3.6 million for intangible assets associated with Official, $4.2 million for trademarks and $5.0 million for intangible assets associated with Fruitz asset held for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized an impairment charge of $24.7 million for the Fruitz asset group. There were no impairment charges to long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for 2023.

Given the aforementioned impairments recorded in 2025 and 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A change in corporate strategy, a further decline in our stock price, economic

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downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Long-lived Assets and Definite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock-based Compensation

Subsequent to our IPO, we issue stock-based awards to employees that are generally in the form of Time-Vesting stock options or restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Compensation cost for equity awards is measured at their grant-date fair value. Fair value of RSUs is estimated based on the fair value of the Company’s underlying common stock. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for Time-Vesting awards. These estimates require management to make assumptions with respect to the fair value of the Company’s equity award on the grant date, including the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock calculated based on a period of time generally commensurate with the expected term of the award, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the Company’s stock. For time-vesting awards, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, using the graded attribution method.

The Company had exit-vesting awards that provided for certain performance conditions, as well as time-based vesting in 36 equal installments. These exit-vesting awards were fully vested in July 2025.

For additional information, see Note 16, Stock-based Compensation, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management is required to exercise judgment in determining our provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined by taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Deferred tax assets are amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years and are initially recognized at enacted tax rates. To the extent deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Tax Receivable Agreement

Prior to November 5, 2025, pursuant to the tax receivable agreement (“TRA”), we were required to make cash payments to the TRA parties equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we realized, or in some circumstances were deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA. Actual tax benefits realized by the Company could have differed from tax benefits calculated under the TRA as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the TRA, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. Payments under the TRA would have depended upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. If we did not generate sufficient taxable income in the aggregate over the term of the TRA to utilize the tax benefits, we would not have been required to make the related TRA Payments. Therefore, we would have only recognized a liability for TRA payments if we determined that it was probable that we would generate sufficient future taxable income over the term of the TRA to utilize the related tax benefits. Estimating future taxable income was inherently uncertain and requires judgment. In projecting future taxable income, we considered our historical results and incorporated certain assumptions, including projected revenue growth, and operating margins, among others.

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On November 5, 2025, we entered into the TRA Amendment with Blackstone, the Founder of the Company and certain other pre-IPO owners. The TRA Amendment provided for one-time settlement payments as consideration for the complete and full termination of our payment obligations and the relinquishing of all TRA parties' payment rights under the tax receivable agreement. As a result of the TRA Buyout, the Company’s tax receivable agreement liability was fully settled as of December 31, 2025.

For additional information around the tax receivable agreement, see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently-issued accounting pronouncements that may be relevant to our operations but have not yet been adopted are outlined in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-25-030151.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-28. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include without limitation those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

We provide online dating and social networking applications through free subscription and in-app purchases of products servicing North America, Europe and various other countries around the world. In 2024, Bumble operated a family of apps, including Bumble, Bumble For Friends, Badoo, Geneva, Fruitz and Official. Bumble app, launched in 2014, is one of the first dating apps built with women at the center, where women make the first move. Bumble app is a leader in the online dating sector across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products. Badoo app’s focus is to make finding meaningful connections easy, fun and accessible for a mainstream global audience. Badoo app continues to be a market leader in several countries in Europe and Latin America. Building on the BFF mode in Bumble app, in July 2023 we officially launched a standalone Bumble For Friends app. Bumble For Friends app is a friendship app where people in all stages of life can meet people nearby and create meaningful platonic connections. In July 2024, we acquired Geneva, through which we aim to expand the Bumble For Friends experience from one-to-one connections to groups and communities to serve the many ways people seek friendships. As part of our strategic priorities, we decided to discontinue the Fruitz and Official apps, which we expect to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Overview of Financial Results

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we generated:


Total Revenue of $1,071.6 million, $1,051.8 million and $903.5 million, respectively;


Bumble App Revenue of $866.3 million, $844.8 million and $694.3 million, respectively;


Badoo App and Other Revenue of $205.4 million, $207.1 million and $209.2 million, respectively;


Net loss of $768.4 million, which includes $892.2 million of non-cash impairment charges, $1.9 million and $114.1 million, respectively, representing net loss margins of 71.7%, 0.2% and 12.6%, respectively;


Adjusted EBITDA of $304.1 million, $275.6 million and $226.9 million, respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA margins of 28.4%, 26.2% and 25.1%, respectively;


Net cash provided by operating activities of $123.4 million, $182.1 million and $132.9 million, respectively; and


Free cash flow of $114.1 million, $167.2 million and $116.6 million, respectively, representing free cash flow conversion of 37.5%, 60.7% and 51.4%, respectively.

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Key Operating Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to the section “Certain Definitions” at the beginning of this Annual Report for the definitions of our Key Operating Metrics.

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The following metrics were calculated excluding paying users and revenue generated from Official, advertising and partnerships or affiliates and, for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz are included in our key operating metrics. Prior period information and key operating metrics have not been recast to include paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz. As of December 31, 2024, Geneva has not generated any revenue, and therefore, is excluded from our key operating metrics.

(in thousands, except ARPPU)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Bumble App Paying Users2,807.32,517.42,002.2
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,342.01,203.31,179.7
Total Paying Users4,149.33,720.73,181.9
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$25.72$27.97$28.90
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$11.85$12.70$13.06
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$21.23$23.03$23.03

Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Growth Strategy

As previously disclosed, we are in the process of implementing a new strategy and transformation plan intended to deliver durable customer value and drive long-term sustainable revenue. As part of this new strategy, we are focusing on fostering a vibrant and healthy customer ecosystem, improving the customer experience through product innovation and optimization of operations, and evolving our revenue strategy to ensure we deliver value at every step of our customers’ journey through a rebalancing of Bumble app subscription tiers, among other things. As we address these areas of focus, our user growth and success in attracting new users, user engagement and monetization may be negatively impacted. In addition, efforts to improve the health of our ecosystem, including the removal of bad actors from our apps and changes to our user acquisition strategy, may adversely affect revenue and paying users in the short term. Furthermore, if we do not successfully implement our new strategy, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

See also “If we fail to retain existing users or add new users, or if our users decrease their level of engagement with our products or do not convert to paying users, our revenue, financial results and business may be significantly harmed” and “We are subject to certain risks as a mission-based company” in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Brands, Products and Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Growth in Monetization

Our apps monetize via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. We acquire new users through investments in marketing and brand as well as through word of mouth from existing users and others. We convert these users to Paying Users by introducing premium features which maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections and improving their experience.

Our revenue growth primarily depends on Paying Users and ARPPU. We continually develop new monetization features and improve existing features in order to increase adoption of in-app purchases and our subscription programs striking a balance between the number of Paying Users and ARPPU. We also test new pricing strategies, including different pricing tiers and user segmentation and share those insights across our apps to optimize monetization.

While we see opportunity for growth in our core online dating market driven by the steady growth of the global singles population, increasing adoption of online dating both in the United States and globally and increasing propensity to pay for online dating, we may also face challenges increasing our Paying Users. These challenges may include the prevailing global economic climate, competition from alternative products, lack of appealing product features, enforcement of restrictive payment policies from in-app payment systems provided by Apple and Google, and slower rates of growth in the online dating market.

Many variables will impact our ARPPU, including the number of Paying Users and mix of monetization offerings on our platform, as well as the effect of demographic shifts and geographic differences on all of these variables. Our pricing is in local currency and may

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vary between markets. As foreign currency exchange rates change, translation of the statements of operations into U.S. dollars could negatively impact revenue and distort year-over-year comparability of operating results.

To the extent our ARPPU declines, our revenue growth will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase our Paying Users.

Expansion into New Geographic Markets

We are focused on growing our platform globally, including through entering new markets and investing in under-penetrated markets. As we introduce Bumble app to new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America we can leverage the local insights, scale, and infrastructure of Badoo app’s existing global footprint to efficiently enter new markets. Badoo app can also leverage Bumble’s marketing expertise and strength in North America to support growth in that market.

Expanding into new geographies will require increased costs related to marketing, as well as localization of product features and services. Potential risks to our expansion into new geographies will include competition and compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

As we expand into certain new geographies, we may see an increase in users who prefer to access premium features through our in-app purchase options rather than through our subscription packages which could impact our ARPPU. We may also see a lower propensity to pay as we enter certain new markets.

Investing in Growth While Driving Long-Term Profitability

Our mission-driven strategy ensures that values guide our business decisions and our business performance enables us to drive impact through investment in technology, marketing and product innovation, balancing growth with long-term margins.

We expect to continue to invest in technology, marketing and product innovation to drive growth while improving margins over the long term. Key investment areas for our platform include artificial intelligence capabilities, including improving our matching and content moderation technologies; features that enhance trust and safety on our platform; new offerings that enhance user engagement and retention; marketing, and personalization capabilities; and new subscription and consumable offerings to drive incremental value to Paying Users.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain our talent, including engineers, data scientists, product designers and product developers. We believe that people want to work at a company that has purpose and aligns with their personal values, and therefore our ability to recruit talent is aided by our mission and brand reputation. We compete for talent within the technology industry.

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in user growth, user engagement, Paying User growth, and monetization on our platform. Historically, we have seen an increase in all of these metrics in January due in part to seasonal demand in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, and during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Macroeconomic Conditions

Macroeconomic conditions, including the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, slower growth or economic recession, changes to fiscal, monetary and trade policy, including the newly introduced tariffs by the current presidential administration in the U.S., and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have impacted and may continue to impact our results of operations, as well as our consumers who face greater pressure on disposable income. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results.

For additional information, see Part I, “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, our expenses and our ability to execute strategic plans” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2024 Restructuring Plan

On February 27, 2024, the Company announced that it adopted a restructuring plan (the “2024 Restructuring Plan”) to reduce its global workforce by approximately 350 roles to better align its operating model with future strategic priorities and to drive stronger operating leverage. The 2024 Restructuring Plan was completed in the third quarter of 2024, and we incurred approximately $20.4

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million of total non-recurring charges, consisting primarily of employee severance, benefits, and related charges for impacted employees.

For additional information, see Note 9, Restructuring Charges, included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

Secondary Offerings

On March 8, 2023, the Company completed a secondary offering of 13.75 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of the Blackstone Selling Stockholders and the Founder at a price of $22.80 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 7.2 million Class A shares of common stock for the period ended March 31, 2023, which were issued in exchange for Common Units held by the selling stockholders.

Bumble did not sell any shares of Class A common stock in these offerings and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sales. Bumble paid the costs associated with the sales of shares by the selling stockholders, net of the underwriting discounts.

Share Repurchase Program

In May 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock with repurchases under the program to be made on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or other means, including privately negotiated transactions. We announced increases in the share repurchase program authorized amount from $150.0 million to $300.0 million in November 2023 and from $300.0 million to $450.0 million in May 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 25.1 million shares of Class A common stock and 2.0 million Common Units for $214.4 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 7.8 million shares of Class A common stock and 3.2 million Common Units for $157.1 million. As of December 31, 2024, a total of $78.8 million remained available for repurchase under the repurchase program.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Share Repurchase Program, Note 13, Shareholders' Equity—Share Repurchase Program and Note 17, Related Party Transactions—Share Repurchase, included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with certain reorganization transactions and our IPO, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company's allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement. The payments that we may be required to make under the tax receivable agreement to the pre-IPO owners may be significant and are dependent upon future taxable income. We have recorded a tax receivable agreement liability to related parties of $416.7 million related to these benefits as of December 31, 2024 of which $15.8 million was included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” To the extent that we determine that we are able to realize the tax benefits associated with the basis adjustments and net operating loss carryforwards, we would record an additional liability of $286.3 million for a total liability of $703.0 million. If, in the future, we are not able to utilize the Common Basis, we would record a reduction in the tax receivable agreement liability to related parties that would result in a benefit recorded within our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, our tax receivable agreement liability decreased by a net $13.5 million due to the following: (1) a $23.1 million decrease from tax receivable agreement payments made during the first quarter of 2024, (2) an increase of $3.4 million, primarily due to the effects of the repurchase of Common Units in Bumble Holdings from Blackstone entities completed in the first quarter of 2024 and the effects of the repurchase of Common Units in Bumble Holdings from Bumble during 2024, the proceeds from which were used to fund Class A common stock repurchases during 2024 and (3) an increase of $6.2 million for amounts recorded in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” for the partial realization of tax benefits related to basis adjustments and net operating loss carryforwards.

For additional information, see Part I, “Item 1A―Risk Factors—Bumble Inc. will be required to pay certain of our pre-IPO owners for most of the benefits relating to tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim as a result of Bumble Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, Bumble Inc.’s increase in its allocable share of existing tax basis and anticipated tax basis adjustments we receive in connection with sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units) in connection with or after the IPO and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the

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Blocker Companies” and “Item 1A―Risk Factors—In certain cases, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits Bumble Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Also see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impairment Charges

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our indefinite-lived assets, long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets, and goodwill. These triggering events included our revised 2024 outlook and a decrease in our stock price and market capitalization that was sustained during the third quarter of 2024. As a result, we performed an interim impairment test. Based on the results of the test, we recognized impairment charges of $670.3 million for indefinite-lived intangible assets, $24.7 million for the Fruitz asset group and $197.2 million for goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2024. There were no impairment charges recorded for the year end December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a $141.0 million Badoo brand impairment and a $4.4 million right-of-use asset impairment related to our Moscow office.

Given the aforementioned impairment charges recorded in 2024 and 2022, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill,—Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and —Long-lived Assets and Definite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Acquisition

On July 1, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Geneva Technologies Inc.(“Geneva”) for total cash consideration of $17.5 million, net of cash acquired, of which $17.2 million was allocated to developed technology and $0.3 million was allocated to other assets and liabilities. For additional information, see Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Statements of Operations Reclassification

To conform to current year presentation, we have reclassified $145.4 million related to the impairment charges of the Badoo brand and a right-of-use asset related to our Moscow office for the year ended December 31, 2022, from “General and administrative expense” to “Impairment Loss”.

Components of Results of Operations

Our business is organized into a single reportable segment.

Revenue

We monetize the Bumble, Bumble For Friends, Badoo, Fruitz and Official apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage and estimated breakage revenue associated with unused in-app purchases.

We also earn revenue from online advertising and partnerships, which are not a significant part of our business. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.

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Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of in-app purchase fees due on payments processed through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Purchases on Android, mobile web and desktop may have additional payment methods, such as credit card or via telecom providers. These purchases incur fees which vary depending on payment method. Purchase fees are deferred and expensed over the same period as revenue.

Cost of revenue also includes data center expenses such as rent, power and bandwidth for running servers, cloud hosting costs, employee compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee related costs, impairment of capitalized aggregator costs associated with breakage revenue and restructuring charges. Expenses relating to customer care functions such as customer service, moderators and other auxiliary costs associated with providing services to customers such as fraud prevention are also included within cost of revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of brand marketing, digital and social media spend, field marketing, restructuring charges, compensation expense (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and marketing functions.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources. General and administrative expense also consists of transaction costs, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, expenses associated with facilities, information technology, external professional services, legal costs, settlement of legal claims and accruals for future legal obligations that are deemed probable and estimable, restructuring charges and other administrative expenses.

Product development expense

Product development expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of product offerings and related technology, as well as restructuring charges.

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense is primarily related to computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, developed technology, user base, white label contracts, trademarks and other definite-lived intangible assets.

Impairment loss

Impairment loss relates to impairment charges to indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets, and goodwill as applicable.

Interest income (expense), net

Interest income (expense), net consists of interest income received on money market funds and interest rate swaps, fair value changes in interest rate swaps, and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists of insurance reimbursement proceeds, impacts from foreign exchange transactions, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, loss on debt extinguishment, sub-lease income and investments in equity securities.

Income tax benefit (provision)

Income tax benefit (provision) represents the income tax benefit or expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These foreign jurisdictions have different statutory tax rates than the United States. Our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Revenue$1,071,643$1,051,830$903,503
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue318,835307,835249,490
Selling and marketing expense261,172270,380249,269
General and administrative expense128,521221,649163,467
Product development expense100,725130,565109,020
Depreciation and amortization expense70,61668,02889,713
Impairment loss892,248145,388
Total operating costs and expenses1,772,117998,4571,006,347
Operating earnings (loss)(700,474)53,373(102,844)
Interest expense, net(39,945)(21,534)(24,063)
Other income (expense), net(4,827)(26,537)16,189
Income (loss) before income tax(745,246)5,302(110,718)
Income tax provision(23,128)(7,170)(3,406)
Net loss(768,374)(1,868)(114,124)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(211,366)2,345(34,378)
Net loss attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders$(557,008)$(4,213)$(79,746)

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information as a percentage of revenue for the periods presented:

Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Revenue100.0%100.0%100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue29.8%29.3%27.6%
Selling and marketing expense24.4%25.7%27.6%
General and administrative expense12.0%21.1%18.1%
Product development expense9.4%12.4%12.1%
Depreciation and amortization expense6.6%6.5%9.9%
Impairment loss83.3%0.0%16.1%
Total operating costs and expenses165.4%94.9%111.4%
Operating earnings (loss)(65.4)%5.1%(11.4)%
Interest expense, net(3.7)%(2.0)%(2.7)%
Other income (expense), net(0.5)%(2.5)%1.8%
Income (loss) before income tax(69.5)%0.5%(12.3)%
Income tax provision(2.2)%(0.7)%(0.4)%
Net loss(71.7)%(0.2)%(12.6)%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(19.7)%0.2%(3.8)%
Net loss attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders(52.0)%(0.4)%(8.8)%

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The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense included in operating costs and expenses:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Cost of revenue$690$4,054$3,819
Selling and marketing expense(1,296)9,8038,064
General and administrative expense22,67352,00863,575
Product development expense4,17838,47335,550
Total stock-based compensation expense$26,245$104,338$111,008

During the year ended December 31, 2024, stock-based compensation expense decreased from the same periods in 2023 and 2022, primarily due to forfeitures and headcount reductions.

The following table sets forth our revenue across apps for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Bumble App$866,289$844,774$694,329
Badoo App and Other205,354207,056209,174
Total Revenue$1,071,643$1,051,830$903,503

Total revenue was $1,071.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1,051.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users, partially offset by a decline in Total ARPPU and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Bumble App Revenue was $866.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $844.8 million for the same period in 2023. This increase was primarily driven by an 11.5% increase in Bumble App Paying Users to 2.8 million, partially offset by an 8.0% decline in Bumble App ARPPU to $25.72 and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $205.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $207.1 million for the same period in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a 6.7% decrease in Badoo App and Other ARPPU to $11.85 and unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by a 11.5% increase in Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.3 million. We began to include paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz in our key operating metrics in the fourth quarter of 2023 and prior period key operating metrics have not been recast.

Total revenue was $1,051.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $903.5 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users.

Bumble App Revenue was $844.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $694.3 million for the same period in 2022. This increase was primarily driven by a 25.7% increase in Bumble App Paying Users to 2.5 million, partially offset by a 3.2% decline in Bumble App ARPPU to $27.97. The increase in Bumble App Revenue was due to growth in core markets and international expansion.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $207.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $209.2 million for the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a 2.8% decrease in Badoo App and Other ARPPU to $12.70, partially offset by a 2.0% increase in Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.2 million. Results for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect the full impact of the Company’s decision to remove all of its apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus in March 2022, as well as other global macroeconomic conditions. In addition, other revenue of $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $0.6 million, or 2.6%, compared to the same period in 2022.

Cost of revenue

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(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Cost of revenue$318,835$307,835$249,490
Percentage of revenue29.8%29.3%27.6%

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $11.0 million, or 3.6%, as compared to the same period in 2023, driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 29.8%, compared to 29.3% for the same period in 2023, primarily due to the adoption of Google Play and user choice billing in many of our markets and to a lesser extent an increase in subscription costs, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions.

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $58.3 million, or 23.4%, as compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 29.3%, compared to 27.6% for the same period in 2022, primarily due to the adoption of Google Play billing in many of our markets and to a lesser extent an increase in cloud hosting, bulk messaging and content moderation costs.

Selling and marketing expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Selling and marketing expense$261,172$270,380$249,269
Percentage of revenue24.4%25.7%27.6%

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased by $9.2 million, or 3.4%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily due to a $11.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation driven by forfeitures and headcount reductions, and a $6.7 million decrease in personnel-related costs associated with our 2024 Restructuring Plan, partially offset by a $8.6 million increase in marketing costs.

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $21.1 million, or 8.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022. This change was primarily due to a $14.0 million increase in digital and social media marketing costs and a $6.5 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

General and administrative expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
General and administrative expense$128,521$221,649$163,467
Percentage of revenue12.0%21.1%18.1%

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased by $93.1 million, or 42.0%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily driven by a $67.8 million decrease in legal and professional fees, a $29.3 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions, a $4.7 million decrease in insurance expenses, and a $1.5 million decrease in personnel-related costs associated with our 2024 Restructuring Plan, partially offset by a $9.4 million increase associated with the change in fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities.

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $58.2 million, or 35.6%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was primarily driven a $46.4 million increase in professional and transaction costs and a $17.5 million increase associated with the change in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities, partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in personnel-related expenses.

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Product development expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Product development expense$100,725$130,565$109,020
Percentage of revenue9.4%12.4%12.1%

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased by $29.8 million, or 22.9%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily driven by a $34.0 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures and headcount reductions.

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $21.5 million, or 19.8%, as compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by a $19.6 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Depreciation and amortization expense$70,616$68,028$89,713
Percentage of revenue6.6%6.5%9.9%

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $2.6 million, or 3.8%, as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to the increased amortization of intangible assets, driven by the acquisition of Geneva developed technology in July 2024.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $21.7 million, or 24.2%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the full amortization of the legacy Badoo user base in July 2022. These decreases were partially offset by increases in the amortization of intangibles acquired from the Official acquisition in April 2023.

Impairment loss

(In thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Impairment loss$892,248$$145,388
Percentage of revenue83.3%16.1%

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized an impairment charge of $670.3 million for our indefinite-lived intangible assets, $24.7 million for the Fruitz asset group, and $197.2 million for goodwill. There were no impairment charges recorded for the same period in 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a $141.0 million Badoo brand impairment and a $4.4 million right-of-use asset impairment related to our Moscow office.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill,—Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and —Long-lived Assets and Definite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Interest expense, net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Interest expense, net$(39,945)$(21,534)$(24,063)
Percentage of revenue(3.7)%(2.0)%(2.7)%

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Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased $18.4 million, or 85.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. The change was due to a decrease in interest income on our interest rate swaps and a decrease in investments in money market funds.

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased $2.5 million, or 10.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was due to the investing surplus funds in money market funds since the fourth quarter of 2022, partially offset by an increase in interest rates on our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement.

Other income (expense), net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Other income (expense), net$(4,827)$(26,537)$16,189
Percentage of revenue(0.5)%(2.5)%1.8%

Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased by $21.7 million, compared to the same period in 2023. The change was primarily due to $13.8 million net loss on interest rate swaps in 2023, a $6.0 million increase in net foreign currency exchange gains, and a 2.0 million favorable impact related to tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement.

Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $42.7 million, compared to the same period in 2022. The change was primarily due to a $30.9 million decrease in net gains on interest rate swaps, a $5.9 million decrease in net foreign currency exchange gains, a $5.0 million unfavorable impact related to tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement, and an $0.8 million decrease in fair value of investments in equity securities.

Income tax provision

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Income tax provision$(23,128)$(7,170)$(3,406)
Effective income tax rate(3.1)%135.2%(3.1)%

Income tax provision was $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the accrual of Pillar Two minimum taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in 2024.

Income tax provision was $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the impact of income tax rate changes on our deferred tax balances recorded in 2022. In addition, the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 reflect the impact of our assessment that we will not be able to realize the benefit of certain deferred tax assets arising in the current year for which a valuation allowance has been recorded.

For further detail of income tax matters, see Note 4, Income Taxes, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Pillar Two Minimum Tax

On December 20, 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released the Pillar Two model rules providing a framework for implementing a 15% minimum tax, also referred to as the Global Anti-Base Erosion ("GloBE") rules, on earnings of multinational companies with consolidated annual revenue exceeding €750 million. Pillar Two legislation has been enacted in certain jurisdictions where the Company operates, including the UK and certain EU member states, and is effective for the Company's financial year beginning January 1, 2024. We have performed an assessment of our exposure to Pillar Two income taxes, including our ability to qualify for transitional safe harbor relief under the GloBE rules. While we expect to qualify for transitional safe harbor relief in most jurisdictions in which we operate, there are a limited number of jurisdictions where the transitional safe harbor is not available, including for certain entities classified as “stateless” constituent entities under the Pillar Two model rules. Our income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2024 includes $12.6 million in accrued minimum taxes under Pillar Two, which is based on currently enacted legislation and guidance. These accrued minimum taxes are included in Other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet and are payable in June 2026 with the filing of our initial GloBE return. We are monitoring the implementation of Pillar Two legislation (both proposed and enacted) by individual countries, including the release of administrative

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guidance on the application of the GloBE rules, and will continue to evaluate the potential impact to the Company’s financial position. In addition, in January 2025, the United States issued an executive order announcing opposition to aspects of these rules. Accordingly, we are still evaluating the potential consequences of Pillar Two on our longer-term financial position.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP, however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to the underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain expenses, including income tax (benefit) provision, interest and derivative (gains) losses, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expenses, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, impairment loss, and costs associated with our restructuring plans, as management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings.

We also provide Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, we believe free cash flow and free cash flow conversion provide useful information regarding how cash provided by (used in) operating activities compares to the capital expenditures required to maintain and grow our business, and our available liquidity, after funding such capital expenditures, to service our debt, fund strategic initiatives, effectuate discretionary share repurchases and strengthen our balance sheet, as well as our ability to convert our earnings to cash. Additionally, we believe such metrics are widely used by investors, securities analysts, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating liquidity and debt-service capabilities. We calculate free cash flow and free cash flow conversion using methodologies that we believe can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better understand underlying trends in our business.

Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our non-GAAP financial measures as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations are:


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude stock-based compensation expense and employer costs related to stock-based compensation, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, an important part of how we attract and retain our employees and a significant recurring expense in our business;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the interest and derivative (gains) losses, net or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, and free cash flow does not reflect the cash requirements to service principal payments on our indebtedness;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect income tax (benefit) provision we are required to make; and


Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes and does not reflect our future contractual commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a liquidity measure and should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or to distribute to stockholders or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage investors to review the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and not rely on a single financial measure to evaluate our business. We also strongly urge investors to review the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, the computation of Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net earnings (loss) margin which is net earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue, the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, and the computation of free cash flow conversion as compared to operating cash flow conversion, which is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss) in each case set forth below.

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We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest and derivative (gains) losses, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, impairment loss, and restructuring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. Operating cash flow conversion represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss).

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The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented:

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net loss$(768,374)$(1,868)$(114,124)
Add back:
Income tax provision23,1287,1703,406
Interest and derivative (gains) losses, net(1)39,94535,3406,977
Depreciation and amortization expense70,61668,02889,713
Stock-based compensation expense26,245104,338111,008
Employer costs related to stock-based compensation(2)2,6384,5352,054
Litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements(3)10,73071,91822,734
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (4)(3,777)2,185(3,679)
Restructuring costs(5)20,3551,463
Transaction and other costs(6)1,6722,3093,763
Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability(20,208)(29,569)(47,134)
Changes in fair value of investments in equity securities54384318
Tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense(7)8,34110,3415,332
Impairment loss(8)892,248145,388
Adjusted EBITDA$304,102$275,570$226,919
Net loss margin(71.7)%(0.2)%(12.6)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin28.4%26.2%25.1%
Net cash provided by operating activities$123,441$182,086$132,941
Less:
Capital expenditures(9,319)(14,935)(16,333)
Free cash flow$114,122$167,151$116,608
Operating cash flow conversion***
Free cash flow conversion37.5%60.7%51.4%

* Not meaningful

(1)
Includes interest income received on money market funds and interest rate swaps, fair value changes in interest rate swaps, and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

(2)
Represents employer portion of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes domestically, National Insurance contributions in the United Kingdom and comparable costs internationally related to the settlement of equity awards.

(3)
Represents certain litigation costs, net of insurance proceeds, associated with pending litigations or settlements of litigation that arise outside of the ordinary course of business.

(4)
Represents foreign exchange (gain) loss due to foreign currency transactions.

(5)
Represents costs associated with our restructuring plans, such as severance, benefits and other related costs.

(6)
Represents transaction costs related to acquisitions and secondary offerings such as legal, accounting, advisory fees and other related costs.

(7)
Represents recognized adjustments to the tax receivable agreement liability.

(8)
Represents impairment charges to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Fruitz asset group and goodwill in 2024 and impairment charges to the Badoo brand and a right-of-use asset related to our Moscow office in 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

As of December 31, 2024, we had $204.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $151.3 million from December 31, 2023, primarily due to share repurchases, and the acquisition of Geneva, partially offset by cash generated from operations. Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and capital expenditures, acquisition of businesses, funding of our debt obligations, partnership tax distributions, paying income taxes and obligations under our tax receivable agreement and effectuating share repurchases as discussed below. Based on

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current conditions, we believe that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our activities and execute our business plans during the next twelve months.

In May 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock with repurchases under the program to be made on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or other means, including privately negotiated transactions. We announced increases in the share repurchase program authorized amount from $150.0 million to $300.0 million in November 2023 and from $300.0 million to $450.0 million in May 2024. This repurchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 25.1 million shares of Class A common stock and 2.0 million of Common Units for $214.4 million, excluding excise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 7.8 million shares of Class A common stock and 3.2 million Common Units for $157.1 million. In addition, in January 2025, we repurchased an additional 1.8 million shares of Class A common stock pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, in the amount of $14.1 million, excluding excise tax obligations. As of January 31, 2025, a total of $64.7 million remained available for repurchase under the program.

On February 27, 2024, we announced that the Company adopted the 2024 Restructuring Plan to reduce its global workforce. The 2024 Restructuring Plan was completed in the third quarter of 2024, and we incurred approximately $20.4 million of total non-recurring charges through the third quarter of 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we made $19.9 million of cash payments in connection with the 2024 Restructuring Plan.

On July 1, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Geneva for a total cash consideration of $17.5 million, net of cash acquired.

Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2024Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$123,441$182,086$132,941
Investing activities(26,754)(24,755)(86,053)
Financing activities(250,828)(198,891)(14,954)

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $123.4 million, $182.1 million and $132.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net losses of $768.4 million, $1.9 million, and $114.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, were offset by non-cash adjustments of $979.2 million, $175.3 million, and $282.0 million, respectively. Additionally, assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 changed by $(87.4) million, $8.7 million, and $(34.9) million, respectively, primarily due to changes in legal liabilities of $(65.8) million, $45.2 million, and $12.0 million, respectively, driven by litigation accruals and settlement payments; changes in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $(19.0) million, $1.5 million, and $(35.0) million, respectively, driven by changes in taxes payable, tax receivable agreement liability, bonus accruals, and marketing accruals; and changes in accounts receivables of $5.8 million, $(36.0) million, and $(20.7) million, respectively, driven by timing of cash receipts.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $26.8 million, $24.8 million and $86.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid $17.4 million to acquire intangible assets from Geneva, net of deferred tax liabilities of $0.5 million. We used $9.8 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Official for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $69.7 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Fruitz for the year ended December 31, 2022. Capital expenditures were $9.3 million, $14.9 million, $16.3 million in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

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Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $250.8 million, $198.9 million, and $15.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we used $192.1 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock and Bumble Holdings used $22.2 million for the repurchase of Common Units and $7.9 million for cash distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we used $112.8 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock and Bumble Holding used $44.3 million for the repurchase of Common Units and $19.3 million for cash distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we used $11.9 million for tax receivable agreement payments. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $10.7 million, $16.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively, for shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock units. During each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we used $5.8 million to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Original Term Loan.

Indebtedness

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

In January 2020, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) providing for (i) a term loan facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million (the “Original Term Loan Facility”) and (ii) a revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). In addition, in October 2020, we entered into an Incremental term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility” and together with the Original Term Loan Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan Facility provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Original Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). A portion of the net proceeds from the IPO was used to repay $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility in the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Credit Agreement was further amended in March 2023, pursuant to which the interest rate benchmark referenced to LIBOR was transitioned to Term SOFR. On December 17, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, which extended the maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility to June 17, 2026 with no changes to the other terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. The borrower under the Credit Agreement is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. (the “Borrower”). The Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either (i) LIBOR prior to March 31, 2023 and Adjusted Term SOFR beginning March 31, 2023 for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (subject to a floor of 0.0% on the Original Term Loan and loans under the Revolving Credit Facility and 0.50% on the Incremental Term Loan), plus an applicable margin or (ii) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect as last quoted by the Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) adjusted LIBOR prior to April 1, 2023 and Adjusted Term SOFR beginning April 1, 2023, for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% (subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum), in each case, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for loans under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries and is subject to reduction after the consummation of our IPO.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (which is subject to a decrease to 0.375% per annum based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries) to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The Borrower must also pay customary letter of credit fees and an annual administrative agency fee.

The Original Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Original Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Original Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. The Incremental Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Incremental Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. Following the $200.0 million aggregate principal payment of outstanding indebtedness during the three months ended March 31, 2021, quarterly installment payments on the Incremental Term Loan Facility are no longer required for the remaining term of the facility. Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, are due and payable in full at maturity on June 17, 2026.

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Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):

Payments due
(In thousands)TotalLess than 1 yearMore than 1 year
Long-term debt, including interest$621,313$5,750$615,563
Operating lease liabilities, including imputed interest13,5433,5799,964
Other (1)24,35317,5726,781
Total$659,209$26,901$632,308

(1) We have contractual obligations with various third parties. In November 2024, we amended an agreement with one of our third-parties related to cloud services, which superseded and replaced the May 2023 agreement. Under the amended terms, we are committed to pay a minimum of $9.5 million over a period of 12 months from November 2024. If at the end of the 12 months, or upon early termination, we have not reached the $9.5 million in spend, we will be required to pay for the difference between the sum of fees already incurred and the minimum commitment. As of December 31, 2024, our minimum commitment remaining with this third-party was $8.9 million. In October 2024, we amended an agreement with another third-party related to cloud services, which superseded and replaced the April 2021 agreement. Under the amended terms, we are committed to pay a total of approximately $12.4 million over a period of 36 months from October 2024. At the end of the 36 months, or upon early termination, any unused consumption capacity will expire unless we enter into a renewal agreement. As of December 31, 2024, our total commitment fee remaining with this third-party was $8.2 million.

Additionally, we have the following contractual obligations not reflected in the table set forth above:

In connection with the IPO, in February 2021, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of the Company by the pre-IPO owners. The payments that we may be required to make under the tax receivable agreement to the pre-IPO owners may be significant and are not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as they are dependent upon future taxable income. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreement, we expect future payments under the tax receivable agreement related to the Offering Transactions and subsequent activity through December 31, 2024 to aggregate to $703.0 million and to range over the next 15 years from approximately $5.2 million to $71.1 million per year and decline thereafter. In determining these estimated future payments, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred after the IPO but were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The foregoing numbers are merely estimates, and the actual payments could differ materially. See Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in January 2020, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement, consisting of an earn-out payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited of up to $150.0 million. The timing and amount of such payments, that we may be required to make, is not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as the payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited is dependent upon the achievement of a specified return on invested capital by our Sponsor. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which often require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our critical estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. This discussion is provided to supplement the descriptions of our accounting policies contained in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of net assets acquired. We test for goodwill impairment annually as of October 1 or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

During each annual impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to: (i) deterioration in macroeconomic conditions or changes in market competitiveness; (ii) significant changes in cash flows and cost factors; (iii) changes in planned use of the assets; (iv) a significant decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period; and (v) a significant change in the Company’s market capitalization relative to its net book value.

As a result of the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will perform a quantitative test by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record a goodwill impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Alternatively, we are permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment.

We consider both the income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis. The market approach utilizes comparable public company information and key valuation multiples and considers a market control premium and guideline transactions, when applicable. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit is highly sensitive to changes in management’s estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the revenue growth rate, discount rate and valuation multiples.

During the third quarter of 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our goodwill, and as a result, we performed an interim impairment test. Based on the results of the test, we recognized an impairment charge of $197.2 million for goodwill during the third quarter of 2024. There were no impairment charges to goodwill for the same periods in 2023 or 2022.

Given the aforementioned impairment recorded in 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Impairment of Goodwill and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We test intangible assets that are not amortized (i.e., indefinite-lived brands) for impairment at the asset level. Indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment annually as of October 1 or more frequently if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the intangible asset is impaired, we perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the fair value, which is based on expected future cash flows, exceeds the carrying value, the asset is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value of the asset.

During the third quarter of 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets, and as a result, we performed an interim impairment test. Based on the results of the test, we recognized an impairment charge of $670.3 million for indefinite-lived intangible assets during the third quarter of 2024. No impairment charge was recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for 2023. During our annual impairment testing for the year ended December 31, 2022, we determined that an indefinite long-lived asset related to our Badoo brand was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $141.0 million.

Given the aforementioned impairment recorded in 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying

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values of these assets, to become impaired. A further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Impairment of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives

We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes of circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. We group assets for purposes of such review at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of the other groups of assets and liabilities. If this comparison indicates impairment, the amount of impairment to be recognized is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could result in an impairment charge. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues, and we may make various assumptions and estimates when performing our impairment assessments, particularly as it relates to cash flow projections. Cash flow estimates are by their nature subjective and include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and forecasted operating performance, revenue trends and operating margins. These estimates could also be adversely impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments, or other market conditions affecting our industry.

During the third quarter of 2024, we identified potential impairment triggering events related to our long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets, and as a result, we performed an interim impairment test. Based on the results of the test, we recognized an impairment charge of $24.7 million for the Fruitz asset group during the third quarter of 2024. There were no impairment charges to long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we determined that the right-of-use asset related to our Moscow office was fully impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $4.4 million.

Given the aforementioned impairment recorded in 2024, it is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates we made in assessing the fair values of these assets could cause us to consider some portion, or all of the remaining carrying values of these assets, to become impaired. A further decline in our stock price, economic downturns, a decline in market conditions and/or unfavorable industry trends could potentially trigger impairment tests in the future. In addition, reduced demand for our products, slower growth rates in our industry, and changes in market-based interest rates could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used in the income approach to determine the fair values of these assets and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

For additional information, see Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies—Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Definite-lived Intangible Assets and Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based awards to employees that are generally in the form of stock options, restricted shares, incentive units, or restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Compensation cost for equity awards is measured at their grant-date fair value, and in the case of restricted shares and RSUs is estimated based on the fair value of the Company’s underlying common stock. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for time-vesting awards or a Monte Carlo simulation approach in an option pricing framework for exit-vesting awards. These require management to make assumptions with respect to the fair value of the Company’s equity award on the grant date, including the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock calculated based on a period of time generally commensurate with the expected term of the award, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the Company’s stock. For time-vesting awards, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, using the graded attribution method.

At the IPO date, the Company concluded that our public offering represented a qualifying liquidity event that would cause the performance conditions to be probable of occurring. As such, compensation expense for performance-based stock awards was

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recognized over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis as achievement was probable. On July 15, 2022, the Exit-Vesting awards, with vesting based on certain performance conditions, were modified to also provide for time-based vesting in 36 equal installments and we began to recognize incremental stock-based compensation associated with the modification of these awards using the graded attribution method.

For additional information, see Note 15, Stock-based Compensation, included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management is required to exercise judgment in determining our provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined by taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Deferred tax assets are amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years and are initially recognized at enacted tax rates. To the extent deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Tax Receivable Agreement

Pursuant to the tax receivable agreement (“TRA”), we are required to make cash payments to the TRA parties equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we realize, or in some circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA. Actual tax benefits realized by the Company may differ from tax benefits calculated under the TRA as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the TRA, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. Payments to be made under the TRA will depend upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. If we do not generate sufficient taxable income in the aggregate over the term of the TRA to utilize the tax benefits, then we would not be required to make the related TRA Payments. Therefore, we only recognize a liability for TRA payments if we determine that it is probable that we will generate sufficient future taxable income over the term of the TRA to utilize the related tax benefits. Estimating future taxable income is inherently uncertain and requires judgment. In projecting future taxable income, we consider our historical results and incorporate certain assumptions, including projected revenue growth, and operating margins, among others. There is no maximum term for the TRA and the TRA will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired unless we exercise our right to terminate the TRA for an agreed-upon amount equal to the estimated present value of the remaining payments to be made under the agreement (calculated with certain assumptions, including as to utilization of the tax attributes).

Upon redemption or exchange of common units in Bumble Holdings, we record a liability relating to the obligation if we believe that it is probable that we would have sufficient future taxable income to utilize the related tax benefits. If we determine in the future that we will not be able to fully utilize all or part of the related tax benefits, we would derecognize any portion of the liability related to the benefits not expected to be utilized. Additionally, we estimate the amount of TRA Payments expected to be paid within the next 12 months and classify this amount as current on our consolidated balance sheets. To the extent our estimate differs from actual results, we may be required to reclassify portions of our liabilities under the TRA between current and non-current.

For additional information around the Tax Receivable Agreement, see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently-issued accounting pronouncements that may be relevant to our operations but have not yet been adopted are outlined in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-24-022104.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-28. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include without limitation those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Overview

We provide online dating and social networking applications through free subscription and in-app purchases of products servicing North America, Europe and various other countries around the world. In 2023, Bumble operated five apps, Bumble, Bumble For Friends, Badoo, Fruitz and Official. Bumble app, launched in 2014, is one of the first dating apps built with women at the center, where women make the first move. Bumble app is a leader in the online dating sector across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products. Badoo app’s focus is to make finding meaningful connections easy, fun and accessible for a mainstream global audience. Badoo app continues to be a market leader in Europe and Latin America. In January 2022, we acquired Fruitz, an intentions-driven dating app focused on Gen Z, operating in EMEA and Canada. In April 2023, we acquired Official, an app that is intended to help couples build healthy and lasting habits in their romantic relationships. Building on the BFF mode in Bumble app, in July 2023 we officially launched a standalone Bumble For Friends app. Bumble For Friends app is a friendship app where people in all stages of life can meet people nearby and create meaningful platonic connections.

Overview of Financial Results

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we generated:


Total Revenue of $1,051.8 million, $903.5 million and $760.9 million, respectively;


Bumble App Revenue of $844.8 million, $694.3 million and $528.6 million, respectively;


Badoo App and Other Revenue of $207.1 million, $209.2 million and $232.3 million, respectively;


Net Earnings (Loss) of $(1.9) million, $(114.1) million and $281.7 million, respectively, representing Net Earnings (Loss) Margins of (0.2)%, (12.6)% and 37.0%, respectively;


Adjusted EBITDA of $275.6 million, $226.9 million and $207.2 million, respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA Margins of 26.2%, 25.1% and 27.2%, respectively;


Net cash provided by operating activities of $182.1 million, $132.9 million and $104.8 million, respectively, and Operating Cash Flow Conversion of *, (116.5)% and 37.2%, respectively; and


Free Cash Flow of $167.2 million, $116.6 million and $91.2 million, respectively, representing Free Cash Flow Conversion of 60.7%, 51.4% and 44.0%, respectively.

* Not meaningful

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Key Operating Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to the section “Certain Definitions” at the beginning of this Annual Report for the definitions of our Key Operating Metrics.

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The following metrics were calculated excluding paying users and revenue generated from Official, advertising and partnerships or affiliates and, for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023, paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz are included in our key operating metrics. Prior period information and key operating metrics have not been recast to include paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz.

(in thousands, except ARPPU)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Key Operating Metrics
Bumble App Paying Users2,517.42,002.21,499.8
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,203.31,179.71,394.1
Total Paying Users3,720.73,181.92,893.9
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$27.97$28.90$29.37
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$12.70$13.06$13.13
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$23.03$23.03$21.55

Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Growth in Monetization

Our apps monetize via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. We acquire new users through investments in marketing and brand as well as through word of mouth from existing users and others. We convert these users to Paying Users by introducing premium features which maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections and improving their experience.

Our revenue growth primarily depends on Paying Users and ARPPU. We continually develop new monetization features and improve existing features in order to increase adoption of in-app purchases and our subscription programs striking a balance between the number of Paying Users and ARPPU. We also test new pricing strategies, including different pricing tiers and user segmentation and share those insights across our apps to optimize monetization.

While we see opportunity for growth in our core online dating market driven by the steady growth of the global singles population, increasing adoption of online dating both in the United States and globally and increasing propensity to pay for online dating, we may also face challenges increasing our Paying Users. These challenges may include the prevailing global economic climate, competition from alternative products, lack of appealing product features, enforcement of restrictive payment policies from in-app payment systems provided by Apple and Google, and slower rates of growth in the online dating market.

Many variables will impact our ARPPU, including the number of Paying Users and mix of monetization offerings on our platform, as well as the effect of demographic shifts and geographic differences on all of these variables. Our pricing is in local currency and may vary between markets. As foreign currency exchange rates change, translation of the statements of operations into U.S. dollars could negatively impact revenue and distort year-over-year comparability of operating results.

To the extent our ARPPU growth slows, our revenue growth will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase our Paying Users.

Expansion into New Geographic Markets

We are focused on growing our platform globally, including through entering new markets and investing in under-penetrated markets. As we introduce Bumble app to new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America we can leverage the local insights, scale, and infrastructure of Badoo app’s existing global footprint to efficiently enter new markets. Badoo app can also leverage Bumble’s marketing expertise and strength in North America to support growth in that market.

Expanding into new geographies will require increased costs related to marketing, as well as localization of product features and services. Potential risks to our expansion into new geographies will include competition and compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

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As we expand into certain new geographies, we may see an increase in users who prefer to access premium features through our in-app purchase options rather than through our subscription packages which could impact our ARPPU. We may also see a lower propensity to pay as we enter certain new markets.

Investing in Growth While Driving Long-Term Profitability

Our mission-driven strategy ensures that values guide our business decisions and our business performance enables us to drive impact through investment in technology, marketing and product innovation, balancing growth with long-term margins.

We expect to continue to invest in technology, marketing and product innovation to drive growth while improving margins over the long term. Key investment areas for our platform include artificial intelligence capabilities, including improving our matching and content moderation technologies; features that enhance trust and safety on our platform; new offerings that enhance user engagement and retention; marketing, and personalization capabilities; and new subscription and consumable offerings to drive incremental value to Paying Users.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain our talent, including engineers, data scientists, product designers and product developers. We believe that people want to work at a company that has purpose and aligns with their personal values, and therefore our ability to recruit talent is aided by our mission and brand reputation. We compete for talent within the technology industry.

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in user growth, user engagement, Paying User growth, and monetization on our platform. Historically, we have seen an increase in all of these metrics in January due in part to seasonal demand in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, and during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Generally, our highest performing months for user growth and user engagement are during the first and third quarters of the fiscal year, and our highest performing months for Total Paying Users are in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year.

Macroeconomic Conditions

The prevailing global economic climate, the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and other macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to slower growth or economic recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, and exchange rate fluctuations have adversely affected and may continue to adversely impact our business as consumers face greater pressure on disposable income. The increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and overall market conditions led to significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other global currencies in 2022. Throughout 2023, the U.S. dollar experienced volatility, which stabilized in the fourth quarter. A strong U.S. dollar has impacted and may impact our revenue and earnings in the future. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, our expenses and our ability to execute strategic plans.”

Transformation Plan

On February 27, 2024, we announced that the Company intends to reduce its global workforce by approximately 350 roles to better align our operating model with future strategic priorities and to drive stronger operating leverage. As a result, we expect to incur approximately $20 million to $25 million of non-recurring charges, consisting primarily of employee severance, benefits, and related charges for impacted employees.

Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

Initial Public Offering and Offering Transactions

On February 10, 2021, our registration statement on Form S-1 relating to our initial public offering (“IPO”) was declared effective by the SEC, and our Class A common stock began trading on the NASDAQ on February 11, 2021. Our IPO closed on February 16, 2021. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Preparation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Bumble Inc. issued and sold 57.5 million shares of its Class A common stock in the IPO, including 7.5 million shares sold pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 9 million shares ($369.6 million) to acquire an equivalent number of newly-issued Common Units from Bumble Holdings, which Bumble Holdings used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility totaling approximately $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount and approximately $148.3 million for general corporate purposes, and to bear all of the expenses of the IPO. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 48.5 million shares ($1,991.6 million) to purchase or redeem an equivalent aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Common Units from our pre-IPO owners. We refer to the foregoing transactions as the “Offering Transactions”.

Secondary Offerings

On September 15, 2021, the Company completed a secondary offering of 20.7 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of certain selling stockholders affiliated with Blackstone (the "Blackstone Selling Stockholders") at a price of $54.00 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 9.2 million Class A shares of common stock for the period ended September 30, 2021, which were issued in exchange for Common Units held by the selling stockholders.

On March 8, 2023, the Company completed a secondary offering of 13.75 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of the Blackstone Selling Stockholders and the Founder at a price of $22.80 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 7.2 million Class A shares of common stock for the period ended March 31, 2023, which were issued in exchange for Common Units held by the selling stockholders.

Bumble did not sell any shares of Class A common stock in these offerings and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sales. Bumble paid the costs associated with the sales of shares by the selling stockholders, net of the underwriting discounts.

Reorganization Transactions

Prior to the completion of the IPO, we undertook certain reorganization transactions (the “Reorganization Transactions”) such that Bumble Inc. is now a holding company, and its sole material asset is a controlling equity interest in Bumble Holdings. As the general partner of Bumble Holdings, Bumble Inc. now operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Bumble Holdings, has the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from Bumble Holdings and, through Bumble Holdings and its subsidiaries, conducts our business. The Reorganization Transactions were accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Bumble Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization Transactions at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical financial statements of Bumble Holdings, the accounting predecessor. Bumble Inc. will consolidate Bumble Holdings on its consolidated financial statements and record a non-controlling interest, related to the Common Units and the Incentive Units held by our pre-IPO owners, on its consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.

Bumble Inc. is a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Bumble Inc.’s accounting predecessor, Bumble Holdings, is and has been since the Sponsor Acquisition, treated as a flow-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as such, has generally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Accordingly, the historical results of operations and other financial information set forth in this Annual Report do not include any material provisions for U.S. federal income tax for the period prior to our IPO. Following our IPO, Bumble Inc. pays U.S. federal and state income taxes as a corporation on its share of Bumble Holdings’ taxable income.

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—Bumble Inc. will be required to pay certain of our pre-IPO owners for most of the benefits relating to tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim as a result of Bumble Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, Bumble Inc.’s increase in its allocable share of existing tax basis and anticipated tax basis adjustments we receive in connection with sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units) in connection with or after the IPO and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies.” and “Item 1A―Risk Factors—In certain cases, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits Bumble Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement.”

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For additional information, see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have determined that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize certain tax benefits that were received in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO. As a result of this determination, we have not recorded the benefit of these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023. The Company is entitled to certain depreciation and amortization deductions as a result of its allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO and increases in its allocable share of existing basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges in connection with the IPO. There is significant existing tax basis in the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of the Sponsor Acquisition. Based on current projections, we anticipate having sufficient taxable income to be able to realize these tax benefits and have recorded a liability of $430.2 million associated with the tax receivable agreement related to these benefits, of which $22.8 million is included in “Accrued expense and other current liabilities”. The ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized is evaluated based on all positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. We will assess the ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized at each reporting period, and a change in our estimate of our liability associated with the tax receivable agreement may result as additional information becomes available, including results of operations in future periods. During the year ended December 31, 2023, our tax receivable agreement liability increased by a net $35.9 million due to the following: (1) a $31.4 million increase for the effects of the March 2023 secondary offering of 13.75 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of the Blackstone Selling Stockholders and the Founder, (2) a $2.6 million increase for effects of the December 2023 repurchase of 3.2 million Common Units in Bumble Holdings from Blackstone entities, (3) a $10.8 million increase related to the release of a valuation allowance on certain tax attributes and (4) an $8.9 million decrease due to the tax receivable agreement payments made during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Employee Equity Plans

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we undertook a number of modifications to existing employee equity plans such that awards under the Founder Plan, U.S. Plan, and Non-U.S. Plan were reclassified as follows:


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings under the Founder Plan and granted to Senior Management under the U.S. Plan were reclassified to vested Incentive Units (in the case of Vested Class B Units) and unvested Incentive Units (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Holdings.


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings (other than those granted to senior management) were reclassified to Class A common stock (in the case of vested Class B Units) and restricted shares of Class A common stock (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Inc.


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Phantom Class B Units in Bumble Holdings were reclassified into vested RSUs (in the case of vested Class B Phantom Units) and unvested RSUs (in the case of unvested Class B Phantom Units) in Bumble Inc. As the modification resulted in a change from liability-settled to equity-settled, the RSUs were fair valued at the date of the IPO.

In all cases of respective reclassifications, the Post-IPO awards retained the same terms and conditions (including applicable vesting requirements). Each Post-IPO award was converted to reflect the $43.00 share price contemplated in the Company’s IPO while retaining the same economic value in the Company.

In connection with the IPO, we adopted the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2021 Omnibus Plan”), which became effective on the date immediately prior to the effective date of the IPO. Under the 2021 Omnibus Plan, we granted equity awards as follows:


Stock options with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. These stock options are inclusive of both Time-Vesting stock options and Exit-Vesting stock options.


Time-Vesting Restricted Stock Units with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.


Shares of Class A common stock issuable in exchange for an equivalent number of Common Units in Bumble Holdings to be received upon the conversion of vested Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Incentive Units in Bumble Holdings.

At the IPO date, we concluded that our public offering represented a qualifying liquidity event that would cause the Exit-Vesting awards’ performance conditions to be probable. As such, we started to recognize stock-based compensation expense for the Exit-Vesting awards. On July 15, 2022, the Exit-Vesting awards, with vesting based on certain performance conditions, were modified to also provide for time-based vesting in 36 equal installments and we began to recognize incremental stock-based compensation associated with the modification of these awards. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized

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compensation cost related to Exit-Vesting awards of $13.2 million and $31.3 million and $26.3 million, respectively, which includes the modification of these awards in fiscal year 2022.

For additional information, see Note 15, Stock-based Compensation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Statements of Operations Reclassification

Beginning on January 1, 2023, we reclassified certain employee and non-employee related expenses, including stock-based compensation, that support engineering, data design and product management, as well as maintenance and support costs for technology infrastructure, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to align with operational functions. To conform to current year presentation, we have reclassified $10.4 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, from “General and administrative expense” to “Product development expense”. In addition, we have reclassified $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from “General and administrative expense” to “Cost of revenue”.

Components of Results of Operations

Our business is organized into a single reportable segment.

Revenue

We monetize the Bumble, Bumble For Friends, Badoo, Fruitz and Official apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage and estimated breakage revenue associated with unused in-app purchases.

We also earn revenue from online advertising and partnerships, which are not a significant part of our business. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of in-app purchase fees due on payments processed through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Purchases on Android, mobile web and desktop may have additional payment methods, such as credit card or via telecom providers. These purchases incur fees which vary depending on payment method. Purchase fees are deferred and expensed over the same period as revenue.

Cost of revenue also includes data center expenses such as rent, power and bandwidth for running servers, cloud hosting costs, employee compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee related costs, impairment of capitalized aggregator costs associated with breakage revenue and restructuring charges. Expenses relating to customer care functions such as customer service, moderators and other auxiliary costs associated with providing services to customers such as fraud prevention are also included within cost of revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of brand marketing, digital and social media spend, field marketing, restructuring charges, compensation expense (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and marketing functions.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources. General and administrative expense also consists of transaction costs, impairment losses, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, expenses associated with facilities, information technology, external professional services, legal costs, settlement of legal claims and accruals for future legal obligations that are deemed probable and estimable, restructuring charges and other administrative expenses.

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Product development expense

Product development expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of product offerings and related technology, as well as restructuring charges.

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense is primarily related to computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, developed technology, user base, white label contracts, trademarks and other definite-lived intangible assets.

Interest income (expense), net

Interest income (expense), net consists of interest income received on money market funds and related party loans receivables and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists of insurance reimbursement proceeds, impacts from foreign exchange transactions, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, loss on debt extinguishment, fair value changes in derivatives, sub-lease income and investments in equity securities.

Income tax benefit (provision)

Income tax benefit (provision) represents the income tax benefit or expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These foreign jurisdictions have different statutory tax rates than the United States. Our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Revenue$1,051,830$903,503$760,910
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue307,835249,490205,573
Selling and marketing expense270,380249,269211,711
General and administrative expense221,649308,855257,489
Product development expense130,565109,020113,764
Depreciation and amortization expense68,02889,713107,056
Total operating costs and expenses998,4571,006,347895,593
Operating earnings (loss)53,373(102,844)(134,683)
Interest income (expense), net(21,534)(24,063)(24,574)
Other income (expense), net(26,537)16,1893,160
Income (loss) before income tax5,302(110,718)(156,097)
Income tax benefit (provision)(7,170)(3,406)437,837
Net earnings (loss)(1,868)(114,124)281,740
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests2,345(34,378)(28,075)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders$(4,213)$(79,746)$309,815

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The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations information as a percentage of revenue for the periods presented:

Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Revenue100.0%100.0%100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue29.3%27.6%27.0%
Selling and marketing expense25.7%27.6%27.8%
General and administrative expense21.1%34.2%33.8%
Product development expense12.4%12.1%15.0%
Depreciation and amortization expense6.5%9.9%14.1%
Total operating costs and expenses94.9%111.4%117.7%
Operating earnings (loss)5.1%(11.4)%(17.7)%
Interest income (expense), net(2.0)%(2.7)%(3.2)%
Other income (expense), net(2.5)%1.8%0.4%
Income (loss) before income tax0.5%(12.3)%(20.5)%
Income tax benefit (provision)(0.7)%(0.4)%57.5%
Net earnings (loss)(0.2)%(12.6)%37.0%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests0.2%(3.8)%(3.7)%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders(0.4)%(8.8)%40.7%

The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense included in operating costs and expenses:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Cost of revenue$4,054$3,819$3,749
Selling and marketing expense9,8038,06412,925
General and administrative expense52,00863,57560,535
Product development expense38,47335,55046,701
Total stock-based compensation expense$104,338$111,008$123,910

The following table sets forth our revenue across apps for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Bumble App$844,774$694,329$528,585
Badoo App and Other207,056209,174232,325
Total Revenue$1,051,830$903,503$760,910

Total revenue was $1,051.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $903.5 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users, partially offset by unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Bumble App Revenue was $844.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $694.3 million for the same period in 2022. This increase was primarily driven by a 25.7% increase in Bumble App Paying Users to 2.5 million, partially offset by a 3.2% decline in Bumble App ARPPU to $27.97. The increase in Bumble App Revenue was due to growth in core markets and international expansion, partially offset by unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $207.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $209.2 million for the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a 2.8% decrease in Badoo App and Other ARPPU to $12.70, partially offset by a 2.0% increase in Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.2 million and favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Results for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect the full impact of the Company’s decision to remove all of its apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus in March 2022, as well as other global macroeconomic conditions. In

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addition, other revenue of $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $0.6 million, or 2.6%, compared to the same period in 2022.

Total revenue was $903.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $760.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users and an increase in Total Average Revenue per Paying User.

Bumble App Revenue was $694.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $528.6 million for the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily driven by a 33.5% increase in the number of Bumble App Paying Users to 2.0 million, partially offset by a 1.6% decrease in Bumble App ARPPU to $28.90. The increase in Bumble App Revenue was due to higher re-engagement in core markets and international expansion, partially offset by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $209.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $232.3 million for the same period in 2021. This decrease was primarily driven by a 15.4% decrease in the number of Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.2 million due to the Company’s decision to remove all of its apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus in March 2022 and the continued impact of COVID and macroeconomic conditions. The decrease in Badoo App and Other Revenue was also driven by a 0.5% decrease in Badoo and Other ARPPU to $13.06. In addition, other revenue of $24.3 million for 2022, increased by $11.6 million, or 92.1%, compared to the same period in 2021.

Cost of revenue

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Cost of revenue$307,835$249,490$205,573
Percentage of revenue29.3%27.6%27.0%

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $58.3 million, or 23.4%, as compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 29.3%, compared to 27.6% for the same period in 2022 primarily due to the adoption of Google Play billing in many of our markets and to a lesser extent an increase in cloud hosting, bulk messaging and content moderation costs.

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $43.9 million, or 21.4%, as compared to the same period in 2021, driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 27.6%, compared to 27.0% for the same period in 2021 primarily driven by an increase in fees due to the adoption of Google Play billing in many of our markets, partially offset by the reduced Google Play service fees for subscriptions which has declined from 30% to 15%.

Selling and marketing expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Selling and marketing expense$270,380$249,269$211,711
Percentage of revenue25.7%27.6%27.8%

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $21.1 million, or 8.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was primarily due to a $14.0 million increase in digital and social media marketing costs and a $6.5 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, increased by $37.6 million, or 17.7%, as compared to the same period in 2021. This change was primarily due to a $34.0 million increase in digital and brand marketing costs and a $9.5 million increase in personnel-related expenses, partially offset by a $4.9 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures.

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General and administrative expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
General and administrative expense$221,649$308,855$257,489
Percentage of revenue21.1%34.2%33.8%

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $87.2 million, or 28.2%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was primarily driven by a $145.4 million decrease in impairment charges, which includes a $141.0 million Badoo brand impairment and a $4.4 million Moscow right-of-use asset impairment from 2022, as well as a $3.6 million decrease in personnel-related expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $46.4 million increase in professional and transaction costs and a $17.5 million decrease in gain resulting from the change in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities.

General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $51.4 million, or 19.9%, as compared to the same period in 2021. The change was primarily driven by a $119.0 million increase in impairment charges, which includes a $141.0 million Badoo brand impairment, and a $4.4 million Moscow right-of-use asset impairment in 2022, compared to $26.4 million impairment charge in white label contracts in 2021. In addition, a $21.7 million increase in personnel-related expenses, a $7.8 million increase in professional and transaction costs and a $4.6 million increase in insurance expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decline of $103.1 million in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities.

Product development expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Product development expense$130,565$109,020$113,764
Percentage of revenue12.4%12.1%15.0%

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $21.5 million, or 19.8%, as compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by a $19.6 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased by $4.7 million, or 4.2%, as compared to the same period in 2021. This change was primarily driven by a $11.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures, partially offset by a $4.8 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Depreciation and amortization expense$68,028$89,713$107,056
Percentage of revenue6.5%9.9%14.1%

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $21.7 million, or 24.2%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the full amortization of the legacy Badoo user base in July 2022. These decreases were partially offset by increases in the amortization of intangibles acquired from the Official acquisition in April 2023.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased by $17.3 million, or 16.2%, as compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the full amortization of the legacy Badoo user base in July 2022 and white label contracts in 2021, which are no longer being amortized. These decreases were partially offset by increases in the amortization of intangibles acquired from the Fruitz acquisition in January 2022.

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Interest income (expense), net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Interest income (expense), net$(21,534)$(24,063)$(24,574)
Percentage of revenue(2.0)%(2.7)%(3.2)%

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased $2.5 million, or 10.5%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was due to the Company investing surplus funds in money market funds since the fourth quarter of 2022, partially offset by an increase in interest rates on our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement.

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2022, decreased $0.5 million, or 2.1%, as compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the repayment of $200.0 million of debt in March 2021, as well as the Company investing surplus funds in money market funds in the fourth quarter of 2022 creating interest income, partially offset by an increase in interest rates on our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement.

Other income (expense), net

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Other income (expense), net$(26,537)$16,189$3,160
Percentage of revenue(2.5)%1.8%0.4%

Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $42.7 million, or 263.9%, as compared to the same period in 2022. The change was primarily due to a $30.9 million decrease in net gains on interest rate swaps, a $5.9 million decrease in net foreign currency exchange gains, a $5.0 million loss recognized for the increase in tax receivable agreement liability, and a $0.8 million decrease in fair value of investments in equity securities.

Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2022, increased by $13.0 million, or 412.3%, as compared to the same period in 2021. The change was primarily due to a $10.5 million increase in net gains on interest rate swaps, a $3.8 million increase in net foreign currency exchange gains, a $3.4 million loss on extinguishment of long-term debt recognized in 2021 when we repaid $200.0 million of debt in March 2021, partially offset by a $4.2 million loss recognized for the increase in tax receivable agreement liability, and a $1.0 million decrease in fair value of investments in equity securities.

Income tax provision

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Income tax benefit (provision)$(7,170)$(3,406)$437,837
Effective income tax rate135.2%(3.1)%280.5%

For further detail of income tax matters, see Note 4, Income Taxes, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income tax provision was $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the impact of income tax rate changes on our deferred tax balances recorded in 2022. In addition, the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 reflect the impact of our assessment that we will not be able to realize the benefit of certain deferred tax assets arising in the current year for which a valuation allowance has been recorded.

Income tax provision was $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to an income tax benefit of $437.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a net deferred tax liability due to the restructuring of our international operations.

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The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and participating countries continue to work toward the enactment of a 15% global minimum corporate tax for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds (referred to as Pillar 2), with certain aspects of Pillar 2 effective January 1, 2024 and other aspects effective January 1, 2025. Member states have begun to enact the rules, with some countries accelerating the impact of these rules by proposing immediate statutory rate increases. A number of countries, including the UK and EU member states, have agreed to adopt the OECD’s minimum tax rules and several countries, including the UK, have already implemented these rules. The phased implementation of these rules is expected to begin for our fiscal year 2024. We expect Pillar 2 could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and our consolidated results of operation, financial position, and cash flows. We will monitor the application of these rules as they continue to evolve.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP, however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to the underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain expenses, including income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expenses, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense and impairment loss, as management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings.

We also provide Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, we believe free cash flow and free cash flow conversion provide useful information regarding how cash provided by (used in) operating activities compares to the capital expenditures required to maintain and grow our business, and our available liquidity, after funding such capital expenditures, to service our debt, fund strategic initiatives, effectuate discretionary share repurchases and strengthen our balance sheet, as well as our ability to convert our earnings to cash. Additionally, we believe such metrics are widely used by investors, securities analysis, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating liquidity and debt-service capabilities. We calculate free cash flow and free cash flow conversion using methodologies that we believe can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better understand underlying trends in our business.

Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our non-GAAP financial measures as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations are:


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude stock-based compensation expense and employer costs related to stock-based compensation, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, an important part of how we attract and retain our employees and a significant recurring expense in our business;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the interest (income) expense, net or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, and free cash flow does not reflect the cash requirements to service principal payments on our indebtedness;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect income tax (benefit) provision we are required to make; and


Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes and does not reflect our future contractual commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a liquidity measure and should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or to distribute to stockholders or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage investors to review the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and not rely on a single financial measure to evaluate our business. We also strongly urge investors to review the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, the computation of Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net earnings

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(loss) margin which is net earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue, the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, and the computation of free cash flow conversion as compared to operating cash flow conversion, which is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss) in each case set forth below.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, net, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense and impairment loss. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. Operating cash flow conversion represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss).

The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented:

(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net earnings (loss)$(1,868)$(114,124)$281,740
Add back:
Income tax (benefit) provision7,1703,406(437,837)
Interest (income) expense, net21,53424,06324,574
Depreciation and amortization expense68,02889,713107,056
Stock-based compensation expense104,338111,008123,910
Employer costs related to stock-based compensation(1)4,5352,0542,438
Litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements(2)71,91822,7346,943
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (3)2,185(3,679)132
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps(4)13,806(17,086)(6,593)
Transaction and other costs(5)2,3095,22622,491
Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability(29,569)(47,134)55,900
Changes in fair value of investments84318(1,100)
Tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense(6)10,3415,3321,112
Impairment loss(7)145,38826,431
Adjusted EBITDA$275,570$226,919$207,197
Net earnings (loss) margin(8)(0.2)%(12.6)%37.0%
Adjusted EBITDA margin26.2%25.1%27.2%
Net cash provided by operating activities$182,086$132,941$104,837
Less:
Capital expenditures(14,935)(16,333)(13,653)
Free cash flow$167,151$116,608$91,184
Operating cash flow conversion*(116.5)%37.2%
Free cash flow conversion60.7%51.4%44.0%

* Not meaningful

(1)
Represents employer portion of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes domestically, National Insurance contributions in the United Kingdom and comparable costs internationally related to the settlement of equity awards.

(2)
Represents certain litigation costs and insurance proceeds associated with pending litigations or settlements of litigation. Includes amounts accrued with respect to the litigation related to the Biometric Information Privacy Act, the mass arbitrations and the Company’s class action lawsuit related to the secondary public stock offering, representing management’s then-current estimated probable loss for this matter. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8―Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(3)
Represents foreign exchange (gain) loss due to foreign currency transactions.

(4)
Represents fair value (gain) loss on interest rate swaps.

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(5)
Represents transaction costs related to acquisitions and our offerings (IPO, the Reorganization Transactions, secondary offerings, and share repurchases) such as legal, accounting, advisory fees and other related costs. Amount for 2021 also includes a loss on debt extinguishment related to the repayment of $200.0 million under the Incremental Term Loan Facility. Amount for 2022 also includes employee-related restructuring costs directly associated with our decision to discontinue our operations in Russia including severance benefits, relocation costs and advisory fees.

(6)
Represents recognized adjustments to the tax receivable agreement liability.

(7)
Represents impairment loss incurred on white label contracts in 2021 and impairment loss of the Badoo brand and a right-of-use asset related to our Moscow office in 2022.

(8)
Net earnings (loss) margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

As of December 31, 2023, we had $355.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $46.9 million from December 31, 2022 primarily due to share repurchases, cash distribution payments to the noncontrolling interest holders and the acquisition of Official, partially offset by cash generated from operations. The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and capital expenditures, funding our debt obligations, partnership tax distributions, paying income taxes and obligations under our tax receivable agreement and effectuating share repurchases as discussed below. Based on current conditions, we believe that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our activities and execute our business plans during the next twelve months.

In May 2023, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock. In November 2023, the Company announced an increase in the share repurchase program authorized amount from $150.0 million to $300.0 million. Bumble intends to use the program to repurchase shares on a discretionary basis from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act or other means, including through 10b5-1 trading plans. This repurchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time. In December 2023, the Company and Bumble Holdings entered into an agreement with Blackstone in a private transaction under the Company’s existing share repurchase program, under which the Company agreed to repurchase approximately 4.0 million shares of its Class A common stock beneficially owned by Blackstone and Bumble Holdings agreed to repurchase from Blackstone approximately 3.2 million Common Units, which are exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, for an aggregate purchase price of $100 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 7.8 million shares of Class A common stock and 3.2 million Common Units for $157 million. As of December 31, 2023, a total of $143 million remains available for repurchase under the repurchase program.

On February 27, 2024, we announced that the Company intends to reduce its global workforce. We expect to incur approximately $20 million to $25 million of non-recurring charges. Substantially all of these charges are expected to result in future cash outlays primarily in the first and second quarters of 2024. See Note 20, Subsequent Events, for additional information.

Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2023Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$182,086$132,941$104,837
Investing activities(24,755)(86,053)(12,484)
Financing activities(198,891)(14,954)151,486

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $182.1 million, $132.9 million and $104.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Operating activities were primarily driven by net loss of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, net loss of $114.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and net earnings of $281.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was impacted by stock-based compensation of $104.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $68.0 million, change in fair value of deferred contingent consideration of $29.6 million, an increase in our tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense of $10.3 million, and deferred income tax of $7.2 million. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was impacted by stock-based compensation of $111.0 million, impairment losses of $145.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $89.7 million, change in fair value of deferred contingent consideration of $47.1 million and deferred income tax of $5.5 million. Net earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations, partly offset by stock-based compensation of $123.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $107.1 million, changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability of $55.9 million and an impairment loss of $26.4 million in relation to the white label contracts.

The increase in cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the periods presented was partly offset by changes in assets and liabilities, which increased $8.7 million, decreased $34.9 million and decreased $56.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $24.8 million, $86.1 million and $12.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company used $9.8 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Official for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $69.7 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Fruitz for the year ended December 31, 2022. Capital expenditures were $14.9 million, $16.3 million, $13.7 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $198.9 million and $15.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities was $151.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company used $112.8 million for share repurchases of our Class A common stock and Bumble Holdings used $44.3 million for the repurchase of Common Units and $19.3 million for cash distributions to the noncontrolling interest holders. During each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company used $5.8 million to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Original Term Loan. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received net proceeds of $2,361.2 million in our IPO after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of which $1,991.6 million was used to redeem shares of Class A common stock and purchase Common Units from our Sponsor and $200.0 million was used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Incremental Term Loan Facility. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company used $16.7 million, $9.2 million and 9.3 million, respectively, for shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock units.

Indebtedness

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition, in January 2020, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) providing for (i) a term loan facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million (the “Original Term Loan Facility”) and (ii) a revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. In connection with a transaction whereby we distributed proceeds to our pre-IPO owners and to partially repay a loan from our Founder, in October 2020, we entered into an Incremental term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility” and together with the Original Term Loan Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan Facility provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Original Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). A portion of the net proceeds from the IPO was used to repay $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility in the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Credit Agreement was further amended in March 2023, pursuant to which the interest rate benchmark referenced to LIBOR was transitioned to Term SOFR. The borrower under the Credit Agreement is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. (the “Borrower”). The Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either (i) LIBOR prior to March 31, 2023 and Adjusted Term SOFR beginning March 31, 2023 for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (subject to a floor of 0.0% on the Original Term Loan and loans under the Revolving Credit Facility and 0.50% on the Incremental Term Loan), plus an applicable margin or (ii) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect as last quoted by the Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) adjusted LIBOR prior to April 1, 2023 and Adjusted Term SOFR beginning April 1, 2023, for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% (subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum), in each case, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for loans under the Revolving Credit

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Facility is subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries and is subject to reduction after the consummation of our IPO.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (which is subject to a decrease to 0.375% per annum based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries) to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The Borrower must also pay customary letter of credit fees and an annual administrative agency fee.

The Original Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Original Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Original Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. The Incremental Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Incremental Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. Following the $200.0 million aggregate principal payment of outstanding indebtedness during the three months ended March 31, 2021, quarterly installment payments on the Incremental Term Loan Facility are no longer required for the remaining term of the facility. Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility are due and payable in full at maturity on January 29, 2025.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Payments due by period
Less than 1 year1 to 3 years3 to 5 yearsMore than 5 yearsTotal
Long-term debt$5,750$11,500$609,813$$627,063
Operating leases1,4127,8066,73041816,366
Other10,6732,62813,301
Total$17,835$21,934$616,543$418$656,730

In connection with the IPO, in February 2021, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of the Company by the pre-IPO owners.

The payments that we may be required to make under the tax receivable agreement to the pre-IPO owners may be significant and are not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as they are dependent upon future taxable income. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreement, we expect future payments under the tax receivable agreement related to the Offering Transactions and subsequent activity through December 31, 2023 to aggregate to $721.0 million and to range over the next 15 years from approximately $16.7 million to $73.6 million per year and decline thereafter. In determining these estimated future payments, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred after the IPO but were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The foregoing numbers are merely estimates, and the actual payments could differ materially. See Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, for additional information.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in January 2020, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement, consisting of an earn-out payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited of up to $150.0 million. The timing and amount of such payments, that we may be required to make, is not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as the payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited is dependent upon the achievement of a specified return on invested capital by our Sponsor. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information.

In May 2023, the Company amended an agreement for third-party cloud services, which superseded and replaced the September 2022 agreement. Under the amended terms, the Company is committed to pay a minimum of $12.0 million over the period of 18 months. If at the end of the 18 months, or upon early termination, the Company has not reached the $12.0 million in spend, the Company will be required to pay for the difference between the sum of fees already incurred and the minimum commitment. As of December 31, 2023, our minimum commitment remaining is $8.4 million.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which often require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our critical estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. This discussion is provided to supplement the descriptions of our accounting policies contained in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Combination

We estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at a minimum on an annual basis, as well as upon an indicator of impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, then quantitative assessment is performed to compare the reporting unit’s carrying value to its fair value. Alternatively, we are permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit is based on a discounted cash flow model involving several assumptions. There were no impairment charges recorded for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Contingent consideration arrangements are recognized at their acquisition date fair value and included as part of purchase price at the acquisition date. These contingent consideration arrangements are classified as liabilities and are remeasured to fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value being recognized in “General and administrative expense” in the consolidated statements of operations. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is based primarily on estimates of meeting the applicable contingency conditions as per the terms of the applicable agreements.

Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The accounting guidance provides us the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value.

If, based on a review of qualitative factors it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we proceed to compare the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. We evaluate the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset by using the relief from royalty methodology based on management’s assumptions. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment equal to the excess is recorded.

During our annual impairment testing for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined that an indefinite long-lived asset was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $141.0 million in “General and administrative expense” within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For additional information, see Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives

We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes of circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. We group assets for purposes of such review at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of the other groups of assets and liabilities. If this comparison indicates impairment, the amount of impairment to be recognized is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

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Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could result in an impairment charge. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues, and we may make various assumptions and estimates when performing our impairment assessments, particularly as it relates to cash flow projections. Cash flow estimates are by their nature subjective and include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and forecasted operating performance, revenue trends and operating margins. These estimates could also be adversely impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments, or other market conditions affecting our industry.

During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company determined that an individual definite long-lived asset was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $26.4 million in “General and administrative expense” within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For additional information, see Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based awards to employees that are generally in the form of stock options, restricted shares, incentive units, or restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Compensation cost for equity awards is measured at their grant-date fair value, and in the case of restricted shares and RSUs is estimated based on the fair value of the Company’s underlying common stock. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for time-vesting awards or a Monte Carlo simulation approach in an option pricing framework for exit-vesting awards. These require management to make assumptions with respect to the fair value of the Company’s equity award on the grant date, including the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock calculated based on a period of time generally commensurate with the expected term of the award, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the Company’s stock. For time-vesting awards, compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, using the graded attribution method.

At the IPO date, the Company concluded that our public offering represented a qualifying liquidity event that would cause the performance conditions to be probable of occurring. As such, compensation expense for performance-based stock awards was recognized over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis as achievement was probable. On July 15, 2022, the Exit-Vesting awards, with vesting based on certain performance conditions, were modified to also provide for time-based vesting in 36 equal installments and we began to recognize incremental stock-based compensation associated with the modification of these awards using the graded attribution method.

For periods prior to the Company’s IPO, the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation awards and the underlying equity were determined on each grant date using a Monte Carlo model. As the Company's equity was not publicly traded, there was no history of market prices for the Company's equity. Thus, estimating grant date fair value required the Company to make assumptions, including the value of the Company's equity, expected time to liquidity, and expected volatility.

For additional information around the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, see Note 15, Stock-based Compensation, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management is required to exercise significant judgment in determining our provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined by taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Deferred tax assets are amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years and are initially recognized at enacted tax rates. To the extent deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Tax Receivable Agreement

Pursuant to the tax receivable agreement (“TRA”), we are required to make cash payments to the TRA parties equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we realize, or in some circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA. Actual tax benefits realized by the Company may differ from tax benefits calculated under the TRA as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the TRA, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. Payments to be made under the TRA will depend upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. If we do not generate sufficient taxable income in the aggregate over the term of the TRA to utilize the tax benefits, then we would not be required to make the related TRA Payments. Therefore, we only recognize a liability for TRA payments if we determine that it is probable that we will generate sufficient future taxable income over the term of the TRA to utilize the related tax benefits. Estimating future taxable income is inherently uncertain and requires judgment. In projecting future taxable income, we consider our historical results and incorporate certain assumptions, including projected revenue growth, and operating margins, among others. There is no maximum term for the TRA and the TRA will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired unless we exercise our right to terminate the TRA for an agreed-upon amount equal to the estimated present value of the remaining payments to be made under the agreement (calculated with certain assumptions, including as to utilization of the tax attributes).

Upon redemption or exchange of common units in Bumble Holdings, we record a liability relating to the obligation if we believe that it is probable that we would have sufficient future taxable income to utilize the related tax benefits. If we determine in the future that we will not be able to fully utilize all or part of the related tax benefits, we would derecognize any portion of the liability related to the benefits not expected to be utilized. Additionally, we estimate the amount of TRA Payments expected to be paid within the next 12 months and classify this amount as current on our consolidated balance sheets. To the extent our estimate differs from actual results, we may be required to reclassify portions of our liabilities under the TRA between current and non-current.

The Company is entitled to certain depreciation and amortization deductions as a result of its allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO and increases in its allocable share of existing basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges in connection with the or subsequent to IPO. There is significant existing tax basis in the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of the Sponsor Acquisition. Tax benefits we anticipate being able to realize are included in “Accrued expense and other current liabilities.” The ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized is evaluated based on all positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. We will assess the ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized at each reporting period, and a change in our estimate of our liability associated with the TRA may result as additional information becomes available, including results of operations in future periods. To the extent that we determine that we are able to realize the tax benefits associated with the basis adjustments and net operating losses, we would record an additional liability.

For additional information around the Tax Receivable Agreement, see Note 5, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently-issued accounting pronouncements that may be relevant to our operations but have not yet been adopted are outlined in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-23-005080.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-28. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. (the “Successor”) and Worldwide Vision Limited (the “Predecessor”), in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include without limitation those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors."

Overview

We provide online dating and social networking applications through subscription and in-app purchases of dating products servicing North America, Europe and various other countries around the world. In 2022, Bumble operated three apps, Bumble, Badoo and Fruitz and we are a leader in the online dating space. We launched Bumble app in 2014 to address antiquated gender norms and a lack of kindness and accountability on the internet. We believe that healthy and equitable relationships begin with Kind Connections and focus on building authenticity and safety in the online space, which is marked at times by isolation and toxicity. We also believe there is a significant opportunity to extend our platform beyond online dating into healthy relationships across all areas of life: love, friendships, careers and beyond. By empowering women across all of their relationships, we believe that we have the potential to become a preeminent global women’s brand. By placing women at the center – where women make the first move – we are building a platform that is designed to be safe and empowering for women, and in turn, provide a better environment for everyone. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products.

In January 2022, we acquired Fruitz, a fast-growing dating app with a Gen Z focus, which is a growing segment of online dating consumers. Fruitz encourages open and honest communication of dating intentions through playful fruit metaphors.

How We Generate Revenue

We monetize the Bumble app, Badoo app and Fruitz app via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. These features maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections, improving their experience and saving them valuable time.

On Bumble app, our subscription offerings are called Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. These subscription plan offerings currently include 1-day, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or lifetime packages. Bumble users, both subscribers and non-subscribing users, can also access additional features through in-app purchases. On Badoo app, our subscription offerings are called Badoo Premium and Badoo Premium Plus. Badoo premium subscription plan offerings currently include 1-day, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or lifetime packages. In addition, Badoo users, both subscribers and non-subscribing users, can also purchase Badoo Credits which they can use to acquire in-app features such as one-off popularity boosts. We also selectively monetize through video and banner advertising. On Fruitz app, our subscription offerings are called Fruitz Premium and Fruitz Golden. Similar to the Bumble and Badoo apps, Fruitz offers flexible subscription packages and in-app purchases.

Overview of Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29 through December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1 through January 28, 2020, we generated:


Total Revenue of $903.5 million, $760.9 million, $539.5 million and $40.0 million, respectively;


Bumble App Revenue of $694.3 million, $528.6 million, $335.0 million and $23.3 million, respectively;


Badoo App and Other Revenue of $209.2 million, $232.3 million, $204.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively;


Net Earnings (Loss) of $(114.1) million, $281.7 million, $(109.5) million and $(32.6) million, respectively, representing Net Earnings (Loss) Margins of (12.6)%, 37.0%, (20.3)% and (81.4)%, respectively;


Adjusted EBITDA of $226.9 million, $207.2 million, $143.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA Margins of 25.1%, 27.2%, 26.6% and 23.4%, respectively;


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of $132.9 million, $104.8 million, $53.1 million and $(3.3) million, respectively, and Operating Cash Flow Conversion of, (116.5)%, 37.2%, (48.5)% and 10.2%, respectively; and


Free Cash Flow of $116.6 million, $91.2 million, $42.4 million and $(4.4) million, respectively, representing Free Cash Flow Conversion of 51.4%, 44.0%, 29.6% and (46.4)%, respectively.

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For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Key Operating Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to the section “Certain Definitions” at the beginning of this Annual Report for the definitions of our Key Operating Metrics.

The following metrics were calculated excluding paying users and revenue generated from Fruitz:

(in thousands, except ARPPU)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020
Key Operating Metrics
Bumble App Paying Users2,002.21,499.81,142.1
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,179.71,394.11,363.4
Total Paying Users3,181.92,893.92,505.5
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$28.90$29.37$26.14
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$13.06$13.13$12.66
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$23.03$21.55$18.81

Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors.”

Growth in Monetization

Our apps monetize via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. We acquire new users through investments in marketing and brand as well as through word of mouth from existing users and others. We convert these users to Paying Users by introducing premium features which maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections and improving their experience.

Our revenue growth primarily depends on Paying Users and ARPPU. We continually develop new monetization features and improve existing features in order to increase adoption of in-app purchases and our subscription programs striking a balance between the number of Paying Users and ARPPU. We also test new pricing strategies, including different pricing tiers and user segmentation and share those insights across our apps to optimize monetization.

While we see opportunity for growth in our core online dating market driven by the steady growth of the global singles population, increasing adoption of online dating both in the United States and globally and increasing propensity to pay for online dating, we may also face challenges increasing our Paying Users. These challenges may include the prevailing global economic climate, competition from alternative products, lack of appealing product features, enforcement of restrictive payment policies from in-app payment systems provided by Apple and Google, and saturation of the online dating market. For example, Google has implemented a policy whereby only Google Play’s in-app billing system can be used for transactions in its store. We have increased compliance with this policy across our markets, which has had and may continue to have a negative impact on our revenue, earnings margins and numbers of Paying Users, especially in markets that tend to have lower value subscriptions and higher concentrations of Android users.

Many variables will impact our ARPPU, including the number of Paying Users and mix of monetization offerings on our platform, as well as the effect of demographic shifts and geographic differences on all of these variables. Our pricing is in local currency and may vary between markets. As foreign currency exchange rates change, translation of the statements of operations into U.S. dollars could negatively impact revenue and distort year-over-year comparability of operating results.

To the extent our ARPPU growth slows, our revenue growth will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase our Paying Users.

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Expansion into New Geographic Markets

We are focused on growing our platform globally, including through entering new markets and investing in under-penetrated markets. As we introduce Bumble app to new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America we can leverage the local insights, scale, and infrastructure of Badoo app’s existing global footprint to efficiently enter new markets. Badoo app can also leverage Bumble’s marketing expertise and strength in North America to support growth in that market.

Expanding into new geographies will require increased costs related to marketing, as well as localization of product features and services. Potential risks to our expansion into new geographies will include competition and compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

As we expand into certain new geographies, we may see an increase in users who prefer to access premium features through our in-app purchase options rather than through our subscription packages which could impact our ARPPU. We may also see a lower propensity to pay as we enter certain new markets.

Investing in Growth While Driving Long-Term Profitability

Our mission-driven strategy ensures that values guide our business decisions and our business performance enables us to drive impact through investment in technology, marketing and product innovation, balancing growth with long-term margins.

We expect to continue to invest in technology, marketing and product innovation to drive growth while improving margins over the long term. Key investment areas for our platform include machine learning capabilities, including improving our matching and content moderation technologies; features that enhance trust and safety on our platform; new offerings that enhance user engagement and retention; marketing, data analytics, and personalization capabilities; and new subscription and consumable offerings to drive incremental value to Paying Users.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain our talent, including engineers, data scientists, product designers and product developers. We believe that people want to work at a company that has purpose and aligns with their personal values, and therefore our ability to recruit talent is aided by our mission and brand reputation. We compete for talent within the technology industry.

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in user growth, user engagement, Paying User growth, and monetization on our platform. Historically, we have seen an increase in all of these metrics in January due in part to seasonal demand in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, and during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Generally, our highest performing months for user growth and user engagement are during the first and third quarters of the fiscal year, and our highest performing months for Total Paying Users are in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year.

Macroeconomic Conditions

The prevailing global economic climate, Russia-Ukraine conflict and other macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to slower growth or economic recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policy and exchange rate fluctuations have adversely affected and may continue to adversely impact our business as consumers face greater pressure on disposable income. The increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and overall market conditions have led to significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other global currencies in 2022. A strong U.S. dollar has impacted and may continue to impact our revenue and earnings in 2023. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, and our expenses.”

Impact of COVID-19

Since early 2020, COVID-19 has impacted market and economic conditions globally, resulting in the implementation of significant governmental measures, including lockdowns, closures, quarantines, and travel bans intended to control the spread of the virus, as well as changes in consumer behavior as some individuals have become reluctant to engage in social activities with people outside their households. The potential for some of these measures to be reinstituted in the event of repeat waves or the emergence of new variants of the virus is likely to continue to have an adverse impact on global economic conditions and consumer confidence and spending in many parts of the world. Such macroeconomic conditions have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect

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demand, and/or users’ ability to pay, for our products and services, particularly in the geographic and demographic markets in which Badoo app operates. Given the continued uncertainty around the duration and severity of the impact on market conditions and the business environment, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations going forward remains uncertain for the foreseeable future.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—Our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or other similar outbreaks” and “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—We are exposed to changes in the global macroeconomic environment beyond our control, which may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, demand for our products and services, and our expenses.”

Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Historically, we have had business operations in Russia. Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, we leased office space in Moscow and had approximately 125 employees based out of the Moscow office, consisting primarily of engineers responsible for services including anti-spam, integrity, incident management and product development and services related to supportive IT infrastructure.

On March 8, 2022, we announced the discontinuation of our operations in Russia and the removal of all of our apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus. We closed our Moscow office and shifted our resources based in Moscow, where feasible, to other geographic locations.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the net assets of our subsidiary in Russia comprised 0.2% of total assets and revenue from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine combined were approximately 0.8% of our total revenue. Operating costs related to our Russian operations were approximately 1.0% of our total operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2022.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Brand, Products and Operations―Our operations may be adversely affected by ongoing developments in Russia, Ukraine and surrounding countries, including due to the impact of our decision to discontinue our operations in Russia and remove our apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus.”

Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

The Sponsor Acquisition

On January 29, 2020, we completed the Sponsor Acquisition, pursuant to which, among other things, Bumble Holdings acquired Worldwide Vision Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Preparation, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Sponsor Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations. The purchase consideration was allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities of Worldwide Vision Limited measured at their fair value as of the effective date of the Sponsor Acquisition. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Worldwide Vision Limited was recognized as goodwill in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we have recorded an increase in depreciation and amortization.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition, in January 2020, we entered into a 7-year senior secured term loan facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million (the “Initial Term Loan Facility”) and a 5-year senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The borrower under the Initial Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. Accordingly, in periods after the Sponsor Acquisition, we have recorded an increase in interest expense.

Concurrent with the Sponsor Acquisition, the Company also decided to no longer actively maintain and market certain platforms, including Chappy, Lumen and Huggle (“Inactive Platforms”). The decision to do so was based on the Company’s greater focus on, and decision to use its resources for strengthening, its brands Bumble and Badoo. During the periods from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, the revenue associated with the Inactive Platforms is deemed immaterial.

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As a result of the Sponsor Acquisition, the Company incurred significant transaction costs such as legal, accounting, consulting, shadow equity and other expenses. These were incurred both in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 and the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and resulted primarily in an increase in general and administrative expense.

The Distribution Financing Transaction

In October 2020, we entered into an incremental senior secured term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Initial Term Loan Facility, the “Term Loan Facility”; the Term Loan Facility, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) with the same maturity as the Initial Term Loan Facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Initial Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). The borrower under the Incremental Term Loan Facility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C.

Bumble Holdings used the proceeds from the incremental borrowings under the Incremental Term Loan Facility, together with available cash, to declare a distribution of $360.0 million, of which approximately $334.3 million was paid to our pre-IPO owners on October 28, 2020 and $25.6 million was used to partially repay the loan to our Founder, and to pay related fees and expenses in connection therewith.

Initial Public Offering and Offering Transactions

On February 10, 2021, our registration statement on Form S-1 relating to our initial public offering (“IPO”) was declared effective by the SEC, and our Class A common stock began trading on the NASDAQ on February 11, 2021. Our IPO closed on February 16, 2021. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Preparation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Bumble Inc. issued and sold 57.5 million shares of its Class A common stock in the IPO, including 7.5 million shares sold pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 9 million shares ($369.6 million) to acquire an equivalent number of newly-issued Common Units from Bumble Holdings, which Bumble Holdings used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility totaling approximately $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount and approximately $148.3 million for general corporate purposes, and to bear all of the expenses of the IPO. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 48.5 million shares ($1,991.6 million) to purchase or redeem an equivalent aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Common Units from our pre-IPO owners. We refer to the foregoing transactions as the “Offering Transactions”.

Secondary Offering

On September 15, 2021, the Company completed a secondary offering of 20.7 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of certain selling stockholders affiliated with Blackstone Inc. (the "Selling Stockholders") at a price of $54.00 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 9.2 million Class A shares for the period ending September 30, 2021.

Bumble did not sell any shares of Class A common stock in the offering and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale. Bumble paid the costs associated with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders, net of the underwriting discounts.

Reorganization Transactions

Prior to the completion of the IPO, we undertook certain reorganization transactions (the “Reorganization Transactions”) such that Bumble Inc. is now a holding company, and its sole material asset is a controlling equity interest in Bumble Holdings. As the general partner of Bumble Holdings, Bumble Inc. now operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Bumble Holdings, has the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from Bumble Holdings and, through Bumble Holdings and its subsidiaries, conducts our business. The Reorganization Transactions were accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Bumble Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization Transactions at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical financial statements of Bumble Holdings, the accounting predecessor. Bumble Inc. will consolidate Bumble Holdings on its consolidated financial statements and record a non-controlling interest, related to the Common Units and the Incentive Units held by our pre-IPO owners, on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations.

Bumble Inc. is a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Bumble Inc.’s accounting predecessor, Bumble Holdings, is and has been since the Sponsor Acquisition, treated as a flow-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as such, has generally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Accordingly, the historical results of operations and other financial information set forth in this Annual Report do not include any material provisions for U.S. federal income tax for the period prior to our IPO. Following our IPO, Bumble Inc. pays U.S. federal and state income taxes as a corporation on its share of Bumble Holdings’ taxable income.

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In addition, in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we entered into the tax receivable agreement as described under “Tax Receivable Agreement”.

Public Company Costs

In preparation for our IPO, we incurred significant one-off costs such as legal, accounting, consulting, investor relations and other expenses. Accordingly, in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, we have recorded an increase in general and administrative expense.

As a result of becoming a public company, we continue to incur additional costs such as personnel, legal, regulatory, insurance, accounting, investor relations and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company including as a result of no longer qualifying as an "Emerging Growth Company". See “Item 1A―Risk Factors―Risks Related to Ownership of our Class A Common

Stock―We incur increased costs and are subject to additional regulations and requirements as a result of becoming a public company,

which could lower our profits, make it more difficult to run our business or divert management’s attention from our business.”

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—Bumble Inc. will be required to pay certain of our pre-IPO owners for most of the benefits relating to tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim as a result of Bumble Inc.’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, Bumble Inc.’s increase in its allocable share of existing tax basis and anticipated tax basis adjustments we receive in connection with sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units) in connection with or after the IPO and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies.” and “Item 1A―Risk Factors—In certain cases, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits Bumble Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement.”

For additional information, see Note 6, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have determined that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize certain tax benefits that were received in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO. As a result of this determination, we have not recorded the benefit of these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022. The Company is entitled to certain depreciation and amortization deductions as a result of its allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO and increases in its allocable share of existing basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges in connection with the IPO. There is significant existing tax basis in the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of the Sponsor Acquisition. Based on current projections, we anticipate having sufficient taxable income to be able to realize these tax benefits and have recorded a liability of $394.3 million associated with the tax receivable agreement related to these benefits of which $8.8 million is included in "Other current liabilities." The ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized is evaluated based on all positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. We will assess the ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized at each reporting period, and a change in our estimate of our liability associated with the tax receivable agreement may result as additional information becomes available, including results of operations in future periods.

Employee Equity Plans

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we undertook a number of modifications to existing employee equity plans such that awards under the Founder Plan, U.S. Plan, and Non-U.S. Plan were reclassified as follows:


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings under the Founder Plan and granted to Senior Management under the U.S. Plan were reclassified to vested Incentive Units (in the case of Vested Class B Units) and unvested Incentive Units (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Holdings.

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The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings (other than those granted to senior management) were reclassified to Class A common stock (in the case of vested Class B Units) and restricted shares of Class A common stock (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Inc.


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Phantom Class B Units in Bumble Holdings were reclassified into vested RSUs (in the case of vested Class B Phantom Units) and unvested RSUs (in the case of unvested Class B Phantom Units) in Bumble Inc. As the modification resulted in a change from liability-settled to equity-settled, the RSUs were fair valued at the date of the IPO.

In all cases of respective reclassifications, the Post-IPO awards retained the same terms and conditions (including applicable vesting requirements). Each Post-IPO award was converted to reflect the $43.00 share price contemplated in the Company’s IPO while retaining the same economic value in the Company.

In connection with the IPO, we adopted the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2021 Omnibus Plan"), which became effective on the date immediately prior to the effective date of the IPO. Under the 2021 Omnibus Plan, we granted equity awards as follows:


Stock options with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. These stock options are inclusive of both Time-Vesting stock options and Exit-Vesting stock options.


Time-Vesting Restricted Stock Units with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.


Shares of Class A common stock issuable in exchange for an equivalent number of Common Units in Bumble Holdings to be received upon the conversion of vested Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Incentive Units in Bumble Holdings.

At the IPO date, we concluded that our public offering represented a qualifying liquidity event that would cause the Exit-Vesting awards’ performance conditions to be probable. As such, we started to recognize stock-based compensation expense for the Exit-Vesting awards. On July 15, 2022, the Exit-Vesting awards, with vesting based on certain performance conditions, were modified to also provide for time-based vesting in 36 equal installments and we began to recognize incremental stock-based compensation associated with the modification of these awards. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recognized compensation cost related to Exit-Vesting awards of $31.3 million and $26.3 million, which includes the modification of these awards in fiscal year 2022.

For additional information, see Note 16, Stock-based Compensation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Components of Results of Operations

Our business is organized into a single reportable segment.

Revenue

We monetize the Bumble, Badoo and Fruitz apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage.

We also earn revenue from online advertising and partnerships, which are not a significant part of our business. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of in-app purchase fees due on payments processed through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Purchases on Android outside of the United States and United Kingdom, mobile web and desktop have additional payment methods, such as credit card or via telecom providers. These purchases incur fees which vary depending on payment method. Purchase fees are deferred and expensed over the same period as revenue.

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Cost of revenue also includes data center expenses such as rent, power and bandwidth for running servers, employee compensation (including stock-based compensation) and, other employee related costs and restructuring charges. Expenses relating to customer care functions such as customer service, moderators and other auxiliary costs associated with providing services to customers such as fraud prevention are also included within cost of revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of brand marketing, digital and social media spend, field marketing, restructuring charges, compensation expense (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and marketing functions.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources. General and administrative expense also consists of transaction costs, impairment losses, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, expenses associated with facilities, information technology, external professional services, legal costs, settlement of legal claims, restructuring charges and other administrative expenses.

Product development expense

Product development expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of product offerings and related technology, as well as restructuring charges.

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense is primarily related to computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, developed technology, user base, white label contracts, trademarks and other definite-lived intangible assets.

Interest income (expense)

Interest income (expense) consists of interest income received on related party loans receivables and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists of insurance reimbursement proceeds, impacts from foreign exchange transactions, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense, loss on debt extinguishment, fair value changes in derivatives, sub-lease income and investments in equity securities.

Income tax benefit (provision)

Income tax benefit (provision) represents the income tax benefit or expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These foreign jurisdictions have different statutory tax rates than the United States. Our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations information for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Revenue$903,503$760,910$539,546$39,990
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue249,490205,171143,62810,790
Selling and marketing expense249,269211,711152,58811,157
General and administrative expense319,300265,738181,80744,907
Product development expense98,575105,91746,9944,087
Depreciation and amortization expense89,713107,05691,767408
Total operating costs and expenses1,006,347895,593616,78471,349
Operating earnings (loss)(102,844)(134,683)(77,238)(31,359)
Interest income (expense)(24,063)(24,574)(21,927)50
Other income (expense), net16,1893,160(917)(882)
Income (loss) before income tax(110,718)(156,097)(100,082)(32,191)
Income tax benefit (provision)(3,406)437,837(9,411)(365)
Net earnings (loss)(114,124)281,740(109,493)(32,556)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(34,378)(28,075)8061,917
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders / Buzz Holdings L.P. owners / Worldwide Vision Limited shareholders$(79,746)$309,815$(110,299)$(34,473)

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations information as a percentage of revenue for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Revenue100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue27.6%27.0%26.6%27.0%
Selling and marketing expense27.6%27.8%28.3%27.9%
General and administrative expense35.3%34.9%33.7%112.3%
Product development expense10.9%13.9%8.7%10.2%
Depreciation and amortization expense9.9%14.1%17.0%1.0%
Total operating costs and expenses111.4%117.7%114.3%178.4%
Operating earnings (loss)(11.4)%(17.7)%(14.3)%(78.4)%
Interest income (expense)(2.7)%(3.2)%(4.1)%0.1%
Other income (expense), net1.8%0.4%(0.2)%(2.2)%
Income (loss) before income tax(12.3)%(20.5)%(18.5)%(80.5)%
Income tax benefit (provision)(0.4)%57.5%(1.7)%(0.9)%
Net earnings (loss)(12.6)%37.0%(20.3)%(81.4)%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3.8)%(3.7)%0.1%4.8%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders / Buzz Holdings L.P. owners / Worldwide Vision Limited shareholders(8.8)%40.7%(20.4)%(86.2)%

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The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense included in operating costs and expenses:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Cost of revenue$3,819$3,749$615$
Selling and marketing expense8,06412,9252,05575
General and administrative expense65,95762,28417,3183,997
Product development expense33,16844,9527,48084
Total stock-based compensation expense$111,008$123,910$27,468$4,156

The following table sets forth our revenue across apps for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Bumble App$694,329$528,585$334,979$23,256
Badoo App and Other209,174232,325204,56716,734
Total Revenue$903,503$760,910$539,546$39,990

Total revenue was $903.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $760.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by growth in Total Paying Users and an increase in Total Average Revenue per Paying User.

Bumble App Revenue was $694.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $528.6 million for the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily driven by a 34% increase in the number of Bumble App Paying Users to 2.0 million, partially offset by a 2% decrease in Bumble App ARPPU to $28.90. The increase in Bumble App Revenue was due to higher re-engagement in core markets and international expansion partially offset by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $209.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $232.3 million for the same period in 2021. This decrease was primarily driven by a 15% decrease in the number of Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.2 million due to the Company’s decision to remove all of its apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus in March 2022 and the continued impact of COVID and macroeconomic conditions. We expect the impact of macroeconomic conditions to continue to have an adverse impact on Badoo App and Other Paying Users in 2023. The decrease in Badoo App and Other Revenue was also driven by a 1% decrease in Badoo and Other ARPPU to $13.06. In addition, other revenue of $24.3 million for 2022, increased by $11.6 million, or 92% compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to Fruitz.

Total revenue was $760.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $539.5 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $40.0 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. Total revenue in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 was impacted by a reduction in deferred revenue of $15.0 million recorded in purchase accounting.

Bumble App Revenue $528.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $335.0 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $23.3 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily driven by a 31% increase in the number of Bumble App Paying Users to 1.5 million and a 12% increase in Bumble App ARPPU to $29.37.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $232.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $204.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $16.7 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily driven by a 2% increase in the number of Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and a 4% increase in Badoo and Other ARPPU to $13.13.

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Cost of revenue

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Cost of revenue$249,490$205,171$143,628$10,790
Percentage of revenue27.6%27.0%26.6%27.0%

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased to $249.5 million from $205.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 driven primarily by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue. As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 27.6%, compared to 27.0% for the same period in 2021 primarily driven by an increase in fees due to the adoption of Google Play billing in many of our markets partially offset by the reduced Google Play service fees for subscriptions which has declined from 30% to 15%.

Cost of revenue was $205.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $143.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $10.8 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily driven by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Selling and marketing expense$249,269$211,711$152,588$11,157
Percentage of revenue27.6%27.8%28.3%27.9%

Selling and marketing expense was $249.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $211.7 million the year ended December 31, 2021. This change was primarily due to a $34.0 million increase in digital and brand marketing costs and a $9.5 million increase in personnel-related expenses, partially offset by a $4.9 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures.

Selling and marketing expense was $211.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $152.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $11.2 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily due to an increase in digital and brand marketing costs. In addition, selling and marketing expense also increased due to stock-based compensation which was $12.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $2.1 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

General and administrative expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
General and administrative expense$319,300$265,738$181,807$44,907
Percentage of revenue35.3%34.9%33.7%112.3%

General and administrative expense was $319.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022,compared to $265.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change was primarily driven by a $119.0 million increase in impairment charges, which includes a $141.0 million Badoo brand impairment, and a $4.4 million Moscow right-of-use asset impairment in 2022, compared to $26.4 million impairment charge in white label contracts in 2021. In addition, a $23.2 million increase in personnel-related expenses, a $7.8 million increase in professional and transaction costs, a $4.6 million increase in insurance expenses, and a $2.5 million increase in other overhead expenses also contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by a decline of $103.1 million in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liabilities.

General and administrative expense was $265.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $181.8 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $44.9 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was

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primarily due to transaction and other costs of $19.1 million, $66.3 million and $40.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively, and impairment losses on the white label contracts of $26.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company recorded an expense in relation to the change in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability which was $55.9 million and $27.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, respectively. The increase was also driven by additional personnel-related expenses due to increased headcount and stock-based compensation, which was $62.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, $17.3 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $4.0 million (of which $3.8 million were in relation to the Sponsor Acquisition) in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

Product development expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Product development expense$98,575$105,917$46,994$4,087
Percentage of revenue10.9%13.9%8.7%10.2%

Product development expense was $98.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $105.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. This change was primarily driven by a $11.8 million decrease in stock-based compensation due to forfeitures partially offset by a $3.9 million increase in personnel-related expenses.

Product development expense was $105.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $47.0 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $4.1 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to increased personnel-related expense as a result of higher employee headcount in product development functions and stock-based compensation, which was $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $7.5 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

Depreciation and amortization expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Depreciation and amortization expense$89,713$107,056$91,767$408
Percentage of revenue9.9%14.1%17.0%1.0%

Depreciation and amortization expense was $89.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $107.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the full amortization of the legacy Badoo user base in July 2022 and white label contracts in 2021, which are no longer being amortized. These decreases were partially offset by increases in the amortization of intangibles acquired from the Fruitz acquisition in January 2022.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $107.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $91.8 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.4 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The increase was primarily due to increased expense related to the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets recognized in connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Interest income (expense)

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Interest income (expense)$(24,063)$(24,574)$(21,927)$50
Percentage of revenue(2.7)%(3.2)%(4.1)%0.1%

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Interest income (expense) was $(24.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $(24.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the repayment of $200.0 million of debt in March 2021, as well as the Company investing surplus funds in money market funds in the fourth quarter of 2022 creating interest income, partially offset by an increase in interest rates on our outstanding debt under the credit agreements.

Interest income (expense) was $(24.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(21.9) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased interest expense associated with raising $575 million of debt on January 29, 2020 and raising an additional $275 million of debt in October 2020, of which $200 million was repaid in March 2021.

Other income (expense), net

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Other income (expense), net$16,189$3,160$(917)$(882)
Percentage of revenue1.8%0.4%(0.2)%(2.2)%

Other income (expense), net was $16.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change was primarily due to a $10.5 million increase in net gain on interest rate swaps, a $3.8 million increase in net foreign currency exchange gains (losses), a $3.4 million loss on extinguishment of long-term debt recognized in 2021 when we repaid $200.0 million of debt in March 2021, partially offset by a $4.2 million loss recognized for the increase in tax receivable agreement liability, and a $1.0 million decrease in fair value of investments in equity securities.

Other income (expense), net was $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(0.9) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.9) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to net foreign exchange gains (losses), which were $(0.1) million in the year ended December 31, 2021, $(9.5) million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.5) million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The Company also recorded gains (losses) on the fair value change in interest rate swaps of $6.6 million and $(1.6) million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. In addition, a $9.3 million insurance reimbursement related to the putative class action lawsuit was received and recorded as other income in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Income tax provision

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Income tax benefit (provision)$(3,406)$437,837$(9,411)$(365)
Effective income tax rate(3.1)%280.5%(9.4)%(1.1)%

For further detail of income tax matters, see Note 5, Income Taxes, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income tax benefit (provision) was $(3.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $437.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a net deferred tax liability due to the restructuring of our international operations.

Income tax benefit (provision) was $437.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(9.4) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.4) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The tax benefit of $437.8 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a net deferred tax liability due to the restructuring of our international operations. In addition, the tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the impact of our assessment that we will not be able to record the benefit of certain current year deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance is expected.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP, however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to the underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain expenses, including income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expenses, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense and impairment loss, as management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. We also provide Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, we believe free cash flow and free cash flow conversion provide useful information regarding how cash provided by (used in) operating activities compares to the capital expenditures required to maintain and grow our business, and our available liquidity, after funding such capital expenditures, to service our debt, fund strategic initiatives and strengthen our balance sheet, as well as our ability to convert our earnings to cash. Additionally, we believe such metrics are widely used by investors, securities analysis, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating liquidity and debt-service capabilities. We calculate free cash flow and free cash flow conversion using methodologies that we believe can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better understand underlying trends in our business.

Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our non-GAAP financial measures as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations are:


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude stock-based compensation expense and employer costs related to stock-based compensation, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, an important part of how we attract and retain our employees and a significant recurring expense in our business;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the interest (income) expense or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, and free cash flow does not reflect the cash requirements to service principal payments on our indebtedness;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect income tax (benefit) provision we are required to make; and


Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes and does not reflect our future contractual commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a liquidity measure and should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or to distribute to stockholders or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage investors to review the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and not rely on a single financial measure to evaluate our business. We also strongly urge investors to review the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, the computation of Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net earnings (loss) margin which is net earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue, the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, and the computation of free cash flow conversion as compared to operating cash flow conversion, which is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss) in each case set forth below.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments in equity securities, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business and tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense and impairment loss. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

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We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. Operating cash flow conversion represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss).

The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Net earnings (loss)$(114,124)$281,740$(109,493)$(32,556)
Add back:
Income tax (benefit) provision3,406(437,837)9,411365
Interest (income) expense24,06324,57421,927(50)
Depreciation and amortization89,713107,05691,767408
Stock-based compensation expense111,008123,91027,468336
Employer costs related to stock-based compensation(1)2,0542,438
Litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements(2)22,7346,943(6,008)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (3)(3,679)1329,525523
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps(4)(17,086)(6,593)1,586
Transaction and other costs(5)5,22622,49169,44340,345
Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability(47,134)55,90027,800
Changes in fair value of investments18(1,100)
Tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense(6)5,3321,112
Impairment loss(7)145,38826,431
Adjusted EBITDA$226,919$207,197$143,426$9,371
Net earnings (loss) margin(8)(12.6)%37.0%(20.3)%(81.4)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin25.1%27.2%26.6%23.4%
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$132,941$104,837$53,069$(3,306)
Less:
Capital expenditures(16,333)(13,653)(10,632)(1,045)
Free Cash Flow$116,608$91,184$42,437$(4,351)
Operating cash flow conversion(116.5)%37.2%(48.5)%10.2%
Free cash flow conversion51.4%44.0%29.6%(46.4)%

(1)
Represents employer portion of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes domestically, National Insurance contributions in the United Kingdom and comparable costs internationally related to the settlement of equity awards.

(2)
Represents certain litigation costs and insurance proceeds associated with pending litigations or settlements of litigation. Includes amounts accrued with respect to the Company’s class action lawsuit related to the SPO, representing management’s current estimated probable loss for this matter. See Note 20, Commitments and Contingencies, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8―Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(3)
Represents foreign exchange (gain) loss due to foreign currency transactions.

(4)
Represents fair value loss (gain) on interest rate swaps.

(5)
Represents transaction costs related to acquisitions and our offerings (IPO, the Reorganization and the secondary offering) such as legal, accounting, advisory fees and other related costs. Amount for 2021 also includes a loss on debt extinguishment related to the repayment of $200.0 million under the Incremental Term Loan Facility. Amount for 2022 also include employee-related restructuring costs directly associated with our decision to discontinue our operations in Russia including severance benefits, relocation costs and advisory fees.

(6)
Represents changes in tax receivable agreement liability due to tax rate changes and unrelated to exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares.

(7)
Represents impairment loss incurred on white label contracts in 2021 and impairment loss of the Badoo brand and a right-of-use asset related to our Moscow office in 2022.

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(8)
Net earnings margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2022, we had $402.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $33.4 million from December 31, 2021.

In connection with our IPO, we used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 9 million shares of Class A common stock ($369.6 million) in the IPO to purchase an equivalent number of newly issued Common Units from Bumble Holdings, which Bumble Holdings used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility totaling approximately $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount and approximately $148.3 million for general corporate purposes, and to bear all of the expenses of the IPO. We expect that our future principal uses of cash will also include funding our debt service obligations, paying income taxes and obligations under our tax receivable agreement, and our contingent earnout liabilities. Based on current conditions, we believe that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our activities and execute our business plans during the next twelve months.

Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2022Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$132,941$104,837$53,069$(3,306)
Investing activities(86,053)(12,484)(2,850,651)(1,029)
Financing activities(14,954)151,4862,869,428

Operating activities

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $132.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, $104.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $53.1 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $(3.3) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

Operating activities were primarily driven by net earnings (losses) of $(114.1) million for the year ended December 31, 2022, $281.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(109.5) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(32.6) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was impacted by stock-based compensation of $111.0 million, impairment losses of $145.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $89.7 million, change in fair value of deferred contingent consideration of $(47.1) million and deferred income tax of $(5.5) million.

Net earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations, partly offset by stock-based compensation of $123.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $107.1 million, changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability of $55.9 million and impairment loss of $26.4 million in relation to the white label contracts.

Net loss in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 was impacted by depreciation and amortization of $91.8 million, transaction costs of $69.4 million, stock-based compensation expense of $27.5 million and changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability of $27.8 million. Net loss in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 was impacted mostly by transaction costs of $40.3 million.

The increase in cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the periods presented was partly offset by changes in assets and liabilities, which were $(34.9) million, $(56.5) million, $9.0 million and $25.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2022,

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December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $86.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $2,850.7 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $1.0 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The Company used $69.7 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Fruitz for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $2,837.7 million (net of cash acquired) for the Sponsor Acquisition in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Capital expenditures were $16.3 million, $13.7 million, $10.6 million and $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively.

Financing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $(15.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2022, $151.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $2,869.4 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and nil for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company used $(9.2) million for shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements upon vesting of restricted stock units, and $(5.8) million to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Original Term Loan. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received net proceeds of $2,361.2 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of which $1,991.6 million was used to redeem shares of Class A common stock and purchase Common Units from our Sponsor and $200 million was used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Incremental Term Loan Facility. The Company received cash of $2,360.4 million in relation to limited partners’ interest, net proceeds from external debt of $832.1 million, proceeds from the repayment of loan from the Founder of $25.6 million and proceeds from the repayment of loans to related companies of $41.9 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, offset by cash payments of $360.0 million in dividends and repayment of long-term debt principal of $5.0 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Indebtedness

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition, in January 2020, we entered into the Original Term Loan Facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million and the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. In connection with the Distribution Financing Transaction, in October 2020, we entered into the Incremental Term Loan Facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility”) in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Original Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). A portion of the net proceeds from the initial public offering was used to repay $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility in the three months ended March 31, 2021. The borrower under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. (the “Borrower”). The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default.

Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either (i) LIBOR for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (subject to a floor of 0.0% on the Original Term Loan and 0.50% on the Incremental Term Loan), plus an applicable margin or (ii) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect as last quoted by the Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) adjusted LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% (subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum), in each case, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for loans under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries and is subject to reduction after the consummation of our initial public offering.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (which is subject to a decrease to 0.375% per annum based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries) to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The Borrower must also pay customary letter of credit fees and an annual administrative agency fee.

The Original Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Original Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Original Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. The Incremental Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan Facility outstanding

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as of the date of the closing of the Incremental Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. Following the $200.0 million aggregate principal payment of amount of outstanding indebtedness during the three months ended March 31, 2021 quarterly installment payments on the Incremental Term Loan Facility are no longer required for the remaining term of the facility. Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility are due and payable in full at maturity on January 29, 2025.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022:

Payments due by period
Less than 1 year1 to 3 years3 to 5 yearsMore than 5 yearsTotal
(in thousands)
Long-term debt$5,750$11,500$615,563$$632,813
Operating leases3,8235,2626,8593,45619,400
Other13,86116,17130,032
Total$23,434$32,933$622,422$3,456$682,245

In connection with the IPO, in February 2021, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our initial public offering and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of the Company by the pre-IPO owners.

The payments that we may be required to make under the tax receivable agreement to the pre-IPO owners may be significant and are not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as they are dependent upon future taxable income. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreement, we expect future payments under the tax receivable agreement related to the Offering Transactions to aggregate to $672.8 million and to range over the next 15 years from approximately $8.8 million to $57.3 million per year and decline thereafter. In determining these estimated future payments, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred after the IPO but were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The foregoing numbers are merely estimates, and the actual payments could differ materially. See Note 6, Payable to Related Parties Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement, for additional information.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in January 2020, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement, consisting of an earn-out payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited of up to $150 million. In addition, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement for an earn-out payment of up to $10 million in connection with our January 2022 acquisition of Fruitz. The timing and amount of such payments, that we may be required to make, is not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as the payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited is dependent upon the achievement of a specified return on invested capital by our Sponsor and our payment to Fruitz is dependent upon the achievement of certain net revenue targets. See Note 7, Business Combination, for additional information.

In September 2022, the Company entered into an agreement for third-party cloud services. The Company is committed to pay a minimum of $7.1 million over the period of 18 months. If at the end of the 18 months, or upon early termination, the Company has not reached the $7.1 million in spend, we will be required to pay for the difference between the sum of fees already incurred and the minimum commitment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which often require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our critical estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. This discussion is provided to supplement the descriptions of our accounting policies

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contained in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Combination

We estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at a minimum on an annual basis, as well as upon an indicator of impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, then quantitative assessment is performed to compare the reporting unit’s carrying value to its fair value. Alternatively, we are permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit is based on a discounted cash flow model involving several assumptions. There were no impairment charges recorded for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Contingent consideration arrangements are recognized at their acquisition date fair value and included as part of purchase price at the acquisition date. These contingent consideration arrangements are classified as liabilities and are remeasured to fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value being recognized in “General and administrative expense” in the consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is based primarily on estimates of meeting the applicable contingency conditions as per the terms of the applicable agreements.

Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The accounting guidance provides us the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value.

If, based on a review of qualitative factors it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we proceed to compare the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. We evaluate the fair value of the indefinite-lived asset by using the relief from royalty methodology based on management’s assumptions. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment equal to the excess is recorded.

During our annual impairment testing for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined that an indefinite long-lived asset was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $141.0 million in "General and administrative expense" within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. For additional information, refer to Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes of circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. We group assets for purposes of such review at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of the other groups of assets and liabilities. If this comparison indicates impairment, the amount of impairment to be recognized is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could result in an impairment charge. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues, and we may make various assumptions and estimates when performing our impairment assessments, particularly as it relates to cash flow projections. Cash flow estimates are by their nature subjective and include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and forecasted operating performance, revenue trends and operating margins. These estimates could also be adversely impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments, or other market conditions affecting our industry.

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During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company determined that an individual definite long-lived asset was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $26.4 million in "General and administrative expense" within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. For additional information, refer to Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock-based Compensation

Prior to the Sponsor Acquisition

Prior to the Sponsor Acquisition, Worldwide Vision Limited granted stock-based awards consisting primarily of share options and restricted stock units (“WVL RSUs”) to employees and certain non-employee advisors. Outstanding share options generally vested over four years or upon the achievement of certain performance conditions, such as revenue growth. Outstanding WVL RSUs generally vested over four years and participated in dividends once gross dividend payments to ordinary shareholders exceeded $150 million and in an exit event. No WVL RSUs were granted in 2018 and 2019, and the expense arising from WVL RSUs was not material for the periods presented.

Between 2015 and 2018, Bumble Holdings Limited issued shadow equity to employees and non-employees to provide a bonus to be paid upon an exit event of Bumble Holdings Limited, with the bonus amount to vary based on the exit value. Certain of the awards were payable in the event of an exit of Bumble Holdings Limited only, while one award was payable in the event of an exit event within the group. As the payment was contingent upon the achievement of a liquidity event, no compensation expense was recognized in connection with these awards during the year ended December 31, 2019. These awards issued by Bumble Holdings Limited were settled in connection with the Acquisition, including $3.8 million that was recognized as stock-based compensation expense in “General and administrative expense” in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

We measured share options based on their estimated grant date fair values and recognized stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period (the “vesting period”). Stock-based compensation expense reflected our best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest, including the impact of estimated forfeitures.

The fair value of each share option was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo model, which is impacted by a number of variables, including the fair value of our underlying shares, our expected share price volatility over the term of the share option, the expected life of the option, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of our shares.


Dividend yield. The expected annual dividend per share was based on the Company’s expected dividend rate.


Expected Volatility. The expected volatility was calculated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares and measures for a set of peer companies of the Company.


Risk-free interest rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant.


Expected life of options. The average expected life is based on the contractual term of the option and expected employee exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

The predecessor stock-based compensation plans were terminated in connection with the Sponsor Acquisition.

Subsequent to the Sponsor Acquisition

From the time of the Sponsor Acquisition until our IPO, we had three active plans under which awards were granted to various employees and other service providers of the Company, including key management personnel, based on their management grade. For the Successor Period, total stock-based compensation expense recognized was $27.5 million. The three active plans include the Employee Incentive Plan (“Non-U.S. Plan”), the Equity Incentive Plan (“U.S. Plan”), and the incentive plan adopted for Whitney Wolfe Herd (the “Founder Plan”). Awards granted under the Founder Plan and U.S. Plan were in the form of Class B Units in Buzz Holdings L.P. and Class B Units held by Buzz Management Aggregator L.P., respectively (collectively, the “Class B Units”). Under the Non-U.S. Plan, participants received phantom awards of Class B Units in Buzz Management Aggregator L.P. (the “Phantom Class B Units”) that were liability-classified and settled in cash equal to the notional value of the Buzz Management Aggregator Class B Units at the settlement date.

Awards under all three plans were comprised of Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting awards. Time-Vesting awards were based upon service-based conditions and generally vested over a period of five years, while Exit-Vesting awards were based on certain performance conditions in which affiliates of Blackstone Inc. receive cash proceeds in respect of its Class A units in the Company prior to the termination of the participant. The performance conditions were not considered probable as of December 31, 2020 and

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therefore no expense has been recognized for the Exit-Vesting awards. In connection with the IPO, these awards were all converted into awards under our 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Time-Vesting Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Class B Units

Expense for the Time-Vesting Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Class B Units was based on the grant date fair value of the Class B Units. The grant date fair value was measured using a Monte Carlo model, which incorporates various assumptions noted in the following table. Use of a valuation model requires management to make certain assumptions with respect to selected model inputs. Expected volatility was calculated based on the observed equity volatility for comparable companies. The expected time to liquidity event was based on management’s estimate of time to an expected liquidity event. The dividend yield was based on the Company’s expected dividend rate. The risk-free interest rate was based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues. Forfeitures were accounted for as they occurred.

Assumptions by Grant DateDecember 31, 2020
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)55
Risk-free interest rate (%)0.30
Expected time to liquidity (years)4.1

The valuations for awards granted in January 2020 and June 2020 were based on the purchase price from the Sponsor Acquisition of $2.9 billion as the estimated equity value as of these dates and, therefore, did not rely on establishing an estimated equity value based on an income or market multiple approach. The implied multiple based on the purchase price was 19.2x.

Time-Vesting Phantom Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Phantom Class B Units

For additional information around the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, refer to Note 16, Stock-based Compensation, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management is required to exercise significant judgment in determining our provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined by taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Deferred tax assets are amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years and are initially recognized at enacted tax rates. To the extent deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently-issued accounting pronouncements that may be relevant to our operations but have not yet been adopted are outlined in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000950170-22-003960.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-03-16. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Bumble Inc. (the “Successor”) and Worldwide Vision Limited (the “Predecessor”), in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, “Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties about our business and operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include without limitation those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors."

Overview

In 2021, Bumble operated two apps, Bumble and Badoo and we are a leader in the online dating space. We launched Bumble app in 2014 to address antiquated gender norms and a lack of kindness and accountability on the internet. By placing women at the center – where women make the first move – we are building a platform that is designed to be safe and empowering for women, and in turn, provide a better environment for everyone. Badoo app, launched in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile free-to-use dating products.

In January 2022, we acquired Fruitz, a fast-growing dating app with a Gen Z focus, which is a growing segment of online dating consumers. Fruitz encourages open and honest communication of dating intentions through playful fruit metaphors.

How We Generate Revenue

We monetize both the Bumble and Badoo apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. These features maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections, improving their experience and saving them valuable time.

On Bumble app, our subscription offerings are called Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. These subscription plan offerings currently include 1-day, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or lifetime packages. Bumble users, both subscribers and non-subscribing users, can also access additional features through in-app purchases. On Badoo app, our subscription offerings are called Badoo Premium and Badoo Premium Plus. Badoo premium subscription plan offerings currently include 1-day, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or lifetime packages. In addition, Badoo users, both subscribers and non-subscribing users, can also purchase Badoo Credits which they can use to acquire in-app features such as one-off popularity boosts. We also selectively monetize through video and banner advertising.

Overview of Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, we generated:


Total Revenue of $765.7 million, $542.2 million and $40.0 million, respectively;


Bumble App Revenue of $532.9 million, $337.2 million and $23.3 million, respectively;


Badoo App and Other Revenue of $232.8 million, $205.0 million and $16.7 million, respectively;


Net Earnings (Loss) of $286.9 million, $(110.2) million and $(32.6) million, respectively, representing Net Earnings (Loss) Margins of 37.5%, (20.3)% and (81.4)% respectively;


Adjusted EBITDA of $207.2 million, $143.1 million and $9.4 million respectively, representing Adjusted EBITDA Margins of 27.1%, 26.4% and 23.4%, respectively;


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of $104.8 million, $56.3 million and $(3.3) million, respectively, and Operating Cash Flow Conversion of 36.5%, (51.1)% and 10.2%, respectively; and


Free Cash Flow of $91.2 million, $45.6 million and $(4.4) million, respectively, representing Free Cash Flow Conversion of 44.0%, 31.9% and (46.4)%, respectively.

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion, which are all non-GAAP measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, information about why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow and free cash flow conversion useful and a discussion of the material risks and limitations of these measures, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

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Key Operating Metrics

We regularly review a number of metrics, including the following key operating metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance, in addition to our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to the section “Certain Definitions” at the beginning of this Annual Report for the definitions of our Key Operating Metrics.

(in thousands, except ARPPU)Year Ended December 31, 2021Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Key Operating Metrics
Bumble App Paying Users1,499.81,142.1855.6
Badoo App and Other Paying Users1,394.11,363.41,195.0
Total Paying Users2,893.92,505.52,050.6
Bumble App Average Revenue per Paying User$29.61$26.30$26.84
Badoo App and Other Average Revenue per Paying User$13.16$12.69$13.77
Total Average Revenue per Paying User$21.68$18.89$19.22

Key Factors Affecting our Performance

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, “Item 1A—Risk Factors”.

Growth in Monetization

Our apps monetize via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. We acquire new users through investments in marketing and brand as well as through word of mouth from existing users and others. We convert these users to Paying Users by introducing premium features which maximize the probability of developing meaningful connections and improving their experience.

Our revenue growth primarily depends on Paying Users and ARPPU. We continually develop new monetization features and improve existing features in order to increase adoption of in-app purchases and our subscription programs striking a balance between the number of Paying Users and ARPPU. We also test new pricing strategies, including different pricing tiers and user segmentation and share those insights across our apps to optimize monetization.

While we see opportunity for growth in our core online dating market driven by the steady growth of the global singles population, increasing adoption of online dating both in the United States and globally and increasing propensity to pay for online dating, we may also face challenges increasing our Paying Users. These challenges may include competition from alternative products, lack of appealing product features, enforcement of restrictive payment policies from in-app payment systems provided by Apple and Google, and saturation of the online dating market.

Many variables will impact our ARPPU, including the number of Paying Users and mix of monetization offerings on our platform, as well as the effect of demographic shifts and geographic differences on all of these variables. Our pricing is in local currency and may vary between markets. As foreign currency exchange rates change, translation of the statements of operations into U.S. dollars could negatively impact revenue and distort year-over-year comparability of operating results.

To the extent our ARPPU growth slows, our revenue growth will become increasingly dependent on our ability to increase our Paying Users.

Expansion into New Geographic Markets

We are focused on growing our platform globally, including through entering new markets and investing in under-penetrated markets. As we introduce Bumble app to new markets throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America we can leverage the local insights, scale, and infrastructure of Badoo app’s existing global footprint to efficiently enter new markets. Badoo app can also leverage Bumble’s marketing expertise and strength in North America to support growth in that market.

Expanding into new geographies will require increased costs related to marketing, as well as localization of product features and services. Potential risks to our expansion into new geographies will include competition and compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

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As we expand into certain new geographies, we may see an increase in users who prefer to access premium features through our in-app purchase options rather than through our subscription packages which could impact our ARPPU. We may also see a lower propensity to pay as we enter certain new markets.

Investing in Growth While Driving Long-Term Profitability

Our mission-driven strategy ensures that values guide our business decisions and our business performance enables us to drive impact through investment in technology, marketing and product innovation, balancing growth with long-term margins.

We expect to continue to invest in technology, marketing and product innovation to drive growth while improving margins over the long term. Key investment areas for our platform include machine learning capabilities, including improving our matching and content moderation technologies; features that enhance trust and safety on our platform; new offerings that enhance user engagement and retention; marketing, data analytics, and personalization capabilities; and new subscription and consumable offerings to drive incremental value to Paying Users.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain our talent, including engineers, data scientists, product designers and product developers. We believe that people want to work at a company that has purpose and aligns with their personal values, and therefore our ability to recruit talent is aided by our mission and brand reputation. We compete for talent within the technology industry.

Seasonality

We experience seasonality in user growth, user engagement, Paying User growth, and monetization on our platform. Historically, we see an increase in all of these metrics in the first quarter and during the Northern Hemisphere summer of the calendar year, and a slowdown in the rest of the calendar year. Our activity is also elevated in key seasonal calendar highs such as the January and February lead up to Valentine’s Day and the lead up to major holidays.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In February 2022, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, economic sanctions were imposed on Russian individuals and entities, including financial institutions, by countries around the world, including the U.S. and the European Union.

On March 8, 2022, we announced that we will discontinue our operations in Russia and remove all of our apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus. While it is difficult to estimate with certainty the effect of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, current or further economic sanctions, our decision to discontinue our operations in Russia and remove all of our apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus will lead to reduced revenues and Paying Users from these countries, increased costs, or other adverse effects on our operations and results.

As of December 31, 2021, the net assets of our subsidiary in Russia comprised 0.1% of total assets and revenue from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine combined were approximately 2.8% of our total revenue. Operating costs related to our Russian operations were approximately 1.7% of our total operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2021.

For additional information, see Item 1A―Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Brand, Products and Operations―Our operations may be adversely affected by ongoing developments in Russia, Ukraine and surrounding countries. Our operations may be adversely affected by ongoing developments in Russia, Ukraine and surrounding countries, including due to the impact of our decision to discontinue our operations in Russia and remove our apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Russia and Belarus.

Impact of COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since that time, COVID-19 has impacted market and economic conditions globally, resulting in the implementation of significant governmental measures, including lockdowns, closures, quarantines, and travel bans intended to control the spread of the virus, as well as changes in consumer behavior as some individuals have become reluctant to engage in social activities with people outside their households. While many jurisdictions are relaxing restrictions, others have remained in place with some areas continuing to experience renewed outbreaks and surges in infection rates despite more widespread availability of vaccines. The extent to which such measures are removed or new measures are put in place will depend upon how the pandemic evolves, as well as the distribution, efficacy and acceptance of available

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vaccines and the rates at which they are administered. Future prevention and mitigation measures, as well as the potential for some of these measures to be reinstituted in the event of repeat waves or the emergence of new variants of the virus, have had and are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on global economic conditions and consumer confidence and spending in many parts of the world for some time, and could materially adversely affect demand, or users’ ability to pay, for our products and services, particularly in the geographic and demographic markets in which Badoo app operates.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have taken several precautions that may adversely impact employee productivity, such as requiring employees to work remotely, imposing travel restrictions, and temporarily closing office locations. We continue to follow the situation closely as it evolves and monitor guidance from international and domestic authorities, including federal, state and local public health authorities, and there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our operating plan. As such, given the unprecedented uncertainty around the duration and severity of the impact on market conditions and the business environment, we cannot reasonably estimate the full impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future.

For additional information, see “Item 1A―Risk Factors—General Risk Factors—Our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by the recent COVID-19 outbreak or other similar outbreaks.”

Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations

As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.

The Sponsor Acquisition

On January 29, 2020, we completed the Sponsor Acquisition, pursuant to which, among other things, Bumble Holdings acquired Worldwide Vision Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Preparation, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Sponsor Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations. The purchase consideration was allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities of Worldwide Vision Limited measured at their fair value as of the effective date of the Sponsor Acquisition. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Worldwide Vision Limited was recognized as goodwill in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we have recorded an increase in depreciation and amortization.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition, in January 2020, we entered into a 7-year senior secured term loan facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million (the “Initial Term Loan Facility”) and a 5-year senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The borrower under the Initial Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. Accordingly, in periods after the Sponsor Acquisition, we have recorded an increase in interest expense.

Concurrent with the Sponsor Acquisition, the Company also decided to no longer actively maintain and market certain platforms, including Chappy, Lumen and Huggle (“Inactive Platforms”). The decision to do so was based on the Company’s greater focus on, and decision to use its resources for strengthening, its brands Bumble and Badoo. During the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 and the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the revenue associated with the Inactive Platforms is deemed immaterial.

As a result of the Sponsor Acquisition, the Company incurred significant transaction costs such as legal, accounting, consulting, shadow equity and other expenses. These were incurred both in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 and the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and resulted primarily in an increase in general and administrative expense.

The Distribution Financing Transaction

In October 2020, we entered into an incremental senior secured term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Initial Term Loan Facility, the “Term Loan Facility”; the Term Loan Facility, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”) with the same maturity as the Initial Term Loan Facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Initial Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). The borrower under the Incremental Term Loan Facility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C.

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Bumble Holdings used the proceeds from the incremental borrowings under the Incremental Term Loan Facility, together with available cash, to declare a distribution of $360.0 million, of which approximately $334.3 million was paid to our pre-IPO owners on October 28, 2020 and $25.6 million was used to partially repay the loan to our Founder, and to pay related fees and expenses in connection therewith.

Initial Public Offering and Offering Transactions

On February 10, 2021, our registration statement on Form S-1 relating to our initial public offering (“IPO”) was declared effective by the SEC, and our Class A common stock began trading on the NASDAQ on February 11, 2021. Our IPO closed on February 16, 2021. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Preparation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Bumble Inc. issued and sold 57.5 million shares of its Class A common stock in the IPO, including 7.5 million shares sold pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 9 million shares ($369.6 million) to acquire an equivalent number of newly-issued Common Units from Buzz Holdings L.P, which Buzz Holdings L.P. used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility totaling approximately $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount and approximately $148.3 million for general corporate purposes, and to bear all of the expenses of the IPO. Bumble Inc. used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 48.5 million shares ($1,991.6 million) to purchase or redeem an equivalent aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and Common Units from our pre-IPO owners. We refer to the foregoing transactions as the “Offering Transactions”.

Secondary Offering

On September 15, 2021, the Company completed a secondary offering of 20.7 million shares of Class A common stock on behalf of certain selling stockholders affiliated with Blackstone Inc. (the "Selling Stockholders") at a price of $54.00 per share. This transaction resulted in the issuance of 9.2 million Class A shares for the period ending September 30, 2021.

Bumble did not sell any shares of Class A common stock in the offering and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale. Bumble paid the costs associated with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders, net of the underwriting discounts.

Reorganization Transactions

Prior to the completion of the IPO, we undertook certain reorganization transactions (the “Reorganization Transactions”) such that Bumble Inc. is now a holding company, and its sole material asset is a controlling equity interest in Bumble Holdings. As the general partner of Bumble Holdings, Bumble Inc. now operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Bumble Holdings, has the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from Bumble Holdings and, through Bumble Holdings and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. The Reorganization Transactions were accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Bumble Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization Transactions at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical financial statements of Bumble Holdings, the accounting predecessor. Bumble Inc. will consolidate Bumble Holdings on its consolidated financial statements and record a non-controlling interest, related to the Common Units and the Incentive Units held by our pre-IPO owners, on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations.

Bumble Inc. is a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Each of Bumble Inc.’s accounting predecessor, Bumble Holdings, and Bumble Holdings’ accounting predecessor, Worldwide Vision Limited, is, and has been since the Sponsor Acquisition, treated as a flow-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as such, has generally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Accordingly, the historical results of operations and other financial information set forth in this Annual Report do not include any material provisions for U.S. federal income tax. Following our initial public offering, Bumble Inc. pays U.S. federal and state income taxes as a corporation on its share of Bumble Holdings’ taxable income.

In addition, in connection with the Reorganizations Transactions and our IPO, we entered into the tax receivable agreement as described below under “Tax Receivable Agreement”.

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Public Company Costs

In preparation for our IPO, we incurred significant one-off costs such as legal, accounting, consulting, investor relations and other expenses. Accordingly, in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, we have recorded an increase in general and administrative expense.

As a result of becoming a public company, we continue to incur additional costs such as personnel, legal, regulatory, insurance, accounting, investor relations and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company.

Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our IPO, increases in our share of existing tax basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges of Common Units (including Common Units issued upon conversion of vested Incentive Units), and our utilization of certain tax attributes of the Blocker Companies (including the Blocker Companies’ allocable share of existing tax basis) and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement.

We estimate the amount of existing tax basis with respect to which our pre-IPO owners will be entitled to receive payments under the tax receivable agreement (assuming all Pre-IPO Common Unitholders exchanged their Common Units for shares of Class A common stock on the date of the IPO, and assuming all vested Incentive Units were converted to Common Units and immediately exchanged for shares of Class A common stock at the IPO prices of $43.00 per share of Class A common stock) is approximately $2,603.7 million, which includes the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, which we have determined to be approximately $1,728.1 million. In determining the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred after the IPO that were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of the Company by the pre-IPO owners.

We have determined that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize certain tax benefits that were received in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO. As a result of this determination, we have not recorded the benefit of these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2021. The Company is entitled to certain depreciation and amortization deductions as a result of its allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO and increases in its allocable share of existing basis and adjustments to the tax basis of the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of sales or exchanges in connection with the IPO. There is significant existing tax basis in the assets of Bumble Holdings as a result of the Sponsor Acquisition. Based on current projections, we anticipate having sufficient taxable income to be able to realize these tax benefits and have recorded a liability of $388.8 million associated with the tax receivable agreement related to these benefits. The ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized is evaluated based on all positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. We will assess the ability of the deferred tax assets to be realized at each reporting period, and a change in our estimate of our liability associated with the tax receivable agreement may result as additional information becomes available, including results of operations in future periods.

Employee Equity Plans

In connection with the Reorganization Transactions and our IPO, we undertook a number of modifications to existing employee equity plans such that awards under the Founder Plan, U.S. Plan, and Non-U.S. Plan were reclassified as follows:


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings under the Founder Plan and granted to Senior Management under the U.S. Plan were reclassified to vested Incentive Units (in the case of Vested Class B Units) and unvested Incentive Units (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Holdings.


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Class B Units in Bumble Holdings (other than those granted to senior management) were reclassified to Class A common stock (in the case of vested Class B Units) and Restricted Shares of Class A common stock (in the case of unvested Class B Units) in Bumble Inc.


The Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Phantom Class B Units in Bumble Holdings were reclassified into vested RSUs (in the case of vested Class B Phantom Units) and unvested RSUs (in the case of unvested Class B Phantom Units) in Bumble Inc. As the modification resulted in a change from liability-settled to equity-settled, the RSUs were fair valued at the date of the IPO.

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In all cases of respective reclassifications, the Post-IPO awards retained the same terms and conditions (including applicable vesting requirement). Each Post-IPO award was converted to reflect the $43.00 share price contemplated in the Company’s IPO while retaining the same economic value in the Company.

In connection with the IPO, we adopted the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2021 Omnibus Plan"), which became effective on the date immediately prior to the effective date of the IPO. Under the 2021 Omnibus Plan, we granted equity awards as follows:


Stock options with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. These stock options are inclusive of both Time-Vesting stock options and Exit-Vesting stock options.


Time-Vesting Restricted Stock Units with the underlying equity being shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.


Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting Incentive Units in Bumble Holdings.

At the IPO date, we concluded that our public offering represented a qualifying liquidity event that would cause the Exit-Vesting awards’ performance conditions to be probable. As such, we started to recognize stock-based compensation expense for the Exit-Vesting awards. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized compensation cost related to the reclassified Exit-Vesting awards of $26.3 million.

For additional information, see Note 14, Stock-based Compensation, to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Components of Results of Operations

Our business is organized into a single reportable segment.

Revenue

We monetize both the Bumble and Badoo apps via a freemium model where the use of our service is free and a subset of our users pay for subscriptions or in-app purchases to access premium features. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage.

We also earn revenue from online advertising and partnerships, which are not a significant part of our business. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of in-app purchase fees due on payments processed through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Purchases on Android, mobile web and desktop have additional payment methods, such as credit card or via telecom providers. These purchases incur fees which vary depending on payment method. Purchase fees are deferred and expensed over the same period as revenue.

Cost of revenue also includes data center expenses such as rent, power and bandwidth for running servers, employee compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs. Expenses relating to customer care functions such as customer service, moderators and other auxiliary costs associated with providing services to customers such as fraud prevention are also included within cost of revenue.

Selling and marketing expense

Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of brand marketing, digital and social media spend, field marketing and compensation expense (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and marketing functions.

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General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources. General and administrative expense also consists of transaction costs, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, expenses associated with facilities, information technology, external professional services, legal costs and settlement of legal claims, impairment charges on intangible assets and other administrative expenses.

Product development expense

Product development expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in the design, development, testing and enhancement of product offerings and related technology.

Depreciation and amortization expense

Depreciation and amortization expense is primarily related to computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, developed technology, user base, white label contracts, trademarks and other definite-lived intangible assets.

Interest income (expense)

Interest income (expense) consists of interest income received on related party loans receivables and interest expense incurred in connection with our long-term debt.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists of insurance reimbursement proceeds, impacts from foreign exchange transactions, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement (benefit) expense and fair value changes in derivatives and investments.

Income tax provision

Income tax provision represents the income tax expense associated with our operations based on the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These foreign jurisdictions have different statutory tax rates than the United States. Our effective tax rates will vary depending on the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations information for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenue$765,660$542,192$39,990$488,940
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue209,921146,62910,790139,767
Selling and marketing expense211,711152,58811,157142,902
General and administrative expense265,738178,61544,90767,079
Product development expense105,91746,9944,08739,205
Depreciation and amortization expense107,05691,7674086,734
Total operating costs and expenses900,343616,59371,349395,687
Operating earnings (loss)(134,683)(74,401)(31,359)93,253
Interest income (expense)(25,609)(22,134)50202
Other income (expense), net11,166(5,525)(882)(1,473)
Income (loss) before income tax(149,126)(102,060)(32,191)91,982
Income tax benefit (provision)436,071(8,126)(365)(6,138)
Net earnings (loss)286,945(110,186)(32,556)85,844
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(30,834)8081,91719,698
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders / Buzz Holdings L.P. owners / Worldwide Vision Limited shareholders$317,779$(110,994)$(34,473)$66,146

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations information as a percentage of revenue for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenue100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue27.4%27.0%27.0%28.6%
Selling and marketing expense27.7%28.1%27.9%29.2%
General and administrative expense34.7%32.9%112.3%13.7%
Product development expense13.8%8.7%10.2%8.0%
Depreciation and amortization expense14.0%16.9%1.0%1.4%
Total operating costs and expenses117.6%113.7%178.4%80.9%
Operating earnings (loss)(17.6)%(13.7)%(78.4)%19.1%
Interest income (expense)(3.3)%(4.1)%0.1%0.0%
Other income (expense), net1.5%(1.0)%(2.2)%(0.3)%
Income (loss) before income tax(19.5)%(18.8)%(80.5)%18.8%
Income tax benefit (provision)57.0%(1.5)%(0.9)%(1.3)%
Net earnings (loss)37.5%(20.3)%(81.4)%17.6%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(4.0)%0.1%4.8%4.0%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Bumble Inc. shareholders / Buzz Holdings L.P. owners / Worldwide Vision Limited shareholders41.5%(20.5)%(86.2)%13.5%

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The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation expense included in operating costs and expenses:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Cost of revenue$3,749$615$$
Selling and marketing expense12,9252,05575421
General and administrative expense62,28417,3183,9971,229
Product development expense44,9527,48084510
Total stock-based compensation expense$123,910$27,468$4,156$2,160

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 (Successor), the Period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (Successor) and the Period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 (Predecessor)

Revenue

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Bumble App$532,916$337,237$23,256
Badoo App and Other232,744204,95516,734
Total Revenue$765,660$542,192$39,990

Revenue was $765.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $542.2 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $40.0 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. Revenue in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 was impacted by a reduction in deferred revenue of $15.0 million recorded in purchase accounting.

Bumble App Revenue was $532.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $337.2 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $23.3 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily driven by a 31% increase in the number of Bumble App Paying Users to 1.5 million and a 13% increase in Bumble App ARPPU to $29.61.

Badoo App and Other Revenue was $232.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $205.0 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $16.7 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily driven by a 2% increase in the number of Badoo App and Other Paying Users to 1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and a 4% increase in Badoo and Other ARPPU to $13.16.

In addition, Badoo App and Other Revenue includes advertising and partnership revenue of $12.6 million, $13.0 million and $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively.

Cost of revenue

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Cost of revenue$209,921$146,629$10,790
Percentage of revenue27.4%27.0%27.0%

Cost of revenue was $209.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $146.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $10.8 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily driven by growth in in-app purchase fees due to increasing revenue.

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Selling and marketing expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Selling and marketing expense$211,711$152,588$11,157
Percentage of revenue27.7%28.1%27.9%

Selling and marketing expense was $211.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $152.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $11.2 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. This change was primarily due to an increase in digital and brand marketing costs. In addition, selling and marketing expense also increased due to stock-based compensation which was $12.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $2.1 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

General and administrative expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
General and administrative expense$265,738$178,615$44,907
Percentage of revenue34.7%32.9%112.3%

General and administrative expense was $265.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $178.6 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $44.9 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to transaction and other costs of $19.1 million, $66.3 million and $40.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively, and impairment losses on the white label contracts of $26.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company recorded an expense in relation to the change in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability which was $55.9 million and $27.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, respectively. The increase was also driven by additional personnel-related expenses due to increased headcount and stock-based compensation, which was $62.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, $17.3 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $4.0 million (of which $3.8 million were in relation to the Sponsor Acquisition) in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

Product development expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Product development expense$105,917$46,994$4,087
Percentage of revenue13.8%8.7%10.2%

Product development expense was $105.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $47.0 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $4.1 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to increased personnel-related expense as a result of higher employee headcount in product development functions and stock-based compensation, which was $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $7.5 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

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Depreciation and amortization expense

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Depreciation and amortization expense$107,056$91,767$408
Percentage of revenue14.0%16.9%1.0%

Depreciation and amortization expense was $107.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $91.8 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.4 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The increase was primarily due to increased expense related to the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets recognized in connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020,

Interest income (expense)

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Interest income (expense)$(25,609)$(22,134)$50
Percentage of revenue(3.3)%(4.1)%0.1%

Interest income (expense) was $(25.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(22.1) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $0.1 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased interest expense associated with raising $575 million of debt on January 29, 2020 and raising an additional $275 million of debt in October 2020, of which $200 million was repaid in March 2021.

Other income (expense), net

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Other income (expense), net$11,166$(5,525)$(882)
Percentage of revenue1.5%(1.0)%(2.2)%

Other income (expense), net was $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(5.5) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.9) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to net foreign exchange gains (losses), which were $4.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, $(14.1) million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.5) million in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The Company also recorded gains (losses) on the fair value change in interest rate swaps of $6.6 million and $(1.6) million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. In addition, a $9.3 million insurance reimbursement related to the putative class action lawsuit was received and recorded as other income in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

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Income tax provision

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020
Income tax benefit (provision)$436,071$(8,126)$(365)
Effective income tax rate292.4%(8.0)%(1.1)%

For further detail of income tax matters, see Note 4, Income Taxes, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income tax benefit (provision) was $436.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $(8.1) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and $(0.4) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The tax benefit of $436.1 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a net deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of our international operations and a $1.3 million tax provision associated with prior period items. In addition, the tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the impact of our assessment that we will not be able to record the benefit of certain current year deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance is expected.

For a comparative discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations―Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2021.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP, however, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful supplemental information that enables a better comparison of our performance across periods. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides visibility to the underlying continuing operating performance by excluding the impact of certain expenses, including income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expenses, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss, changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense and impairment loss, as management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. We also provide Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, we believe free cash flow and free cash flow conversion provide useful information regarding how cash provided by (used in) operating activities compares to the capital expenditures required to maintain and grow our business, and our available liquidity, after funding such capital expenditures, to service our debt, fund strategic initiatives and strengthen our balance sheet, as well as our ability to convert our earnings to cash. Additionally, we believe such metrics are widely used by investors, securities analysis, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating liquidity and debt-service capabilities. We calculate free cash flow and free cash flow conversion using methodologies that we believe can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better understand underlying trends in our business.

Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, we do not consider our non-GAAP financial measures as superior to, or a substitute for, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations are:


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude the recurring, non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude stock-based compensation expense and employer costs related to stock-based compensation, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, an important part of how we attract and retain our employees and a significant recurring expense in our business;

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Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the interest (income) expense or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, and free cash flow does not reflect the cash requirements to service principal payments on our indebtedness;


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect income tax (benefit) provision we are required to make; and


Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes and does not reflect our future contractual commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a liquidity measure and should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or to distribute to stockholders or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage you to review the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and not rely on a single financial measure to evaluate our business. We also strongly urge you to review the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, the computation of Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net earnings (loss) margin which is net earnings (loss) as a percentage of revenue, the reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow, and the computation of free cash flow conversion as compared to operating cash flow conversion, which is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss) in each case set forth below.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) excluding income tax (benefit) provision, interest (income) expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, employer costs related to stock-based compensation, foreign exchange loss (gain), changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability, interest rate swaps and investments, transaction and other costs, litigation costs net of insurance reimbursements that arise outside of the ordinary course of business, tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense and impairment loss. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow conversion represents free cash flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. Operating cash flow conversion represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a percentage of net earnings (loss).

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The following table reconciles our non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands, except percentages)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020Years Ended December 31, 2019
Net earnings (loss)$286,945$(110,186)$(32,556)$85,844
Add back:
Income tax (benefit) provision(436,071)8,1263656,138
Interest (income) expense25,60922,134(50)(202)
Depreciation and amortization107,05691,7674086,734
Stock-based compensation expense123,91027,4683362,160
Employer costs related to stock-based compensation(1)2,438
Litigation costs, net of insurance reimbursements(2)6,943(6,008)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (3)(4,476)14,1335231,160
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps(4)(6,593)1,586
Transaction and other costs(5)19,09366,25140,345
Changes in fair value of contingent earn-out liability55,90027,800
Changes in fair value of investments(1,100)
Tax receivable agreement liability remeasurement expense(6)1,112
Impairment loss(7)26,431
Adjusted EBITDA$207,197$143,071$9,371$101,834
Net earnings (loss) margin(8)37.5%(20.3)%(81.4)%17.6%
Adjusted EBITDA margin27.1%26.4%23.4%20.8%
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$104,837$56,261$(3,306)$101,392
Less:
Capital expenditures(13,653)(10,632)(1,045)(9,674)
Free Cash Flow$91,184$45,629$(4,351)$91,718
Operating cash flow conversion36.5%(51.1)%10.2%118.1%
Free cash flow conversion44.0%31.9%(46.4)%90.1%

(1)
Represents employer portion of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes domestically, National Insurance contributions in the United Kingdom and comparable costs internationally related to the settlement of equity awards.

(2)
Represents certain litigation costs and insurance proceeds associated with pending litigations or settlements of litigation.

(3)
Represents foreign exchange (gain) loss due to foreign currency transactions.

(4)
Represents fair value loss (gain) on interest rate swaps.

(5)
Represents legal, accounting, advisory fees and certain other costs related to our offerings, including the Sponsor Acquisition, our IPO and the Reorganization, and the secondary offering.

(6)
Represents changes in tax receivable agreement liability due to tax rate changes and unrelated to exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares.

(7)
Represents impairment loss incurred on white label contracts.

(8)
Net earnings margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2021, we had $369.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $241.1 million from December 31, 2020.

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In connection with our IPO, we used the proceeds (net of underwriting discounts) from the issuance of 9 million shares of Class A common stock ($369.6 million) in the IPO to purchase an equivalent number of newly issued Common Units from Bumble Holdings, which Bumble Holdings used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility totaling approximately $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount and approximately $148.3 million for general corporate purposes, and to bear all of the expenses of the IPO. We expect that our future principal uses of cash will also include funding our debt service obligations, paying income taxes and obligations under our tax receivable agreement. Based on current conditions, we believe that we have sufficient financial resources to fund our activities and execute our business plans during the next twelve months.

Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:

SuccessorPredecessor
(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2021Period from January 29, through December 31, 2020Period from January 1, through January 28, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$104,837$56,261$(3,306)$101,392
Investing activities(12,484)(2,850,651)(1,029)(11,396)
Financing activities151,4862,866,236(65,196)

Operating activities

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $104.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $56.3 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $(3.3) million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

The increase in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 was primarily due to net earnings of $286.9 million compared to net losses of $(110.2) million and $(32.6) million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively

Net earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021 is primarily driven by $441.5 million tax benefit related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability due to a restructuring of the Company’s international operations, partly offset by stock-based compensation of $123.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $107.1 million, changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability of $55.9 million and impairment loss of $26.4 million in relation to the white label contracts. Net loss in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 were impacted by depreciation and amortization of $91.8 million, transaction costs of $66.3 million, stock-based compensation expense of $27.5 million and changes in the fair value of the contingent earn-out liability of $27.8 million. Net loss in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020 was impacted mostly by transaction costs of $40.3 million.

The increase in cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was partly offset by changes in assets and liabilities, which were $(56.5) million, $9.4 million and $25.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $2,850.7 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and $1.0 million for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. The change was primarily due to the acquisition of the business (net of cash acquired) of $2,837.7 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The Company had capital expenditures of $13.7 million, $10.6 million and $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020, respectively.

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Financing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $151.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $2,866.2 million for the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and nil for the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received net proceeds of $2,361.2 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, of which $1,991.6 million was used to redeem shares of Class A common stock and purchase Common Units from our Sponsor and $200 million was used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our Incremental Term Loan Facility. The Company received cash of $2,360.4 million in relation to limited partners’ interest, net proceeds from external debt of $828.9 million, proceeds from the repayment of loan from the Founder of $25.6 million and proceeds from the repayment of loans to related companies of $41.9 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020, offset by cash payments of $360.0 million in dividends and repayment of long-term debt principal of $5.0 million in the period from January 29, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Indebtedness

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition, in January 2020, we entered into the Initial Term Loan Facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million and the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million. In connection with the Distribution Financing Transaction, in October 2020, we entered into the Incremental Term Loan Facility in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The borrower under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bumble Holdings, Buzz Finco L.L.C. (the “Borrower”).

Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrower’s option, either (i) LIBOR for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements (subject to a floor of 0.0% on the Initial Term Loan and 0.50% on the Incremental Term Loan), plus an applicable margin or (ii) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the rate of interest in effect as last quoted by the Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) adjusted LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% (subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum), in each case, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for loans under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to adjustment based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries and is subject to reduction after the consummation of our initial public offering.

In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum (which is subject to a decrease to 0.375% per annum based upon the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries) to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The Borrower must also pay customary letter of credit fees and an annual administrative agency fee.

The Initial Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Initial Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Initial Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. The Incremental Term Loan Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan Facility outstanding as of the date of the closing of the Incremental Term Loan Facility, with the balance being payable at maturity on January 29, 2027. Principal amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility are due and payable in full at maturity on January 29, 2025.

In October 2020, we entered into an incremental Senior Secured Term Loan Facility (the “Incremental Term Loan Facility”) in an original aggregate principal amount of $275.0 million. The Incremental Term Loan provides for additional senior secured term loans with substantially identical terms as the Initial Term Loan Facility (other than the applicable margin). A portion of the net proceeds from the initial public offering was used to repay $200 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility in the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default.

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Tax Receivable Agreement

In connection with the IPO, in February 2021, we entered into a tax receivable agreement with certain of our pre-IPO owners that provides for the payment by the Company to such pre-IPO owners of 85% of the benefits that the Company realizes, or is deemed to realize, as a result of the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in our initial public offering and other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement.

We estimate the amount of existing tax basis with respect to which our pre-IPO owners will be entitled to receive payments under the tax receivable agreement (assuming all Pre-IPO Common Unitholders exchanged their Common Units for shares of Class A common stock on the date of the initial public offering, and assuming all vested Incentive Units were converted to Common Units and subsequently exchanged for shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price of $43.00 per share of Class A common stock) is approximately $2,603.7 million, which includes the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in this IPO, which we have determined to be approximately $1,728.1 million. In determining the Company’s allocable share of existing tax basis acquired in the IPO, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred following the IPO that were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of the Company by the pre-IPO owners.

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021:

Payments due by period
Less than 1 year1 to 3 years3 to 5 yearsMore than 5 yearsTotal
(in thousands)
Long-term debt$5,750$11,500$11,500$609,813$638,563
Operating leases4,0377,34710,8258,10530,314
Other1,2695,8707,139
Total$11,056$24,717$22,325$617,918$676,016

The payments that we may be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the pre-IPO owners may be significant and are not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as they are dependent upon future taxable income. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the tax receivable agreement, we expect future payments under the tax receivable agreement related to the Offering Transactions to aggregate $660.3 million and to range over the next 15 years from approximately $10.9 million to $58.5 million per year and decline thereafter. In determining these estimated future payments, we have given retrospective effect to certain exchanges of Common Units for Class A shares that occurred following the IPO that were contemplated to have occurred pursuant to the Blocker Restructuring. The foregoing numbers are merely estimates, and the actual payments could differ materially. See “― Tax Receivable Agreement” in this section.

In connection with the Sponsor Acquisition in January 2020, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement, consisting of an earn-out payment to the former shareholders of Worldwide Vision Limited of up to $150 million. The timing and amount of such payment, that we may be required to make, is not reflected in the contractual obligations table set forth above as it is dependent upon our Sponsor achieving a specified return on invested capital. See Note 6, Business Combination, for additional information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which often require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our critical estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgments that we believe to have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. This discussion is provided to supplement the descriptions of our accounting policies contained in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Business Combination

We estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at a minimum on an annual basis, as well as upon an indicator of impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, then quantitative assessment is performed to compare the reporting unit’s carrying value to its fair value. Alternatively, we are permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative assessment. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit is based on a discounted cash flow model involving several assumptions.

Contingent consideration arrangements are recognized at their acquisition date fair value and included as part of purchase price at the acquisition date. These contingent consideration arrangements are classified as liabilities and are remeasured to fair value at each reporting period, with any change in fair value being recognized in “general and administrative expense” in the consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is based primarily on estimates of meeting the applicable contingency conditions as per the terms of the applicable agreements.

Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes of circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. We group assets for purposes of such review at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of the other groups of assets and liabilities. If this comparison indicates impairment, the amount of impairment to be recognized is calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could adversely affect the fair value of our assets and could result in an impairment charge. Fair value can be estimated utilizing a number of techniques including quoted market prices, prices for comparable assets, or other valuation processes involving estimates of cash flows, multiples of earnings or revenues, and we may make various assumptions and estimates when performing our impairment assessments, particularly as it relates to cash flow projections. Cash flow estimates are by their nature subjective and include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and forecasted operating performance, revenue trends and operating margins. These estimates could also be adversely impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments, or other market conditions affecting our industry.

During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company determined that an individual definite long-lived asset was impaired and recognized an impairment charge of $26.4 million in "general and administrative expense" within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. For additional information, refer to Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Internally Developed Software

We incur costs to develop software to be used solely to meet internal needs and applications used to deliver our services. These software development costs meet the criteria for capitalization once the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed, and the software will be used to perform the function intended.

Stock-based Compensation

Prior to the Sponsor Acquisition

Prior to the Sponsor Acquisition, Worldwide Vision Limited granted stock-based awards consisting primarily of share options and restricted stock units (“WVL RSUs”) to employees and certain non-employee advisors. Outstanding share options generally vested over four years or upon the achievement of certain performance conditions, such as revenue growth. Outstanding WVL RSUs generally vested over four years and participated in dividends once gross dividend payments to ordinary shareholders exceeded $150

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million and in an exit event. No WVL RSUs were granted in 2018 and 2019, and the expense arising from WVL RSUs was not material for the periods presented.

Between 2015 and 2018, Bumble Holdings Limited issued shadow equity to employees and non-employees to provide a bonus to be paid upon an exit event of Bumble Holdings Limited, with the bonus amount to vary based on the exit value. Certain of the awards were payable in the event of an exit of Bumble Holdings Limited only, while one award was payable in the event of an exit event within the group. As the payment was contingent upon the achievement of a liquidity event, no compensation expense was recognized in connection with these awards during the year ended December 31, 2019. These awards issued by Bumble Holdings Limited were settled in connection with the Acquisition, including $3.8 million that was recognized as stock-based compensation expense in “General and administrative expense” in the period from January 1, 2020 to January 28, 2020.

We measured share options based on their estimated grant date fair values and recognized stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period (the “vesting period”). Stock-based compensation expense reflected our best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest, including the impact of estimated forfeitures.

The fair value of each share option was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo model, which is impacted by a number of variables, including the fair value of our underlying shares, our expected share price volatility over the term of the share option, the expected life of the option, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of our shares.


Dividend yield. The expected annual dividend per share was based on the Company’s expected dividend rate.


Expected Volatility. The expected volatility was calculated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares and measures for a set of peer companies of the Company.


Risk-free interest rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant.


Expected life of options. The average expected life is based on the contractual term of the option and expected employee exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

The predecessor stock-based compensation plans were terminated in connection with the Sponsor Acquisition.

Subsequent to the Sponsor Acquisition

From the time of the Sponsor Acquisition until our IPO, we had three active plans under which awards were granted to various employees and other service providers of the Company, including key management personnel, based on their management grade. For the Successor Period, total stock-based compensation expense recognized was $27.5 million. The three active plans include the Employee Incentive Plan (“Non-U.S. Plan”), the Equity Incentive Plan (“U.S. Plan”), and the incentive plan adopted for Whitney Wolfe Herd (the “Founder Plan”). Awards granted under the Founder Plan and U.S. Plan were in the form of Class B Units in Buzz Holdings L.P. and Class B Units held by Buzz Management Aggregator L.P., respectively (collectively, the “Class B Units”). Under the Non-U.S. Plan, participants received phantom awards of Class B Units in Buzz Management Aggregator L.P. (the “Phantom Class B Units”) that were liability-classified and settled in cash equal to the notional value of the Buzz Management Aggregator Class B Units at the settlement date.

Awards under all three plans were comprised of Time-Vesting and Exit-Vesting awards. Time-Vesting awards were based upon service-based conditions and generally vested over a period of five years, while Exit-Vesting awards were based on certain performance conditions in which affiliates of Blackstone Inc. receive cash proceeds in respect of its Class A units in the Company prior to the termination of the participant. The performance conditions were not considered probable as of December 31, 2020 and therefore no expense has been recognized for the Exit-Vesting awards. In connection with the IPO, these awards were all converted into awards under our 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan as described under “Item 11―Executive Compensation―Conversion of Class B Units and Phantom Class B Units”.

Time-Vesting Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Class B Units

Expense for the Time-Vesting Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Class B Units was based on the grant date fair value of the Class B Units. The grant date fair value was measured using a Monte Carlo model, which incorporates various assumptions noted in the following table. Use of a valuation model requires management to make certain assumptions with respect to selected model inputs. Expected volatility was calculated based on the observed equity volatility for comparable companies. The expected time to liquidity event was based on management’s estimate of time to an expected liquidity event. The dividend yield was based on the Company’s expected dividend rate. The risk-free interest rate was based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues. Forfeitures were accounted for as they occurred.

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Assumptions by Grant DateDecember 31, 2020
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)55
Risk-free interest rate (%)0.30
Expected time to liquidity (years)4.1

The valuations for awards granted in January 2020 and June 2020 were based on the purchase price from the Sponsor Acquisition of $2.9 billion as the estimated equity value as of these dates and, therefore, did not rely on establishing an estimated equity value based on an income or market multiple approach. The implied multiple based on the purchase price was 19.2x.

Time-Vesting Phantom Class B Units and Exit-Vesting Phantom Class B Units

For additional information around the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, refer to Note 14, Stock-based Compensation, within the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income tax in most of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management is required to exercise significant judgment in determining our provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined by taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Deferred tax assets are amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years and are initially recognized at enacted tax rates. To the extent deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized, we record a valuation allowance. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.

Although we believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, we can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently-issued accounting pronouncements that may be relevant to our operations but have not yet been adopted are outlined in Note 2, Summary of Selected Significant Accounting Policies, within the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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