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Can Chegg's Restructure Help Drive Better Cost Control for 2026?
ZACKS· 2025-12-23 14:21
Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) has undergone a significant restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and financial discipline in response to a changing market environment [1][4] - The restructuring divides operations into two main units: a legacy academic business focused on cash generation and a skilling business aimed at long-term growth [1][8] - The company aims to reduce total non-GAAP expenses from $536 million in 2024 to under $250 million by 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards tighter spending and improved operational focus [2][4] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, non-GAAP operating expenses decreased by 46% year-over-year due to restructuring efforts, contributing to better operating discipline [2] - Adjusted EBITDA surpassed internal expectations, reflecting improved cost execution and operational efficiency [2][8] - The earnings per share (EPS) estimate for 2026 has risen to 18 cents from break-even, with an expected growth of 228.6% [12] Market Position - Chegg operates in a competitive ed tech landscape alongside companies like Duolingo, Inc. and Udemy, Inc., which have established strong market positions [5][6] - Duolingo leads in the language-learning niche with a gamified app, while Udemy focuses on professional skill development and AI enablement [6] - Chegg's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.33, indicating a discounted valuation compared to industry peers, which may present an attractive entry point for investors [10] Operational Challenges - The company continues to face challenges such as declining traffic in legacy academic services and significant year-over-year revenue contraction [3][4] - Broader industry trends, including AI-driven disruptions and reduced traditional online traffic, are impacting performance [3]
Internet Stocks Need AI Profits In 2026, Analyst Says
Benzinga· 2025-12-18 17:54
Core Viewpoint - Internet stocks are facing challenges entering 2026, having underperformed the broader market in 2025 due to operational missteps, increased competition from generative AI, and inconsistent margins, necessitating companies to demonstrate real AI-driven growth and profitability [1][2]. Market Performance - Internet stocks lagged behind both the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000 in 2025, attributed to operational missteps and competitive threats from generative AI [2]. - Consumer sentiment remains approximately 28% lower year over year, influenced by recent government shutdowns and tariff actions, despite a 5% month-over-month improvement in early December [3][2]. 2026 Outlook - A stable consumer environment alone will not sustain valuations in 2026; companies must show stronger execution and tangible progress in AI monetization and profitability [4]. - In the education sector, deeper integration with AI platforms is expected to diversify traffic sources, alongside scaling AI-enhanced learning products [5]. AI Adoption and Impact - AI-driven traffic is becoming significant, accounting for about 1% of Etsy's total traffic, with industry-wide AI referrals increasing by approximately 1,200% year over year in October [6]. - AI-driven traffic has a conversion rate that is about 16% better than non-AI traffic [6]. Company-Specific Insights - For Duolingo, investor sentiment is negative, but early 2026 bookings and adjusted EBITDA guidance could indicate potential upside; the company needs to achieve over 20% bookings growth and stabilize daily active users [7]. - Etsy shows mixed sentiment, but sustained gross merchandise sales growth could mitigate margin pressures from investments in Depop, supporting stronger share performance in 2026 [8]. - Coursera has been upgraded to Overweight, with expectations that consensus estimates underestimate improving execution across product, go-to-market, and profitability [8]. - The pending merger with Udemy is anticipated to create a more competitive AI-skills platform and accelerate AI product development [9]. Ratings Summary - Duolingo and Coursera are rated Overweight, while Etsy and Udemy are rated Neutral; Nerdy Inc. and Chegg, Inc. are rated Underweight [9].
Chegg vs. Udemy: Which EdTech Stock Has the Edge Heading Into 2026?
ZACKS· 2025-12-17 14:51
Core Insights - The online education market is experiencing a structural reset driven by shifts in learner behavior towards flexible, outcome-oriented skill development and the influence of generative AI on knowledge consumption [1] - Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) and Udemy, Inc. (UDMY) represent two distinct approaches to monetizing digital learning platforms, each adapting to similar industry pressures from different starting points [1][2] Chegg (CHGG) Overview - Chegg is undergoing a structural reset, separating its legacy academic services from growth-oriented skilling operations to align resources with long-term demand trends in workforce education [4] - In Q3 2025, Chegg's non-GAAP operating expenses decreased by 46% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA exceeding expectations due to aggressive cost actions [5] - Total revenues for Chegg fell by 42% year-over-year in Q3 2025, primarily due to reduced traffic in legacy academic services and advertising revenue pressure [6] - The Chegg Skilling unit is projected to achieve 14% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, with expectations for sustained double-digit growth beyond 2025 [7] Udemy (UDMY) Overview - Udemy is shifting towards a subscription-led business model, focusing on professional skill development and enterprise learning, which allows for improved revenue quality and visibility [8][9] - In Q3 2025, Udemy's total revenues reached $196 million, slightly up year-over-year, with subscription revenues increasing by 8% and accounting for 74% of total revenues [10] - Despite improvements, Udemy faces challenges with a net dollar retention rate of 93% in its business segment and constrained growth in the consumer segment due to a strategic deemphasis on transactional course sales [11] Stock Performance & Valuation - Chegg's share price performance has lagged behind Udemy's and the broader industry over the past six months [13] - Udemy currently trades at a higher forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio compared to Chegg [15] - Chegg's earnings estimates for 2026 have trended upward, indicating a projected year-over-year growth of 228.6% [17] - In contrast, Udemy's 2026 EPS estimates have trended downward, indicating only 0.8% growth [19] Investment Outlook - Chegg is emerging from a significant restructuring with a leaner cost structure and improving earnings visibility, positioning it for potential upside heading into 2026 [21] - Udemy benefits from its transition to a subscription model and expanding enterprise presence, but faces execution risks and a more measured growth outlook [21][22] - Chegg currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while Udemy has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), appealing more to investors seeking stability [22]
Can Chegg Turn Its Skilling Pivot Into a True 2026 Comeback?
ZACKS· 2025-12-11 16:20
Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. has redefined its business model with the introduction of Chegg Skilling, integrating Busuu and Chegg Skills to tap into the growing global skilling market, estimated at over $40 billion [1] Business Model and Growth Strategy - Chegg Skilling focuses on AI skills and upskilling for frontline workers, with both Busuu and Chegg Skills showing double-digit growth. The segment is projected to achieve $70 million in annual revenues by 2025, with a year-over-year growth rate of 14% [2] - The company is enhancing its B2B focus through successful partnerships, such as with Guild, to secure contracts from employers seeking scalable training solutions, with plans for expansion into Latin America [2] Financial Restructuring - Chegg is implementing a significant cost restructure, aiming to reduce non-GAAP expenses from $536 million in 2024 to under $250 million by 2026, alongside a 60% cut in capital expenditures next year [3] - Improved operational discipline has led to better-than-expected adjusted EBITDA results in Q3 2025, indicating that the new leaner model is starting to yield positive outcomes [3] Market Position and Competition - Chegg operates in a competitive ed-tech landscape alongside Duolingo and Udemy, each employing different strategies to capture market share [5][7] - Duolingo excels in language learning with a gamified app, while Udemy leverages a vast marketplace model with independent instructors to meet evolving professional learning needs [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Chegg's stock has declined by 22.6% over the past month, underperforming compared to the Zacks Internet - Software industry and the S&P 500 Index [8] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.35, indicating a discounted valuation compared to industry peers, which may present an attractive entry point for investors [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chegg's 2025 loss has widened to 14 cents, while estimates for 2026 earnings have increased to 18 cents, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 118.7% for 2025 and a projected growth of 228.6% for 2026 [13][14]
Chegg Stock Plunges 45% in 3 Months: Should Investors Buy the Dip?
ZACKS· 2025-12-09 14:16
Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) has experienced a significant decline of 45.4% in its stock price over the past three months, contrasting with a 10.1% decline in the Zacks Internet-Software industry and an 8.9% gain in the broader Computer and Technology sector [2][3] Company Performance - Chegg is facing multiple pressures, including declining traffic in its legacy academic services, substantial year-over-year revenue contraction, and an operational reset due to recent restructuring [3] - The company is transitioning towards a skilling-focused model, which is influenced by shifts in student behavior and competition from AI-driven alternatives [3] Restructuring and Cost Management - Chegg has implemented a major restructuring to enhance long-term profitability, dividing operations into a legacy academic business and a growth-oriented skilling business [9][10] - The restructuring has led to a 46% year-over-year reduction in non-GAAP operating expenses in Q3 2025, with expectations for total non-GAAP expenses to drop from $536 million in 2024 to under $250 million by 2026 [11] Skilling Business Growth - The consolidation of Busuu and Chegg Skills into a single "Chegg Skilling" unit is projected to achieve 14% year-over-year revenue growth for Q4 2025, with sustained double-digit growth anticipated beyond 2025 [12] - Demand for workforce training in areas such as AI and language learning is increasing, aligning with broader corporate training trends [12][13] Legacy Academic Operations - Despite challenges, the legacy academic services segment remains valuable, with over 130 million questions in its database, allowing for efficient operation with fewer resources [14] - This segment is expected to continue generating solid cash flow, providing funding for future investments in the skilling business [15] Financial Outlook - Chegg anticipates significant improvement in free cash flow in 2026, supported by lower operating expenses and capital expenditures [16] - Capital expenditures fell by 63% year-over-year in Q3 2025, with an additional 60% reduction expected in 2026, enhancing cash preservation while maintaining product quality [17] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Chegg's stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.34X, significantly lower than industry peers like Coursera and Udemy [18][20] - Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased to 18 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 228.6% [21] Investment Opportunity - Chegg's strategic restructuring, growth in the skilling business, and disciplined cost management create a solid foundation for potential recovery, making it an attractive investment opportunity despite near-term uncertainties [23]
Bullish Q3 Earnings and Revenues Improve Year Over Year, Shares Rise
ZACKS· 2025-11-20 19:11
Core Insights - Bullish (BLSH) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of 10 cents per share, a significant improvement from a loss of 59 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1] - Total adjusted revenues increased by 72% year over year to $76.5 million, with a sequential increase of 34%, primarily driven by strong growth in Subscription, Services & Other (SS&O) revenues [1][8] - BLSH shares rose by 0.96% in pre-market trading [1] Q3 Top-Line Details - Adjusted Transaction Revenues, accounting for 34.9% of total revenues, decreased by 18.84% year over year to $26.7 million [2] - Digital asset sales fell significantly from $54.2 billion in the previous year to $41.6 billion [2] - SS&O revenues reached $49.8 million in Q3 2025, representing over 50% sequential growth and over 300% year-over-year growth [2] Q3 Operating Details - Adjusted operating expenses for Q3 2025 were $47.9 million, an increase of 29.8% year over year, but a decline of 2% sequentially [3] - Adjusted net income for Q3 2025 was $13.8 million, compared to a loss of $3.1 million in the same quarter last year [3] - Adjusted EBITDA was $28.6 million, reflecting a 271% year-over-year increase and a 253% sequential increase [3] Balance Sheet Details - As of September 30, 2025, BLSH had total cash and cash equivalents of $69.3 million, up from $36 million as of June 30, 2025 [4] Q4 Guidance - For Q4 2025, Bullish expects Subscription, Services & Other revenues to be between $47.0 million and $53.0 million [5] - Adjusted Operating Expenses are anticipated to be between $48.0 million and $50.0 million [5]
Top Economist Warns White-Collar Workers Are Facing Their 'Detroit Auto Worker' Moment As AI Begins Replacing Cognitive Jobs - Chegg (NYSE:CHGG), Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Benzinga· 2025-11-17 11:09
Core Insights - Economist Justin Wolfers warns that white-collar professionals are facing a significant threat from artificial intelligence (AI), likening their situation to that of Detroit auto workers in the 1970s [1][4] - Unlike previous technological revolutions that primarily affected blue-collar jobs, AI is now targeting cognitive work, impacting white-collar roles [2][3] Job Market Impact - Major corporations, including Amazon and UPS, have announced substantial layoffs, with Amazon planning to cut nearly 30,000 jobs and UPS increasing its job cuts to 48,000 [5][8] - Other companies also reported significant workforce reductions, including Chegg Inc. (45% of workforce), Target Corp. (1,800 roles), and Paramount Skydance Corp. (2,000 jobs) [8] AI and Market Performance - Despite employment concerns, AI-linked instruments have shown positive market performance, with futures for major indices like S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones trading higher [6] - A list of AI-linked ETFs indicates strong year-to-date and one-year performance, with some ETFs like Defiance Quantum ETF showing a 29.73% YTD return and 66.04% over one year [9]
Chegg Reports Breakeven Q3 Earnings, Revenues Down Y/Y, Stock Up
ZACKS· 2025-11-11 17:00
Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. reported break-even earnings in Q3 2025, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate but showing a year-over-year decline [1][3][8] - Net revenues of $77.7 million surpassed the consensus mark but fell 43% year over year [3][8] - Following the earnings report, Chegg's shares rose by 3.4% in after-hours trading [1] Revenue Performance - The decline in performance was attributed to a decrease in the number of subscribers, lower enrollments in Chegg Skills, and reduced advertising revenues [2] - Subscription Services revenues decreased by 42% to $69.1 million, while Skills and Other product line revenues fell by 49% to $8.6 million [4] Operating Highlights - Gross profit decreased by 50.6% year over year to $46 million, with gross margin contracting by 900 basis points to 59% [5][8] - Total operating expenses dropped by 80% to $63.2 million from $315.5 million [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $13.3 million, down from $22.3 million in the prior year [5][8] Liquidity and Cash Flow - As of September 30, 2025, Chegg had cash and cash equivalents of $38.2 million, down from $161.5 million in 2024 [6] - For the first nine months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $24.5 million, a decrease from $107.1 million in the previous year [6] - Free cash flow at the end of Q3 was $2.8 million, down from $45.4 million a year ago [6] Q4 2025 Outlook - Chegg expects Q4 net revenues to be in the range of $70-$72 million, compared to $143.5 million in the same quarter last year [7][8] - Chegg Skilling revenues are projected to be $18 million [7] Margin and EBITDA Projections - The gross margin for Q4 is expected to be between 57% and 58%, down from 68% reported a year ago [9] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $10 million and $11 million, significantly lower than the $36.6 million reported a year ago [9]
Chegg, Inc. 2025 Q3 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation (NYSE:CHGG) 2025-11-11
Seeking Alpha· 2025-11-11 13:01
Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]