Laureate Education (NasdaqGS:LAUR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAdam Morse - SVP of FinanceEduardo Resende - Equity ResearchEilif Serck-Hanssen - CEOJeff Silber - Managing DirectorLucas Nagano - Equity Research AssociateRick Buskirk - CFOConference Call ParticipantsMarcelo Santos - Senior Sell-side Equity Analyst of TMT and EducationOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the fiscal year 2025 Laureate Education, Inc. earnings conference call. At ...

Laureate Education (NasdaqGS:LAUR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 08:30 AM ET Speaker6Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the fiscal year 2025 Laureate Education, Inc. earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one, one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising that your han ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue grew 2.9% year over year to $262 million, driven by a 4.1% increase in average total degree enrollment to 85,600 students [5][12] - Net income attributable to the company decreased to $15.5 million, or $0.40 diluted earnings per share, compared to $46.4 million, or $1.23 diluted earnings per share a year ago [12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.2% to $75.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.7%, up from 27.5% in the prior period [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Employer-affiliated enrollment accounted for approximately 34% of total enrollment, up from 31% in the first quarter of 2025 [5] - Adjusted net income attributable to the company increased 5.3% to $53.6 million, up from $50.9 million in the prior year period [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a solid start to the year with financial performance consistent with expectations, reinforcing the full-year outlook provided in the previous earnings call [4][11] - The preliminary program performance metrics released by the Department of Education indicated that all University of Phoenix programs for which metrics were provided are passing [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on expanding access to higher education that delivers relevant, career-aligned skills for working adults, emphasizing flexible programs and strong academic outcomes [4] - AI is viewed as an important enabler of existing strategies, with a focus on preparing students to be AI-fluent and leveraging AI for operational excellence [6][10] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of cash generation and announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of approximately $0.21 per share, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [10][16] - The company reiterated its net revenue guidance of $1.025 billion to $1.035 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $244 million to $249 million for fiscal 2026 [17] Other Important Information - The company recorded $4.5 million in expenses related to a cybersecurity incident, which did not impact student and academic programming [9][10] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with no outstanding debt and substantial cash and marketable securities totaling $218.1 million as of November 30, 2025 [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on enrollment growth and regulatory changes - Management noted that the recent Negotiated Rulemaking discussions were positive, with all programs passing preliminary performance metrics [20][21] Question: Coverage of programs in preliminary data - Over 50% of programs had earnings information available, covering a significant portion of the company's offerings [26] Question: Challenges in specific programs - Behavioral sciences programs may face challenges due to historically lower earnings, but preliminary data was positive [28] Question: Impact of fraud detection measures - The company has seen a downward trend in fraudulent attempts since implementing new controls [30] Question: New student enrollment trends - New student enrollment has been up year over year, with expectations for continued growth in Q2 and Q3 [31] Question: B2B growth and employer engagement - The company is seeing broad-based growth across programs, with effective account management driving deeper penetration with current employer affiliates [41][59] Question: Pricing strategy - The company has maintained consistent pricing since 2018, with affordability becoming increasingly important [66] Question: Future job displacement due to AI - Management acknowledged the potential for job displacement and emphasized the need for reskilling in AI [70]

Core Insights - EpicQuest Education Group International Limited has been awarded the CES Speed Award for Global Branding at CES 2026, recognizing its internationalization strategy and innovative educational initiatives [1][2] Company Strategy - The company is focused on a hybrid 'global campus' model that allows students to take courses online and in-person in their home countries, enhancing its internationalization strategy [2] - EpicQuest Education is developing an AI platform aimed at improving student engagement and tutoring, which is a foundational step towards creating a comprehensive AI-based university [3] - The company's collaborative programs for its institutions, Davis University and EduGlobal College, are central to its strategy to expand student enrollment and academic offerings [5] Growth and Financial Performance - The innovative approach of establishing programs in students' home countries has led to strong company growth and diversified revenue streams, contributing to a robust enrollment pipeline [4] - Recent strategic growth plans have resulted in increased international student enrollment, which is expected to lead to sustainable financial results [5] Company Overview - EpicQuest Education provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students in the US, Canada, and the UK, operating EduGlobal College and holding a 70% stake in Davis University [7] - The company has established a subsidiary, Gilmore Inv LLC, in Ohio to offer international educational programs related to kinesiology and recreation education [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 53.8% year-over-year in 2024, with expectations of close to 35% year-over-year growth in 2025 [3][4] - The company anticipates approximately 15% year-over-year revenue growth in 2026, focusing on profitability as a major goal [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth is attributed to an increase in the number of students and parents served, strengthening of the product portfolio, and growing brand influence [3] - Integration of online and offline solutions, along with AI enhancements, is progressing steadily [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen sustained operating leverage as it expands, which supports the goal of achieving full profitability at target scale [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to balance growth with profitability, making profitability the primary focus in 2026 [4] - Ongoing efforts are aimed at moving towards sustainable net profitability in 2026 [4] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory becoming more balanced in 2026, with a focus on profitability [4] Other Important Information - The company encourages further inquiries through its Investor Relations Department [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 growth expectations and balancing growth with loss reduction - Management provided insights on revenue growth expectations for 2025 and 2026, emphasizing the importance of profitability in future strategies [2][4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 53.8% year-over-year in 2024, with expectations of close to 35% year-over-year growth in 2025 [3] - Anticipated approximately 15% year-over-year revenue growth in 2026, with a focus on profitability [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a steady increase in the number of students and parents served, contributing to strong top line expansion [3] - Integration of online and offline solutions, along with AI enhancements, is progressing steadily [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing sustained operating leverage as it scales, which supports the path to full profitability [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - In 2026, profitability will be the major focus guiding the execution of the overall strategy [4] - The company aims to move towards sustainable net profitability with ongoing efforts to improve operating cash flows [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a balanced growth trajectory with a focus on profitability in 2026 [4] Other Important Information - The company encourages further inquiries through its Investor Relations Department [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 growth expectations and business line plans - Management highlighted strong revenue growth in 2024 and 2025, with a balanced growth focus and profitability as key goals for 2026 [3][4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 53.8% year-over-year in 2024, with expectations of close to 35% year-over-year growth in 2025, indicating strong top-line expansion over the past two years [3][4] - The company anticipates approximately 15% year-over-year revenue growth in 2026, focusing on achieving sustainable net profitability [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth is attributed to an increase in the number of students and parents served, strengthening of the product portfolio, and growing brand influence [3] - Integration of online and offline solutions, along with AI enhancements, is progressing steadily, improving user experience in courses [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing sustained operating leverage as it scales, which supports the foundation for achieving full profitability at target scale [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - In 2026, the company plans to balance growth with a major focus on profitability, guiding the execution of its overall strategy [4] - The company aims to improve operating cash flows and move towards sustainable net profitability in 2026 [4] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the steady increase in user demand and motivation as key drivers for growth, alongside product integration and brand strength [3][4] Other Important Information - The company encourages further inquiries through its Investor Relations Department and offers subscription to news alerts on its IR website [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2026 growth expectations and business line plans - Management provided insights on anticipated growth rates and the strategy to balance growth with loss reduction, emphasizing profitability as a key focus for 2026 [2][4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net revenue of RMB 523 million, a 6.5% increase year-over-year from RMB 491.3 million [11][13] - Net income surged 40.5% year-over-year to RMB 125.4 million, with a net margin of 24% [4][11] - Gross profit rose 13.1% to RMB 462.7 million, while cost of revenues decreased by 26.5% to RMB 60.3 million [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The next degree and diploma programs accounted for approximately 15% of total revenue, while long-degree offerings, including professional certification and interest-based courses, made up about 73% of total revenue [5] - Gross billings per new student enrollment for interest, professional skills, and professional certification courses grew 11.7% year-over-year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has maintained a robust balance sheet with RMB 601 million in cash equivalents and restricted cash, and RMB 176.5 million in short-term investments [16] - Deferred revenue balance decreased to RMB 695.5 million from RMB 916.5 million year-over-year [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-margin, demand-driving process categories, shifting from rapid growth to quality-driven growth [6][10] - A strategic pivot towards AI-driven transformations is underway, enhancing learning experiences and operational efficiency [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and scalability, emphasizing a learner-centered product mindset as a core pillar of competitiveness [10][12] - For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company expects net revenues to be between RMB 440 million and RMB 460 million, representing a decrease of 4.9%-9% year-over-year [16] Other Important Information - The company has successfully cultivated a vibrant ecosystem for senior learners, enhancing engagement and social connections through various initiatives [7][8] - The company is actively launching charity programs and cultural initiatives to enrich the learning experience for older users [8] Q&A Session Summary - No questions were raised during the Q&A session, leading to the conclusion of the call [17]

Core Viewpoint - Gaotu Techedu Inc. is set to report its financial results for the third quarter of 2025 on November 26, 2025, highlighting its focus on AI-powered education solutions in China [1][2]. Company Overview - Gaotu Techedu Inc. is a leading technology-driven education company in China, dedicated to enabling lifelong learning through AI-powered solutions [3]. - The company offers AI-powered, product-led learning solutions for learners of all ages, from preschool to adulthood [3]. - Gaotu combines high-caliber teaching resources with AI-enhanced tools and content to create engaging learning experiences delivered through online and offline channels [3]. - AI and data analytics are integral to the company's operations, allowing for content and teaching methods to be tailored to individual learner needs, thereby enhancing efficiency and promoting sustained learning progress [3]. Earnings Conference Call - The management of Gaotu will hold an earnings conference call on November 26, 2025, at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time [2]. - Dial-in details for the conference call are provided for international, U.S., Hong Kong, and Mainland China participants [2]. - A telephone replay will be available two hours after the call until December 3, 2025, with specific dial-in details for the replay [2]. - A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be accessible on the company's investor relations website [2].

Core Insights - The company has entered a stable growth trajectory, with total net revenue increasing by 6.1% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong operational capabilities and sustainable profitability [4][10][18] Business Performance - New educational business initiatives recorded a revenue increase of approximately 15% year over year for Q1 2026, with the top 10 cities contributing over 50% of this revenue [1][2] - The non-academic tutoring business has expanded to around 60 cities, with market penetration particularly strong in high-tier cities, where the top 10 cities contribute over 60% of this segment [2] - The overseas test prep business saw a revenue increase of about 1% year over year, while the overseas study consulting business recorded a 2% increase [3][10] Financial Highlights - Non-GAAP operating margin reached 22%, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 100 basis points [3] - Operating income for the quarter was $310.8 million, a 6% increase year over year, while non-GAAP operating income was $335.5 million, representing an 11.3% increase [10] - Net cash flow generated from operations was approximately $192.3 million, with capital expenditure at $55.4 million [11] Future Guidance - The company expects total net revenue for Q2 2026 to be in the range of $1,132.1 million to $1,263.3 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of 9% to 12% [14] - For the full fiscal year 2026, total net revenue is projected to be between $5,145.3 million and $5,390.3 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 5% to 10% [15] Shareholder Returns - The company announced an ordinary cash dividend of $0.12 per common share, totaling approximately $190 million, to be paid in two installments [16][17] - A new share repurchase program allows for the repurchase of up to $300 million of its ADS or common shares over the next 12 months [17] Operational Efficiency - The company has focused on cost management and operational efficiency, which contributed to margin expansion despite challenges in the overseas-related business [39][40] - The effective utilization of resources and cost control measures are expected to continue supporting margin improvements throughout the fiscal year [39]