Fernhill Corporation (FERN)

[Tobin F]

One of the sectors addressed in recent news was dating:

According to research firm IBISWorld, dating services in the US were a $3 billion a year business in 2018, growing since the previous year. Around 15% of US adults, or around 50 million Americans, say that they have or continue to use websites or mobile dating apps in their pursuit of romance. While these numbers are promising, it’s interesting to note that some sources indicate that revenue growth for the industry is projected to slow through 2022. Others, however, predict that revenue is expected to grow 25% by 2020.

Chart: https://uploads.toptal.io/blog/image/126733/toptal-blog-image-1533144108694-04b41e23c90348cd946258a4ab3782c7.png

Still, it’s a fast-growing industry. According to the Pew Research Center, between 2013 and 2015, online dating usage tripled among those between the ages of 18 and 24. Beyond its existing users, dating services benefit from tailwinds such as an untapped market, increasing millennial spending power, young people delaying life milestones such as marriage and home purchasing, as well as working longer hours. This is all on top of the growing ubiquitousness of broadband internet and growing acceptance and legitimacy around online dating.

A very competetive market to get into. Also, does the market show a need for another dating app? We'll find out. Once FERN completes their market analysis, that news can be revised if they decide to pursue a different direction.