AI-driven Disruption
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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]