Chegg Stock Plunges 9.2% in a Month: Time to Buy the Dip?

Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) has experienced a 9.2% decline in stock price over the past month, underperforming its industry and broader market indices [1][8] - The stock is currently trading at $1.29, down 52.7% from its 52-week high of $2.73, but 193.2% above its 52-week low of $0.44 [1] - The company's forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio stands at 0.38X, significantly lower than the industry average of 5.45X, raising questions about whether it represents a contrarian buy or a value trap [3][24] Financial Performance - Chegg's Q2 2025 total revenues fell 36% year over year to $105.1 million, although this was better than expected [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $23.1 million, indicating some progress in profitability despite revenue pressures [5] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have remained flat, with expectations of a decline from 75 cents per share in 2025 to break-even in 2026, and revenues projected to fall 33.8% in 2025 and 12.2% in 2026 [4] Challenges and Competition - The introduction of AI Overviews has negatively impacted Chegg's traffic and subscriber base, leading to a 39% drop in Subscription Services revenue to $89.7 million [9][10] - Chegg's reliance on third-party platforms for user acquisition poses a vulnerability, especially as competition intensifies from companies like Coursera, Udemy, and Duolingo [11][12] - The company reported a net loss of $35.7 million in Q2 and a free cash flow burn of $12 million due to restructuring costs [13] Strategic Initiatives - Chegg is undergoing a strategic review to explore options such as a sale or going private, which may create long-term value but adds short-term uncertainty [14][15] - The company has implemented cost control measures, reducing non-GAAP operating expenses by 33% year over year to $64 million in Q2, with expectations of further savings in the coming years [16][17] - Chegg is transforming its flagship "Chegg Study" into an AI-driven learning platform, with early data showing a 23% improvement in learning outcomes for users of new AI features [18][20] Growth Opportunities - Chegg is diversifying its offerings through Busuu and Chegg Skills, targeting the language learning and professional upskilling markets [21][23] - Busuu reported a 15% year-over-year revenue growth in Q2, with expectations to generate approximately $48 million in revenue for 2025 [22] - Chegg Skills is positioned in the $40 billion global upskilling market, with a 16% sequential increase in enrollments and plans to pursue ACE Credit recommendations [23] Valuation and Market Sentiment - Chegg's stock trades at a deep discount with a forward P/S ratio of 0.38X, reflecting execution risks amid ongoing revenue declines and strategic uncertainty [24][25] - Consensus estimates suggest continued revenue declines in 2025 and 2026, with potential stabilization thereafter if management's initiatives succeed [26] - The current market sentiment remains cautious, with investors likely to wait for clearer signs of revenue stabilization or outcomes from the strategic review before increasing exposure [27][28]