Skillsoft vs. Duolingo: Which EdTech Stock Is a Smarter Bet Today?

Core Insights - Both Skillsoft (SKIL) and Duolingo (DUOL) are positioned in the digital education sector, focusing on online learning platforms that generate revenue through subscriptions and enterprise solutions. The shift towards remote work and app-based learning is driving demand for digital education [1] Skillsoft (SKIL) - Skillsoft aims to evolve into an AI-first skill-management organization, focusing on its Percipio platform to enhance the connection between learning and business performance [2] - The company is leveraging AI technologies to create tailored content more efficiently, resulting in a 74% year-over-year increase in AI learner bases and a 158% growth in AI learning hours [3] - Despite a 2.4% decrease in content and software development expenses and a 7.1% decline in selling and marketing expenses, SKIL experienced a 6% year-over-year drop in revenue due to challenges in the global knowledge segment [4] - Management is conducting a strategic review to address inefficiencies in the GK segment, which has negatively impacted the adjusted EBITDA margin by 130 basis points year-over-year [5] - Skillsoft is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 0.96, significantly lower than its median of 2.82, indicating a more attractive valuation for investors [13] Duolingo (DUOL) - Duolingo integrates AI into its core business model, which has driven a 30% year-over-year increase in daily active users and a 28% rise in paid subscribers [6] - However, the outlook for 2026 shows a concerning decline in growth, with management projecting an 11% year-over-year increase in bookings, down from 33% in 2025 [7] - The company anticipates a decrease in adjusted EBITDA margin to 25% for 2026 from 29.5% in 2025, raising concerns about margin compression [9] - Duolingo is facing challenges in achieving virality, which could hinder its growth trajectory [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duolingo's fiscal 2026 sales is $512.2 million, reflecting a 3.6% decline from the previous year, with EPS expected to drop by 3.7% [11] Comparative Analysis - Skillsoft presents a deep-value proposition with its AI-first model and strategic pivot, while Duolingo's premium valuation of 28.06X raises concerns given its declining growth prospects for 2026 [16][17] - Skillsoft is currently rated as a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Duolingo holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [17]