Skillsoft vs. Udemy: Which Online Learning Stock Is Worth Buying?

Core Insights - Skillsoft (SKIL) and Udemy (UDMY) are direct competitors in the online learning and corporate training sector, focusing on workforce development and lifelong learning [1] Group 1: Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft experienced a turbulent growth trajectory, with a 6% year-over-year revenue decline in Q3 of fiscal 2026, primarily due to an 18% drop in the Global Knowledge (GK) segment, which constitutes 22% of total revenue [2][3] - The GK segment incurred a $20.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment loss, resulting in a $4.9 million adjusted net loss, prompting management to consider strategic alternatives for this segment [3] - The Talent Development Solutions (TDS) segment saw a 2% year-over-year decline, but management remains optimistic about its AI-native roadmap, having signed its first four large enterprise customers [3] - Cost reductions led to a $28 million adjusted EBITDA, despite a 130 basis points dip in adjusted EBITDA margin year-over-year, indicating resilience amid declining GK revenues [5] - Skillsoft is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 1.92, significantly lower than Udemy's 10.25, making it more attractive to investors [12] Group 2: Udemy (UDMY) - Udemy reported $195.7 million in revenue for Q3 of 2025, reflecting a marginal year-over-year increase, with subscription revenues growing 8% and accounting for 74% of total revenues [6] - The company achieved an 88% year-over-year increase in paid subscribers in the consumer segment, alongside a 2% rise in total enterprise customers, attributed to AI integration and a focus on high-value recurring revenue streams [7] - Udemy's adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 600 basis points to 12%, driven by operational discipline and a shift towards high-margin subscriptions [7] - Despite these positives, Udemy faces challenges, including a 5% year-over-year increase in Udemy Business revenues and a net dollar retention rate of 93%, impacted by the downsizing of legacy contracts [8] - The consensus estimate for Udemy's 2026 sales is $806 million, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year increase, while EPS is projected to decline by 5.5% [11] Group 3: Investment Recommendation - Skillsoft is recommended for investment due to its lower valuation and potential for long-term returns as it focuses on becoming a leaner AI-first entity [14][16] - Udemy is advised to be retained for now, pending further justification of revenue growth from customer and subscriber increases [16]