Revenue of $38.3 million

ADJUSTED EBITDA of $13.1 million

ADJUSTED EPS of $0.31

NEW YORK, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bankrate, Inc. (Nasdaq: RATE), today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Total revenue for the first quarter was $38.3 million compared to $42.5 million reported in the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of 10%. Net income was $4.7 million or $0.25 per fully diluted share in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.35 per fully diluted share in the first quarter of 2008. Earnings per fully diluted share, excluding share-based compensation expense ("Adjusted EPS"), was $0.31 for the first quarter of 2009, compared to Adjusted EPS of $0.46 for the first quarter of 2008. Adjusted EPS, excluding intangible asset amortization and interest income ("Operating EPS"), for the first quarter of 2009 was $0.39 per share compared to $0.48 per share for the same period in 2008.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, excluding share-based compensation expense ("Adjusted EBITDA"), were $13.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $16.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, a decline of 18%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for the first quarter 2009, including share-based compensation expense were $11.1 million compared to the $12.7 million reported in the first quarter 2008.

"Given the difficult economic and financial environment for our advertising customers, particularly in the banking sector, we're proud of our performance. Our consumer traffic continues to be strong and we believe that through our redesign and the diversification of our business that we are well-positioned for the future," said Thomas R. Evans, President and CEO of Bankrate, Inc. "As advertisers focus even more on the performance of their media spending, Bankrate will continue to be proven to be an environment where consumers come poised to transact and take action," Mr. Evans added.

2009 Guidance

"Consistent with our previous earnings call, we will not be issuing guidance for 2009 as the environment continues to provide limited visibility," Mr. Evans stated. "Bankrate has no debt and generates significant cash every month. We remain confident in our business over the long term and believe we are well positioned to take maximum advantage as the online advertising market improves. However, it is just difficult to predict how the economic environment plays out over the short term and how it will impact our business," Mr. Evans added.

First Quarter 2009 Highlights


    --  Total revenue for the quarter was $38.3 million, a decrease of 10%, or
        $4.2 million from the $42.5 million reported in the same period last
        year.

    --  Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $13.1 million, a decrease of
        $3.0 million, or 18% from the $16.1 million reported in the first
        quarter of 2008.

    --  Online revenue for the first quarter was $36.5 million, a decrease of
        9%, or $3.5 million from the $40.0 million reported in the same period
        last year.

    --  Graphic advertising and lead generation revenue was $25.4 million, a
        decrease of 4%, or $1.0 million from the $26.4 million reported in the
        first quarter of 2008.

    --  Hyperlink revenue for the quarter was $11.0 million, a decrease of 19%,
        or $2.6 million from the $13.6 million reported in the same period last
        year.

    --  Print publishing and licensing revenue for the first quarter was $1.9
        million, a decrease of $0.6 million or 23%, compared to the $2.5 million
        reported in the first quarter of 2008.

    --  Page views for the first quarter were 199.5 million, a sequential
        increase of 21% over Q4 4008 and a decrease of 14.9 million, or 7%,
        compared to the 214.4 million reported in the first quarter of 2008. 
        (The first quarter of 2008 was unusually high due to the previously
        disclosed January 2008 traffic spike.)

On April 1, 2009, the Company launched its redesigned Web site, Bankrate.com. The new site offers the following benefits to:

Consumers


    --  Easier to navigate
    --  Cleaner and less cluttered
    --  New editorial features

-- More robust rate table experience

Advertisers


    --  All ad formats to be IAB (Internet Advertising Bureau) compliant
    --  Better integration opportunities
    --  Greater flexibility to accommodate advertiser's best performing
        units

-- More robust targeting and reporting

The Company


    --  Architecture that will optimize traffic opportunities
    --  Foundation for future personalization and registration

-- Ability to integrate other services across Bankrate's network

"The new site is off to a great start. Consumer feedback has been positive and we're confident that both our consumers and our advertisers will enjoy a better experience with the new and improved Bankrate.com Web site," Mr. Evans commented.

May 7, 2009 Conference Call Interactive Dial-In and Webcast Information:

To participate in the teleconference please call: (877) 681-3370. International participants should dial: (719) 325-4940. Please access at least 10 minutes prior to the time the conference is set to begin. A Webcast of this call can be accessed at Bankrate's Web site: http://investor.bankrate.com/.

Replay Information:

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning May 7, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT through May 21, 2009. To listen to the replay, call (888) 203-1112 and use the passcode: 5030459. International callers should dial (719) 457-0820 and use the passcode: 5030459.

Non-GAAP Measures:

To supplement Bankrate's financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), Bankrate uses non-GAAP measures of certain components of financial performance, including EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS and Operating EPS, which are adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude certain expenses, gains and losses. These non-GAAP measures are provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of Bankrate's current financial performance and its prospects for the future. Specifically, Bankrate believes the non-GAAP results provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gains and losses that may not be indicative of its core operating results. In addition, because Bankrate has historically reported certain non-GAAP results to investors, Bankrate believes the inclusion of non-GAAP measures provides consistency in its financial reporting. These measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. The non-GAAP measures included in this press release have been reconciled to the nearest GAAP measure.

About Bankrate, Inc.

The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Savingforcollege.com, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe, CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic.com. Each of these businesses helps consumers make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: TWX), The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT). Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers.

SafeHarbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

Certain matters included in the discussion above may be considered to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members of our management team. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements made with respect to future revenue, revenue growth, market acceptance of our products, and profitability. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the following: the willingness of our advertisers to advertise on our web site, interest rate volatility, our ability to establish and maintain distribution arrangements, our ability to integrate the operations and realize the expected benefits of businesses that we have acquired and may acquire in the future, our ability to maintain the confidence of our advertisers by detecting click-through fraud or unscrupulous advertisers, the effect of unexpected liabilities we assume from our acquisitions, the effects of expanding our operations internationally, the ability of consumers to access our Online Network through non-PC devices, our ability to manage traffic on our Online Network and service interruptions, increased competition and its effect on traffic, advertising rates, margins and market share, our ability to protect our intellectual property, the effects of facing liability for content on our Online Network, the concentration of ownership of our common stock, the fluctuations of our results of operations from period to period, the accuracy of our financial statement estimates and assumptions, our ability to adapt to technological changes, the impact of legislative or regulatory changes affecting our business, changes in consumer spending and saving habits, changes in accounting principles, policies, practices or guidelines, effects of changes in the stock market and other capital markets, the strength of the United States economy in general. These and additional important factors to be considered are set forth under "Introductory Note," "Item 1A. Risk Factors,'' "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations'' and in the other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results or expectations.


    For more information contact:
    Edward J. DiMaria
    SVP, Chief Financial Officer
    edimaria@bankrate.com
    (917) 368-8608

    Bruce J. Zanca
    SVP, Chief Communications/Marketing Officer
    bzanca@bankrate.com



                                      Bankrate, Inc.
                           Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                       (Unaudited)
                      (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                 March 31,    December 31,
                                                   2009           2008
                                                   ----           ----
        Assets

      Cash and cash equivalents                  $47,038        $46,055
      Accounts receivable, net of allowance
       for doubtful accounts of approximately
       $1,026 and $1,566 at March 31, 2009
       and December 31, 2008, respectively        21,023         22,567
      Deferred income taxes, current portion         816            816
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets    1,215          1,608
                                                   -----          -----
          Total current assets                    70,092         71,046

      Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net       7,026          2,521
      Deferred income taxes                        7,413          7,413
      Intangible assets, net                      80,694         83,347
      Goodwill                                   101,886        101,856
      Other assets                                   667          4,567
                                                     ---          -----

          Total assets                          $267,778       $270,750
                                                ========       ========

          Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

      Liabilities:
        Accounts payable                          $3,470         $3,723
        Accrued expenses                           8,638          5,665
        Acquisition earn-out liability                 -         11,750
        Deferred revenue                           1,086          1,018
        Other current liabilities                     15             16
                                                      --             --
          Total current liabilities               13,209         22,172

      Other liabilities                              142            148
                                                     ---            ---

          Total liabilities                       13,351         22,320
                                                  ------         ------

      Stockholders' equity:
         Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares
          authorized and undesignated                  -              -
         Common stock, par value $.01 per
          share-- 100,000,000 shares authorized;
          18,776,986 and 18,816,986 shares
          issued and outstanding at March 31,
          2009 and December 31, 2008,
          respectively                               188            188
         Additional-paid in capital              220,833        219,294
         Retained earnings                        33,406         28,948
                                                  ------         ------
          Total stockholders' equity             254,427        248,430
                                                 -------        -------

          Total liabilities and stockholders'
           equity                               $267,778       $270,750
                                                ========       ========



                                 Bankrate, Inc.
                   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                                  (Unaudited)
                 (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                  Three Months Ended
                                                       March 31,
                                                  2009          2008
                                                  ----          ----
      Revenue                                   $38,337       $42,463
      Cost of revenue (1)                        14,995        16,406
                                                 ------        ------
      Gross margin                               23,342        26,057
                                                 ------        ------

      Operating expenses (1):
         Sales                                    2,434         2,078
         Marketing                                2,477         2,828
         Product development                      1,817         1,702
         General and administrative               5,513         6,790
         Depreciation and amortization            2,983         1,797
                                                  -----         -----
                                                 15,224        15,195
                                                 ------        ------
         Income from operations                   8,118        10,862

      Interest income                                10           846
                                                     --           ---

         Income before income taxes               8,128        11,708
      Income tax expense                          3,413         4,874
                                                  -----         -----
         Net income                              $4,715        $6,834
                                                 ======        ======

      Basic and diluted net income per share:
         Basic                                    $0.25         $0.36
                                                  =====         =====
         Diluted                                  $0.25         $0.35
                                                  =====         =====

         Shares used in computing basic net
          income per share                   18,808,819    18,880,521
         Shares used in computing diluted
          net income per share               19,203,903    19,607,246

     (1) Includes share-based compensation
          expense as follows:

         Cost of revenue                           $372          $603
         Other expenses:
           Sales                                    579           495
           Marketing                                178           196
           Product development                      233           267
           General and administrative               649         1,855
                                                    ---         -----
                                                 $2,011        $3,416
                                                 ======        ======



                             Bankrate, Inc.
           Non-GAAP Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                              (Unaudited)
             (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                Three Months Ended
                                                      March 31,
                                                2009            2008
                                                ----            ----
      Revenue                                 $38,337         $42,463
      Cost of revenue                          14,623          15,803
                                               ------          ------
      Gross margin                             23,714          26,660
                                               ------          ------

      Operating expenses:
         Sales                                  1,855           1,583
         Marketing                              2,299           2,632
         Product development                    1,584           1,435
         General and administrative             4,864           4,935
         Share-based compensation expense(1)    2,011           3,416
         Depreciation and amortization          2,983           1,797
                                                -----           -----
                                               15,596          15,798
                                               ------          ------
         Income from operations                 8,118          10,862

      Interest income                              10             846
                                                   --             ---

         Income before income taxes             8,128          11,708
      Income tax expense                        3,413           4,874
                                                -----           -----
         Net income                            $4,715          $6,834
                                               ======          ======

      Basic and diluted net income per share:
         Basic                                  $0.25           $0.36
                                                =====           =====
         Diluted                                $0.25           $0.35
                                                =====           =====

      Adjusted EPS                              $0.31           $0.46
                                                =====           =====

         Shares used in computing basic
          net income per share, GAAP
          basis                            18,808,819      18,880,521
         Shares used in computing
          diluted net income per share,
          GAAP basis                       19,203,903      19,607,246
         Shares used in computing
          diluted net income per share,
          Non-GAAP basis                   19,566,808      19,859,396



      (1) See reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Condensed Consolidated
          Statements of Income.



                                 Bankrate, Inc.
                       Non-GAAP Measures Reconciliation
               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)

                                                  Three Months Ended
                                                       March 31,
                                                 2009            2008
                                                 ----            ----

        EBITDA-
        Income from operations, GAAP basis      $8,118         $10,862
        Depreciation and amortization            2,983           1,797
                                                 -----           -----
        EBITDA                                 $11,101         $12,659
                                               =======         =======

        Adjusted EBITDA-
        Income from operations, GAAP basis      $8,118         $10,862
        Share-based compensation expense         2,011           3,416
        Depreciation and amortization            2,983           1,797
                                                 -----           -----
        Adjusted EBITDA                        $13,112         $16,075
                                               =======         =======

        Adjusted EPS-
        Net income, GAAP basis                  $4,715          $6,834
        Share-based compensation expense,
         net of tax                              1,368           2,240
                                                 -----           -----
        Net income excluding share-based
         compensation expense                   $6,083          $9,074
                                                ======          ======

        Adjusted EPS                             $0.31           $0.46
                                                 =====           =====

        Operating EPS-
        Net income, GAAP basis                  $4,715          $6,834
        Share-based compensation expense,
         net of tax                              1,368           2,240
        Intangibles amortization, net of tax     1,592             872
        Interest income, net of tax                 (6)           (508)
                                                    --            ----
        Net income excluding share-based
         compensation expense, intangibles
         amortization and interest income       $7,669          $9,438
                                                ======          ======


        Operating EPS                            $0.39           $0.48
                                                 =====           =====

        Shares used in computing basic
         net income per share, GAAP basis   18,808,819      18,880,521
                                            ==========      ==========

        Shares used in computing diluted
         net income per share, GAAP basis   19,203,903      19,607,246
        Impact of applying SFAS No. 123R       362,905         252,150
                                               -------         -------
        Shares used in computing diluted
         net income per share, excluding
         the impact of applying SFAS No.
         123R                               19,566,808      19,859,396
                                            ==========      ==========



                                   Bankrate, Inc.
                      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
              Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Condensed Consolidated
                                Statements of Income
                                     (Unaudited)
                     (In thousands, except share and per share data)


                        Three Months Ended            Three Months Ended
                          March 31, 2009                March 31, 2008
                              Adjust-                     Adjust-
                      GAAP     ments(1) Non-GAAP    GAAP   ments(1) Non-GAAP
                      ----     ------   --------    ----   ------   --------
    Revenue         $38,337      $-    $38,337    $42,463      $-     $42,463
    Cost of
     revenue:        14,995    (372)    14,623     16,406    (603)     15,803
                     ------    ----     ------     ------    ----      ------
    Gross margin     23,342     372     23,714     26,057     603      26,660
                     ------     ---     ------     ------     ---      ------

    Operating
     expenses:
      Sales           2,434    (579)     1,855      2,078    (495)      1,583
      Marketing       2,477    (178)     2,299      2,828    (196)      2,632
      Product
       Development    1,817    (233)     1,584      1,702    (267)      1,435
      General and
       admini-
       strative       5,513    (649)     4,864      6,790  (1,855)      4,935
      Share-based
       compensation
       expense            -   2,011      2,011          -   3,416       3,416
      Depreciation
       and
       amortization   2,983      -       2,983      1,797       -       1,797
                      -----     ---      -----      -----     ---       -----
                     15,224     372     15,596     15,195     603      15,798
                     ------     ---     ------     ------     ---      ------
      Income from
       operations     8,118       -      8,118     10,862       -      10,862

      Interest
       income, net       10       -         10        846       -         846
                         --     ---         --        ---     ---         ---

        Income
         before
         income
         taxes        8,128       -      8,128     11,708       -      11,708
      Provision for
       income taxes   3,413       -      3,413      4,874       -       4,874
                      -----     ---      -----       -----    ---       -----
        Net income   $4,715      $-     $4,715     $6,834      $-      $6,834
                     ======      ==     ======     ======      ==      ======

      Basic and
       diluted net
       income per
       share:
        Basic         $0.25      $-      $0.25      $0.36      $-       $0.36
                      =====      ==      =====      =====      ==       =====
        Diluted       $0.25      $-      $0.25      $0.35      $-       $0.35
                      =====      ==      =====      =====      ==       =====

        Shares
         used in
         computing
         basic net
         income
         per
         share   18,808,819       - 18,808,819 18,880,521       -  18,880,521
        Shares
         used in
         computing
         diluted
         net income
         per
         share   19,203,903 362,905 19,566,808 19,607,246 252,150  19,859,396


    (1) Adjustments for the impact of applying SFAS No. 123R

SOURCE Bankrate, Inc.