Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported a revenue growth of 15% year-over-year, reaching $1,856 million for the first half of 2025 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 20% year-over-year, totaling $893 million, with a margin of 48.1%, up 220 basis points from the previous year [4][17] - Basic EPS rose to 4.69, representing a 17% increase compared to the previous year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Undergraduate segment revenue grew over 16%, totaling R$1,642 million, with a 14% increase in the number of medical students [10] - Continuing education revenue increased by 8% year-over-year, reaching R$138 million, driven by a 12% growth in graduate journey students [11] - Medical practice solutions segment saw a revenue growth of over 9%, reaching R$84 million, with B2P revenues up nearly 12% [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ecosystem reached 302,000 active users, indicating strong engagement among physicians and medical students across Brazil [14] - The number of approved medical seats increased to 3,653, reflecting a 14% growth year-over-year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company remains focused on operational excellence, aiming for robust growth, increased profitability, and solid cash generation as strategic pillars for long-term value creation [3] - A new share repurchase program was approved, allowing the company to buy back up to 4 million Class A shares by the end of 2026, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting full-year 2025 guidance, supported by strong business fundamentals and disciplined execution [4] - The competitive landscape for medical education is expected to be more intense in the second half of the year, but the company is optimistic about maintaining occupancy rates [45] Other Important Information - The company is actively addressing the implications of new tax legislation aligned with OECD Pillar Two rules, with ongoing legal and administrative efforts to challenge the tax charge [52][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main levers for profitability expansion in the quarter? - Management highlighted improved efficiency in SG&A expenses and centralization of services as key factors contributing to margin expansion [22][24] Question: Can you provide insights on the EBITDA guidance for the second half? - Management prefers to remain conservative due to seasonality in continuing education, despite strong performance in the first half [35][36] Question: What is the competitive outlook for the second half intake? - Management noted increased competition due to new approvals of medical seats and a reduced candidate ratio, but expressed confidence in maintaining occupancy [44][45] Question: What are the implications of the new taxation? - Management is pursuing both legal and administrative avenues to challenge the new tax legislation, emphasizing its impact on the ProUni program [52][53] Question: How is the M&A environment perceived? - Management indicated that they are looking for the right opportunities at favorable prices, with a focus on good locations and reputations [58][61] Question: What is the strategy behind the share buyback program? - Management explained that the buyback program aims to enhance shareholder value while considering liquidity impacts [62][64]

Group 1 - The core point of the news is the significant drop in ADP employment numbers for June, which decreased by 33,000 jobs, contrasting sharply with the market expectation of an increase of 100,000 jobs. This marks the first negative reading since March 2023 and indicates underlying issues in the employment market despite its apparent strength [1][3][5]. Group 2 - The service sector is the hardest hit, with professional and business services losing 56,000 jobs, followed by the education and healthcare sector with a reduction of 52,000 jobs, and financial activities decreasing by 14,000 jobs. The Midwest and Western regions also saw job losses of 24,000 and 20,000 respectively, while the Southern region barely maintained slight growth [3][5]. - Small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 20 employees, experienced a net loss of 29,000 jobs, highlighting their vulnerability under high interest rates and policy uncertainty, whereas larger companies with over 500 employees added 30,000 jobs [3][5]. - ADP's Chief Economist Neela Richardson pointed out that while mass layoffs have not occurred, companies are adopting a strategy of "freezing hiring" and "not filling vacancies," leading to a passive contraction in employment. The average monthly job growth over the past three months has been only 18,700, the lowest since the onset of the pandemic [5][7]. Group 3 - The tightening of immigration policies has led to a decline in foreign labor, resulting in a reduction of 2 million in labor supply, which is more impactful than tariff effects. A recent study warns that net immigration in the U.S. could reach zero or even negative this year, necessitating the creation of only 10,000 to 40,000 jobs monthly to maintain the current unemployment rate, but this could permanently damage economic growth potential [5][7]. - Following the ADP data release, traders increased the probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in July from 20% to 27.4%, with expectations for at least two rate cuts by the end of the year. The upcoming non-farm payroll report is critical, as economists expect an addition of 110,000 jobs, but past data revisions have raised concerns about the reliability of these figures [7].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the "4+4" medical training model in China has intensified following a scandal involving a doctor, raising concerns about the quality and integrity of medical education and practice [1][4][6]. Group 1: Overview of the "4+4" Model - The "4+4" model allows non-medical graduates to enter medical school after completing at least four years of undergraduate education, aiming to address issues in medical training [2][5]. - This model has been implemented in several prestigious institutions, including Peking Union Medical College, and has faced criticism for potentially lowering the standards of medical education [2][6]. - The model is common in the U.S., where it is seen as a rigorous pathway to becoming a physician, contrasting with the concerns raised in China about its effectiveness and fairness [3][11]. Group 2: Implications and Reactions - The recent scandal has highlighted the perceived risks of the "4+4" model, with public fears that doctors trained through this pathway may lack adequate preparation [6][9]. - Critics argue that the model may create an unfair advantage for those who take a shortcut to becoming doctors, leading to a lack of trust among patients [6][9]. - Proponents, including medical educators, emphasize the need for reform in medical training to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, suggesting that the model could still be beneficial if implemented correctly [5][12]. Group 3: Challenges in the Medical Profession - A significant portion of Chinese doctors report experiencing burnout, with surveys indicating that 66.5% to 87.8% of respondents show at least one symptom of burnout, which is notably higher than global averages [12]. - The current medical training and evaluation systems may discourage young doctors from improving their clinical skills, as advancement is often tied to research output rather than practical experience [13]. - The "4+4" model's introduction has sparked discussions about the need for better incentives and support for existing medical professionals to enhance their skills and job satisfaction [12][13].