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Coursera,(COUR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 22:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $194 million, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase [7] - Free cash flow reached $27 million, up 59% from the prior year [7] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $750 to $754 million, representing 8% to 9% growth from the prior year [8][25] - Gross profit was $108 million, maintaining a gross margin of 56% [29] - Net income was $17 million, or 8.6% of revenue, with adjusted EBITDA of $16 million, or 8% of revenue [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer segment revenue was $130 million, up 13% year-over-year, driven by 7.7 million new registered learners [31] - The Coursera Plus subscription offering now accounts for more than half of consumer segment revenue [7] - Enterprise segment revenue was $64 million, up 6% year-over-year, with a 10% increase in the total number of paid enterprise customers [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total number of registered learners reached 191 million, with 7.7 million new learners added in the quarter [32] - The company reported 14 enrollments per minute in its generative AI courses, up from eight enrollments per minute last year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on product-led innovation and enhancing customer experiences to drive long-term growth [6] - There is a commitment to leveraging data insights to improve product offerings and learner engagement [11] - The introduction of SkillsTracks aims to address skill gaps and provide tailored learning paths for enterprises [63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's growth trajectory, citing strong top-of-funnel metrics and the success of Coursera Plus [48] - The company anticipates a seasonal decline in Q4 revenue, which is typical based on historical trends [49] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changing corporate spending environments and the need for upskilling in response to AI advancements [62] Other Important Information - The company announced the appointment of Anthony Salcedo as the new general manager of the enterprise segment [8] - The catalog has expanded by 44% to over 12,000 courses, with a focus on job-aligned micro-credentials [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on OpenAI embedded app and its impact - Management expressed excitement about the partnership with OpenAI, noting it as a top-of-funnel opportunity to attract new learners [40][41] Question: Sales and marketing investment priorities - The company highlighted the efficiency of its sales and marketing efforts, particularly in driving subscription growth [43] Question: Q4 revenue outlook and consumer growth durability - Management indicated that consumer growth is supported by strong marketing and product enhancements, despite typical seasonal impacts [48][49] Question: Trends in enterprise segment and budgetary challenges - Mixed trends were noted across different verticals, with Coursera for campus performing well while government segments faced challenges [61][62] Question: AI skills initiatives and Coursera's role - Management confirmed ongoing dialogues with partners like Google and Microsoft to enhance collaboration on AI skills training [73][74] Question: AI certifications and course offerings - The company sees potential in developing AI certifications in collaboration with partners, emphasizing the importance of verified skills [80][81] Question: Shifts in search and user engagement - Management discussed the integration with OpenAI as a way to enhance user engagement and improve course discovery through AI [86][87]
Coursera, Inc. (COUR): A Bull Case Theory
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-23 00:02
Core Thesis - The bullish thesis on Coursera, Inc. emphasizes the company's strong financial stabilization, leadership changes, and focus on AI-driven learning products, indicating a positive outlook for growth and profitability [1][2][3]. Leadership Changes - CFO Ken Hahn will step down on October 29, transitioning to a 12-month advisory role, which follows a period of strong financial performance, including record free cash flow in H1'25 [2]. - The transition in CFO complements CEO Greg Hart's recent appointment, marking a broader leadership refresh as the company adapts its operating model for future growth [3]. Financial Performance - Coursera is experiencing stabilizing revenue growth near high single digits, gross margins above 55%, and positive operating cash flow, indicating a healthier business environment for the incoming CFO [4]. - The company has reaffirmed its Q3 and full-year 2025 guidance, reflecting confidence in its near-term momentum [3]. Strategic Focus - Key priorities for the new CFO include sustaining margin expansion, refining customer lifetime value models, managing content partner economics, and supporting AI-driven innovation without eroding free cash flow [4]. - The board has identified Kelly Steckelberg as a strategically aligned candidate for the CFO role, whose experience at Zoom and Canva positions her well to support the company's AI-driven learning ecosystem [5]. Market Position - Coursera's stock price has appreciated approximately 29.75% since previous bullish coverage, highlighting the company's high-margin platform, rapid user growth, and strong cash position [6].
Stride vs. Coursera: Which Online Learning Stock is a Better Buy?
ZACKS· 2025-10-17 15:21
Core Insights - The online education sector is experiencing a significant shift towards digital alternatives, with companies like Stride, Inc. and Coursera, Inc. benefiting from this trend [1][21]. Stride, Inc. (LRN) - Stride is focusing on strategic investments across its programs, particularly in career platforms and AI integration [2]. - The company has seen record enrollment growth, with a 20.4% year-over-year increase in fiscal 2025, driven by a 32.5% increase in Career Learning and a 13.2% increase in General Education [3][9]. - Stride's K12 Tutoring services are gaining traction, with partnerships like the one with Lake Forest School District enhancing its growth prospects [5]. - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Stride's in-house strategies and favorable market shifts are mitigating risks [6]. - Stride's trailing 12-month Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 25.5%, indicating strong efficiency in generating shareholder returns [20]. Coursera, Inc. (COUR) - Coursera is heavily investing in AI-powered features to enhance learner engagement, with over 925 generative AI courses and enrollments exceeding 10 million [7][11]. - The company has introduced new job-specific generative AI courses in collaboration with major tech firms, aligning with market trends [8]. - Coursera's revenues grew by 8% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, driven by an 18% increase in Registered Learners and a 15% increase in Paid Enterprise Customers [11]. - However, Coursera faces challenges such as lower retention rates among paid learners and budgetary constraints affecting corporate spending [12]. Comparative Analysis - Stride's stock is currently trading at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to Coursera, suggesting a more attractive entry point for investors [14]. - Stride's earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 indicate year-over-year growth of 8.8% and 10.2%, respectively, while Coursera's estimates reflect growth of 14.7% and 16.5% [18][20]. - Stride's consistent earnings momentum and favorable ROE position it as a better investment option compared to Coursera, which is rated as a hold [22][24].
Coursera Inc. (COUR): ChatGPT Integration Marks New Era
Insider Monkey· 2025-10-09 07:15
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers, such as those powering large language models, consume energy equivalent to that of small cities, indicating a significant strain on global power grids [2] Company Profile - The company in focus is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is positioned as a crucial player in the energy sector, set to benefit from the rising demand for electricity driven by AI [3][6] - It owns significant nuclear energy infrastructure assets, making it integral to America's future power strategy [7] Financial Position - The company is noted for being completely debt-free and holding cash reserves that amount to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, providing a strong financial foundation [8] - It is trading at less than 7 times earnings, which is considered undervalued given its strategic position in the AI and energy markets [10] Market Trends - The company is poised to capitalize on the onshoring trend driven by tariffs, as well as the surge in U.S. LNG exports under the current administration's energy policies [5][14] - There is a growing recognition on Wall Street of this company's potential, as it quietly benefits from multiple market tailwinds without the high valuations typical of other firms in the sector [8][9] Future Outlook - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI-related companies [12] - The overall sentiment is that investing in AI infrastructure and energy is not just about financial returns but also about participating in a transformative technological revolution [15]
OpenAI Event Fails To Boost Participating App Makers As Concerns Remain
Investors· 2025-10-07 20:42
Core Insights - The OpenAI DevDay 2025 conference showcased the integration of various software applications with the ChatGPT AI engine, but the stock performance of most pilot partners has declined since the event, with Figma being the notable exception [2][4]. Group 1: OpenAI and Partner Applications - OpenAI highlighted that its partners are creating a new generation of applications that can interact directly within ChatGPT, potentially reaching over 800 million weekly users [3]. - New app makers, including DoorDash, Instacart, Peloton, Target, Tripadvisor, and Uber, are expected to join the program later this year, with OpenAI providing an Apps SDK for development [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Analyst Perspectives - Concerns persist among investors regarding how AI services might disrupt the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector, although the DevDay event provided some reassurance that OpenAI aims to collaborate with developers rather than replace them [5][6]. - Analysts suggest a potential narrative shift from "AI eating software" to "AI enhancing software," indicating that OpenAI's approach may not pose a significant threat to existing software firms [6][7]. Group 3: ChatGPT's Broader Implications - ChatGPT is being viewed as a potential operating system that could disrupt traditional web interactions, posing risks to search engines and app stores by centralizing user activity within its platform [8][9]. - The integration of applications within ChatGPT may commoditize existing apps, particularly those reliant on ad-supported models, as user engagement increasingly occurs within the ChatGPT environment [9].
Coursera Partners with OpenAI to Bring Learning Capabilities into the First Generation of Apps in ChatGPT
Businesswire· 2025-10-06 18:23
Core Insights - Coursera has partnered with OpenAI to become one of the first applications integrated into ChatGPT, enhancing access to educational content for millions of learners globally [1][3][4] - The integration allows over 800 million ChatGPT users to access Coursera's educational videos and information during their conversations, transforming everyday chats into interactive learning experiences [2][3] - This collaboration aims to leverage generative AI to make learning more personalized, interactive, and scalable, helping users gain job-ready skills and pursue economic opportunities [3][4] Company Overview - Coursera, founded in 2012, is one of the largest online learning platforms with 183 million registered learners as of June 30, 2025, partnering with over 350 leading universities and industry partners [6] - The platform offers a wide range of content, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, and degrees, focusing on high-demand fields such as GenAI, data science, technology, and business [6] - Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp, emphasizing its commitment to providing universal access to world-class learning [6]
Scrum Alliance and Coursera Bring Agile Skills to Learners Worldwide
Globenewswire· 2025-10-06 16:19
Core Insights - Scrum Alliance partners with Coursera to enhance accessibility to agile skills training for professionals globally [1][2] - The collaboration aims to equip learners with essential agile skills to improve collaboration, speed up delivery, and adapt to market changes [2] - New Specializations, including Effective Agile Coaching, are launched to provide practical skills for leaders and professionals across various fields [2][3] Company Overview - Scrum Alliance is a not-for-profit organization focused on agile education and professional credentialing, promoting the concept of Agile for Anyone™ [4] - Coursera, established in 2012, is one of the largest online learning platforms with 183 million registered learners as of June 30, 2025, partnering with over 350 institutions [5] Educational Offerings - The Effective Agile Coaching Specialization is designed for professionals seeking to enhance team adaptability and innovation [2] - A second Specialization for modern product managers is expected to launch later this year [2] - Courses are accessible on Coursera's platform, allowing learners to earn recognized digital credentials [3]
Coursera Appoints Anthony Salcito as General Manager, Enterprise
Businesswire· 2025-10-06 13:05
Core Insights - Coursera, Inc. has appointed Anthony Salcito as General Manager of Enterprise, effective October 6, 2025, highlighting the company's focus on enhancing its Enterprise business [1] Company Summary - Anthony Salcito brings global experience in education and a proven track record in driving customer value, which is expected to strengthen Coursera's position in the Enterprise sector [1] - The appointment is part of Coursera's strategy to support customers in advancing their skills-based workforce strategies [1]
Economic Jitters Intensify as ISM Data Signals Stagflation Risks, Education Value Plummets, and Political Claims Face Scrutiny
Stock Market News· 2025-10-05 17:39
Economic Overview - The American economy is facing slowing growth, persistent inflation concerns, and a significant shift in societal values [2] - The U.S. services sector experienced a notable slowdown in September 2025, with the ISM Services PMI dropping to 50.0 from 52.0 in August, indicating a halt in expansion for the first time since January 2010 [3] - The Business Activity Index fell into contraction territory at 49.9%, marking the first contraction since May 2020 [4] Labor Market and Inflation - The Employment Index in the services sector remained in contraction for the fourth consecutive month at 47.2%, indicating ongoing labor market weakness [4] - Despite slowing activity, price pressures intensified, with the Prices Index reaching 69.4% in September, remaining above 60% for ten consecutive months [4] - Economists warn of a potential "stagflation-lite" scenario due to stagnant growth and elevated inflation [4][6] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve has initiated interest rate cuts, reducing rates by 25 basis points in September 2025 to a range of 4.00%-4.25% [5] - Further rate cuts are anticipated, with projections suggesting a decline to 3.5%-3.75% by year-end [5] Societal Trends - A Gallup poll indicates that the perceived importance of a college education among Americans has dropped to a 15-year low, with only 35% considering it "very important" in 2025, down from 75% in 2010 [7] - The decline in perceived importance spans all major demographic groups, with the percentage of Americans viewing college as "not too important" more than doubling since 2019 [8][9] Political Context - Vice President Kamala Harris's claim regarding the 2024 presidential election being the "closest of the 21st century" is challenged by data, as the 2000 election had a narrower popular vote margin [10][11]
Coursera CFO to step down (NYSE:COUR)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-10-02 20:28
Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content or data regarding companies or industries [1]