MIAMI, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR) plans to release results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, before the stock market opens. Following the release, the Company will host a conference call with investors and analysts at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the first quarter results and the Company's business outlook. Interested parties are invited to listen to the earnings conference call by registering here to receive dial in information. Th ...

Core Insights - Harvest Investment Services disclosed a purchase of 110,675 shares of Laureate Education, valued at approximately $3.42 million based on quarterly average pricing [1][2] - The transaction increased Harvest's stake in Laureate Education to 1.07% of its 13F reportable assets under management [8] Company Overview - Laureate Education has a market capitalization of $5 billion, with a trailing twelve months (TTM) revenue of $1.70 billion and a net income of $281.63 million [4] - The company's stock price was $33.97 as of the last trading day, reflecting an 84% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 19% gain during the same period [8] Business Model and Operations - Laureate Education operates a network of universities offering diverse higher education programs across multiple countries, focusing on academic quality and accessibility [6] - The firm generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees from its universities in Mexico, Peru, and the United States, targeting students seeking professional advancement [9] Growth and Financial Performance - Enrollment growth has been steady, with new enrollments rising by 8% and total enrollments increasing by 5% last year [11] - Revenue for 2025 was approximately $1.7 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of about 9%, while adjusted EBITDA grew to nearly $519 million from $450 million in 2024 [11] - The company has returned over $200 million to shareholders through stock repurchases and recently increased its share buyback authorization by an additional $150 million, indicating confidence in future growth [12] Market Position - The rising demand for private education in Latin America has contributed to Laureate's stock performance, with expectations for continued growth in the region [10]

Market Overview - All three major U.S. stock market indices ended March 4, 2026, in positive territory despite escalating missile exchanges in the Middle East, driven by gains in tech leaders and a slowdown in oil price spikes [1] - Optimists suggest that the oil market's reaction indicates the conflict may remain contained, potentially encouraging investors to pursue high-growth beta stocks [2] Investment Strategy - Companies with low financial leverage are better equipped to handle economic shocks, making low-leverage stocks a solid defensive option during geopolitical uncertainties [3] - Recommended low-leverage stocks include Everus Construction Group, Inc. (ECG), Telefonica Brasil (VIV), Laureate Education (LAUR), HNI Corp. (HNI), and Costco Wholesale (COST) [3] Low-Leverage Stocks - Leverage refers to borrowing capital for operations and expansion, with debt financing being more common than equity financing [5] - High debt-to-equity ratios can lead to significant losses during economic downturns, making low-leverage stocks less risky [6][7] - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric for assessing financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [8] Company Performance - Everus Construction Group reported a 33.1% increase in fourth-quarter revenues to $1.01 billion and a 61.2% rise in earnings year-over-year [15] - Telefonica Brasil's fourth-quarter net operating revenues rose 7.1% year-over-year, supported by strong mobile postpaid performance [17] - Laureate Education's revenues increased by 28% year-over-year to $541.4 million, with an 88.7% improvement in earnings per share [19] - HNI Corp. saw a 38.3% year-over-year increase in net sales to $888.4 million [21] - Costco Wholesale reported January sales of $21.33 billion for the four weeks ended February 1, 2026, reflecting a 9.3% increase from the previous year [23]

Core Insights - Generative AI is viewed as a transformative technology by Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy, indicating its potential to significantly enhance customer experiences across the company [1] - Elon Musk predicts that by 2040, humanoid robots could create a market worth $250 trillion, representing a major shift in the global economy driven by AI innovation [2][3] - Major firms like PwC and McKinsey acknowledge the multi-trillion-dollar potential of AI, suggesting a broad consensus on its economic impact [3] Company and Industry Analysis - A breakthrough in AI technology is redefining work, learning, and creativity, leading to increased interest from hedge funds and top investors [4] - There is speculation about an under-owned company that may play a crucial role in the AI revolution, with its technology posing a threat to competitors [4][6] - Prominent figures in technology and investment, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, recognize AI as a significant advancement with the potential for substantial social benefits [8]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Laureate Education identified as a promising candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and strong Zacks Rank [2][10]. Earnings Growth - Laureate Education has a historical EPS growth rate of 54.7%, with projected EPS growth of 26.5% for the current year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 11.2% [5][4]. Asset Utilization Ratio - The company has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets) of 0.8, indicating it generates $0.8 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is higher than the industry average of 0.68, showcasing better efficiency [6]. Sales Growth - Sales for Laureate Education are expected to grow by 9.1% this year, compared to the industry average of 5.1%, highlighting its strong sales growth potential [7]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Laureate Education have been revised upward by 4.9% over the past month, indicating a positive trend that correlates with potential near-term stock price movements [8]. Overall Assessment - Laureate Education has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting it is a solid choice for growth investors and a potential outperformer in the market [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full-year revenue for 2025 reached $1.7 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA at $519 million, both exceeding prior guidance [5][18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to a historical high of 30.5% for the full year, reflecting a 131 basis point increase [18][19] - Fourth quarter revenue was $541 million, with Adjusted EBITDA of $204 million, both metrics ahead of guidance [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New enrollments increased by 8% year-over-year, with total enrollments up 5% for the full year [18][19] - In Mexico, new enrollments rose by 5%, while total enrollments increased by 4%, with revenue growth of 9% driven by a 6% increase in average total enrollments [20][21] - In Peru, new enrollments increased by 13%, with total enrollments up 7%, and revenue growth for the fourth quarter was 22% [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macroeconomic environment in Mexico is characterized by slower growth, impacting the outlook for 2026 [41][60] - Peru's economy continues to perform solidly, supported by strong domestic demand and favorable macro conditions [13][14] - The private sector accounts for over 55% of university seats in Mexico and Peru, highlighting the critical role of private education [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest in future growth and innovation while returning excess capital to shareholders, with an additional $150 million authorized for stock repurchase [7][23] - Continued focus on expanding online education offerings, particularly for working adults, is a key strategic initiative [8][12] - The company aims to build additional campuses in new cities over the next five years, addressing capacity constraints in Peru [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects sustained growth opportunities in both Mexico and Peru, with guidance for 2026 indicating revenue growth of 11%-12% [11][26] - The company anticipates improved macroeconomic conditions in Mexico in the second half of 2026 following USMCA negotiations [12][60] - Management remains confident in the demand for quality higher education, driven by rising participation rates and strong wage premiums for graduates [10][11] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with a net cash position of $18 million, having repurchased $217 million of common stock [23] - Adjusted earnings per share for 2026 is expected to be in the range of $1.95-$2.03, reflecting growth of 13%-18% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing and decision-making for new campus openings - It takes about 18-24 months to launch a new campus, and typically, building is more economical than buying [33][34] Question: AI disruption risks - AI is viewed as beneficial, improving retention and learning outcomes, with a focus on launching programs for future job markets [36] Question: 2026 guidance and FX neutral revenue growth - Slight deceleration in FX neutral revenue growth is attributed to softer macroeconomic conditions in Mexico and capacity constraints in Peru [41][42] Question: Distance learning market dynamics in Peru - The market is receptive to innovative products, with robust growth in the online segment, and pricing increases have been cautious to favor rapid growth [45][46] Question: Impact of economic conditions on investment plans - Softer economic conditions in Mexico are expected to continue, but clarity on USMCA may lead to increased investment and GDP growth in 2026 [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full-year revenue reached $1.7 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA at $519 million, both exceeding prior guidance [5][18] - Top-line growth of 9% and a historic high margin of 30.5% for the full year [5][19] - Fourth quarter revenue was $541 million, with Adjusted EBITDA of $204 million, both metrics ahead of guidance [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New enrollments increased by 8% year-over-year, with total enrollments up 5% for the full year [18] - In Mexico, new enrollments increased by 5%, while total enrollments rose by 4% [20] - In Peru, new enrollments surged by 13%, driven by growth in fully online programs [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mexico's revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 12% year-over-year, with Adjusted EBITDA up 10% [20] - Peru's fourth quarter revenue growth was 22%, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing by 49% [22] - The macroeconomic environment in Mexico is expected to remain soft, while Peru shows strong domestic demand [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest in future growth and innovation while returning excess capital to shareholders [6][7] - New campuses are being opened in Monterrey, Mexico, and Lima, Peru, to enhance academic offerings [7][8] - Continued focus on online education and AI-enabled investments to expand the addressable market [12][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects U.S. dollar reported revenue growth of 11%-12% for 2026, with margin expansion of 50 basis points [11][26] - Anticipated modest GDP growth in Mexico for 2026, with potential improvement in the second half of the year [12][60] - The demand for quality higher education in Mexico and Peru is expected to continue increasing [10][11] Other Important Information - The board authorized an additional $150 million increase to the stock repurchase program [7][23] - The company ended the year with a net cash position of $18 million [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing and decision-making for new campus openings - It takes about 18-24 months to launch a new campus, with a preference for building over buying due to cost efficiency [33][34] Question: AI disruption risks - AI is viewed as beneficial, improving retention and learning outcomes while expanding access to quality education [36] Question: 2026 guidance and FX neutral revenue growth - Slight deceleration in FX neutral revenue growth is expected due to softer macroeconomic conditions in Mexico [41][42] Question: Expansion of distance learning in Peru - The market is receptive to innovative products, with robust growth in the online segment and cautious pricing strategies [45][46] Question: Capacity constraints in Peru - Higher utilization in Mexico than in Peru, with ongoing efforts to address capacity through new campus launches [54][55] Question: Economic activity and investment plans in Peru - Softer economic conditions in Mexico are expected to continue, but potential for improved GDP growth post-USMCA [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full-year revenue for 2025 reached $1.7 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA at $519 million, both exceeding previous guidance [5][17] - The company achieved a top-line growth of 9% and a historic high margin of 30.5% for the full year [5][18] - Fourth quarter revenue was $541 million, with Adjusted EBITDA of $204 million, both metrics ahead of guidance [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New enrollments increased by 8% year-over-year, with total enrollments up by 5% for the full year [17][21] - In Mexico, new enrollments increased by 5%, while total enrollments rose by 4% [19] - In Peru, new enrollments surged by 13%, driven by growth in fully online programs [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mexico's revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 12% year-over-year, with Adjusted EBITDA up by 10% [19] - Peru's revenue growth for the fourth quarter was 22%, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing by 49% year-over-year [21] - The macroeconomic environment in Mexico is expected to remain soft, while Peru's economy continues to perform solidly [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest in future growth and innovation while returning excess capital to shareholders, with an additional $150 million authorized for stock repurchase [5][6] - There is a focus on expanding the addressable market through AI-enabled investments in digital education, particularly for working adults [12] - The company aims to build additional campuses in new cities over the next five years [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for quality higher education in Mexico and Peru, driven by rising participation rates and strong wage premiums for graduates [10][11] - The guidance for 2026 anticipates revenue growth of 11%-12%, with margin expansion of 50 basis points [11][26] - Economic conditions in Mexico are expected to improve in the second half of 2026, following USMCA negotiations [12][62] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with a net cash position of $18 million, having repurchased $217 million of common stock [22][23] - The company has consistently returned over $3 billion to shareholders since 2019 through various means [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing and decision-making for new campus openings - Management indicated it takes about 18-24 months to launch a new campus, with a preference for building over buying due to economic considerations [32][34] Question: AI disruption risks - Management views AI as beneficial, improving retention and learning outcomes while expanding access to quality education [35][36] Question: 2026 guidance and FX neutral revenue growth - Management noted that softer macroeconomic conditions in Mexico are impacting the outlook, with expectations for improved conditions in the second half of 2026 [41][42] Question: Capacity constraints in Peru - Management acknowledged capacity constraints in Peru but emphasized strong growth in the online segment, with plans to address these constraints through new campus launches [49][55]

Fourth Quarter & Year-End 2025 Earnings Presentation February 19, 2026 ©2026 Laureate Education, Inc. Forward Looking Statements This presentation includes statements that express Laureate's opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, ''forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Laureate's actual results may vary s ...

Core Viewpoint - Laureate Education, Inc. reported strong financial performance for 2025, with significant revenue growth and margin expansion, while also increasing its share repurchase authorization by $150 million to a total of $400 million [1][4][13]. Financial Performance Highlights Fourth Quarter 2025 - Reported revenue was $541.4 million, an increase of $118.0 million or 28% compared to Q4 2024; organic constant currency revenue increased by 16% [5][6]. - Operating income rose to $179.5 million from $124.2 million in Q4 2024, an increase of $55.3 million [5][6]. - Net income for Q4 2025 was $171.5 million, up from $93.6 million in Q4 2024, reflecting an increase of $77.9 million [5][6]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.18 and $1.17, respectively [5][6]. Year Ended December 31, 2025 - Total revenue for the year was $1,701.9 million, a 9% increase from $1,566.6 million in 2024; organic constant currency revenue increased by 8% [9][10]. - Operating income for 2025 was $431.1 million, compared to $374.0 million in 2024 [9][10]. - Net income decreased to $283.8 million from $296.4 million in 2024, primarily due to foreign currency exchange rate impacts [9][10]. - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $518.9 million, up from $450.1 million in 2024 [10]. Enrollment Metrics - New enrollments for FY 2025 increased by 8% compared to FY 2024, with total enrollments up by 5% [8][9]. - In Peru, new enrollments increased by 13% and total enrollments by 7%; in Mexico, new enrollments rose by 5% and total enrollments by 4% [8]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of December 31, 2025, Laureate had $146.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, with gross debt of $129.1 million, resulting in net cash of $17.6 million [11]. - The company repurchased approximately $217 million of its common stock during 2025, with $31 million remaining under the previous repurchase authorization [12][13]. Outlook for 2026 - For FY 2026, Laureate expects total enrollments to be between 516,000 and 521,000, reflecting a growth of 4%-5% compared to 2025 [14]. - Revenue is projected to be in the range of $1,890 million to $1,905 million, indicating growth of 11%-12% on a reported basis and 6%-7% on an organic constant currency basis [14].