RESTON, VA, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN) announced today it plans to discuss its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 financial results during a conference call scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. eastern time (ET).  A live webcast of the call will be available at investors.stridelearning.com/events-and-presentations. To participate in the live call, investors and analysts should dial (800) 715-9871 (domestic) or +1 (646) 307-1963 (international) and provide t ...

Core Insights - The 2025 Pearson School Report indicates that over 1.65 million primary and secondary students and more than 250,000 college students in England may lack the emotional readiness and academic level required to progress in their education [1][3]. Group 1: Student Readiness - Teachers estimate that at least one in three primary (32%) and secondary (31%) students are not ready to advance, while 43% of college tutors express similar concerns for 16-18-year-olds [3][4]. - Factors affecting student readiness include special educational needs and/or disabilities (79%), struggles with writing (75%), and independence (73%) for primary students; self-motivation (77%), independence (65%), and social maturity (62%) for secondary students; and digital wellbeing (30%) and critical thinking (30%) for college students [4][5]. Group 2: Educational Gaps and Suggestions - A significant number of students express concerns about their preparedness for future learning, with 17% of school students and 26% of college students feeling unready [3][4]. - Suggestions from educators include integrating real-life lessons, enhancing practical skills, adapting to AI advancements, and establishing clearer links between education and career paths [5][6]. - A notable 40% of students feel that money management and budgeting skills are lacking in their education, alongside other essential skills such as communication and job readiness [5][6]. Group 3: Curriculum and Assessment - There is a call for a reduction in curriculum volume and less emphasis on final exams, with 20% of college students indicating that curriculum volume impacts their learning [5][6]. - 58% of school teachers advocate for addressing curriculum volume, while 34% of school teachers believe modular assessments would enhance outcomes [5][6]. Group 4: Future Preparedness - The report emphasizes the need for education to evolve in response to technological advancements, with 44% of secondary teachers feeling students are not adequately prepared for an AI-driven world [5][7]. - The importance of lifelong learning is highlighted, as today's children will face a rapidly changing job market influenced by robotics and AI [7][8].

Core Insights - Pearson has announced a strategic partnership with SkillsUSA to enhance college and career readiness for students, providing access to industry-recognized certifications through Credly [1][2][4] - The partnership aims to equip students with practical skills and credentials that are highly valued in the job market, addressing the evolving needs of employers [2][5] - More than a million students will benefit from this initiative, which includes enhanced curriculum offerings and access to valuable certifications [3][5] Company Overview - Pearson is positioned as a lifelong learning company, committed to innovative solutions and educational experiences that prepare students for success in college and careers [4][6] - The company serves customers in nearly 200 countries, focusing on creating impactful learning experiences through digital content, assessments, and qualifications [6] SkillsUSA Overview - SkillsUSA is the largest student-led workforce development organization in the U.S., representing over 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers [9] - The organization focuses on empowering students to become skilled professionals and career-ready leaders, addressing the skills gap in various industries [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net revenue of RMB 487.6 million, a decrease of 6.8% from RMB 523.2 million in Q4 2024, marking the sixteenth consecutive profitable quarter with a net income of RMB 75.2 million [5][20] - The gross profit margin was 85.2%, and the net income margin was 15.4%, with operating cash flow remaining positive for the seventh consecutive quarter [6][18] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB 596.2 million, with short-term investments of RMB 200.7 million as of March 31, 2025, down from RMB 507.2 million and RMB 276 million respectively at the end of 2024 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Degree and diploma programs contributed 9.7% of total revenue, while interest-based programs, professional skills development, and certification preparation accounted for 78.2% of total revenue [8][10] - New student enrollments reached 169,083, supported by a 7.5% growth in average order value [18][20] - The company maintained stable operating expenses at RMB 341.1 million, with sales and marketing expenses remaining relatively stable [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a decline in gross billing from post-secondary courses, impacting overall revenue [20] - The aging population in China is driving increased participation in the senior consumer market, presenting significant opportunities for collaboration across various sectors [10][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to refine its business mix by focusing on high-margin areas and diversifying its course offerings, including wellness and lifestyle [7][15] - A partnership-driven approach is being adopted to enhance value creation, with new collaborations established to leverage consumer reach [10][11] - The company is committed to enhancing its digital transformation through AI tools to improve curriculum precision and engagement [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering growth throughout 2025 despite macroeconomic uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a flexible business model [6][15] - The company anticipates net revenues for Q2 2025 to be between RMB 500 million and RMB 520 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.6% to 5.6% [23] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a dual teacher model to enhance course accessibility and engagement, achieving a 98% course completion rate among new students [12] - Recent policy developments are seen as supportive of the company's strategic direction, particularly in the context of lifelong learning [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for future revenue growth? - The company expects net revenues for Q2 2025 to be between RMB 500 million and RMB 520 million, indicating a potential increase year-over-year [23] Question: How is the company addressing the decline in post-secondary course revenues? - The company is reallocating resources towards high-growth opportunities and closely monitoring education trends and demographic shifts [9][10] Question: What strategies are in place to enhance student engagement? - The company has adopted a hybrid model combining online and offline learning, which has proven effective in boosting learner retention and satisfaction [11][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net revenue of RMB 487.6 million, a decrease of 6.8% from RMB 523.2 million in Q4 2024, marking the sixteenth consecutive profitable quarter with a net income of RMB 75.2 million [5][18] - The gross profit margin was 85.2%, and the net income margin was 15.4%, with operating cash flow remaining positive for the seventh consecutive quarter [6][16] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB 596.2 million, with short-term investments at RMB 200.7 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to RMB 507.2 million and RMB 276 million respectively at the end of 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Degree and diploma programs contributed 9.7% of total revenue, while interest-based programs, professional skills development, and certification preparation accounted for 78.2% of total revenue [8][9] - New student enrollments reached 169,083, supported by a 7.5% growth in average order value [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a decline in gross billing from post-secondary courses, impacting overall revenue [18] - The aging population in China is driving increased participation in the senior consumer market, presenting opportunities for collaboration with various industries [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to refine its business mix by focusing on high-margin areas and diversifying its course offerings, including wellness and lifestyle [7] - A partnership-driven approach is being adopted to enhance value creation, with new collaborations established to leverage consumer reach [10] - The company is enhancing its digital transformation by embedding AI tools to improve curriculum precision and engagement [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties, emphasizing a focus on domestic markets [14] - The outlook for Q2 2025 anticipates net revenues between RMB 500 million to RMB 520 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.6% to 5.6% [21] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a stable operating expense level, with operating expenses at RMB 341.1 million, unchanged from the previous year [19] - A dual teacher model has been implemented to enhance course accessibility and engagement, achieving a 98% course completion rate among new students [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for future revenue growth? - The company expects net revenues for Q2 2025 to be between RMB 500 million to RMB 520 million, indicating a potential increase year-over-year [21] Question: How is the company addressing the decline in post-secondary course revenues? - The company is reallocating resources towards high-growth opportunities and closely monitoring education trends and demographic shifts [8][9] Question: What strategies are in place to enhance student engagement? - The company has adopted a hybrid model combining online and offline learning, which has proven effective in boosting learner retention and satisfaction [10][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue dropped to $7.9 million from $23 million in the previous year, indicating a significant decline due to operational disruptions [31] - Total assets grew from $30.3 million in 2023 to $101 million in 2024, with current assets increasing from $9.6 million to $42.2 million [32] - Total liabilities decreased from $23.5 million in 2023 to $21.6 million in 2024, resulting in a net asset value growth from $19.7 million to $79.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 303% [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core education business is developing a blockchain-based microlearning platform, which includes the Bitcoin Academy, Genius Academy, and Genius School [11] - The company aims to generate $20 million in revenues from its AI-powered education business, ensuring long-term sustainability [12] - Two out of three remaining business units are now achieving profitability [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lifelong learning market is valued at $10 trillion and is undergoing global disruption, with the company positioned to capitalize on this trend [22] - The company is experiencing a wave of adoption in AI education globally, supported by government initiatives [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to establish 100 Genius cities and reach a billion-dollar valuation by 2030, with plans to develop the first physical Genius city in Bali, Indonesia [4][13] - The Genius City model integrates lifelong learning with tokenized assets and an AI-powered workforce [13][26] - The company is focused on educating other executives and investors on the long-term value of Bitcoin treasuries [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of overcoming legal challenges to execute the group's plans and achieve profitability [30][35] - The company is providing provisional revenue guidance of $10 million to $30 million, contingent on lifting the preliminary injunction [35] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term vision of the company despite short-term challenges [35] Other Important Information - The company is currently facing legal restrictions that prevent it from raising funds or buying Bitcoin, impacting its operations and growth plans [5][16] - The ongoing legal issues could result in damages exceeding $700 million, potentially reaching over a billion dollars [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's strategy regarding the Bitcoin treasury? - The company aims to grow its Bitcoin treasury to 1,000 Bitcoin, with a long-term target of a billion dollars in value by 2030, despite current legal restrictions [11][20] Question: How is the company addressing its operational challenges? - The management is focused on cutting costs and achieving profitability in its remaining business units while navigating legal challenges [34] Question: What is the outlook for the education market? - The company believes it is well-positioned to capitalize on the $10 trillion lifelong learning market, especially with the increasing adoption of AI education [22][23]