Core Viewpoint - Duolingo's Q2 2025 earnings report showed a decline in monthly active users (MAU) but exceeded revenue expectations due to high user retention and improved conversion rates [1][4][13]. Performance Highlights - **User Acquisition Impacted by AI Controversy**: Negative public sentiment regarding AI initiatives and marketing strategies led to a decrease in user activity, particularly in North America, resulting in a MAU of 128 million, a decline of 19 million from the previous quarter [2][3][4]. - **High User Retention**: Daily active users (DAU) reached 47.7 million, with a DAU/MAU ratio of 37%, indicating strong platform stability. The expansion of the "Energy" plan for free users likely contributed to this retention [4][5]. - **Improved Conversion Rates**: The average paid conversion rate increased to 8.7%, with the MAX subscription penetration at 8%, up from 7% in the previous quarter, although still below market expectations [7][8]. - **Price Increase Effects**: A 10%-15% price increase in Q1 began to show results, with average revenue per user (ARPU) growing by 5.5% year-over-year, despite a seasonal decline in subscriptions [7][8]. - **Guidance Adjustments**: Revenue guidance for Q3 and the full year was raised due to strong Q2 performance, although implied growth rates for the second half are expected to slow to 28% compared to nearly 40% in the first half [9][10]. - **Gross Margin Improvement**: Gross margin increased by 1 percentage point in Q2, benefiting from reduced AI-related costs, with expectations for continued improvement [10]. - **Strong Cash Flow**: Free cash flow grew to $86.3 million, representing 34% of total revenue, indicating a robust business model [11]. Financial Metrics Overview - **Total Revenue**: Q2 revenue reached $178.3 million, a year-over-year increase of 40.6% [12]. - **Gross Profit**: Gross profit for Q2 was $131 million, with a gross margin of 73.4% [12]. - **Adjusted EBITDA**: Adjusted EBITDA was $48.1 million, reflecting a margin of 27% [12]. - **Deferred Revenue**: Deferred revenue stood at $291.5 million, up 51.2% year-over-year [12]. - **MAU and DAU Trends**: MAU decreased to 128.3 million, while DAU increased to 47.7 million, with a DAU/MAU ratio of 37.2% [12]. Market Outlook - **Valuation Context**: Following the earnings report, Duolingo's market valuation reached $17.8 billion, reflecting a recovery from previous declines due to user growth concerns [14]. - **Future Growth Potential**: The company is expected to benefit from the increased penetration of the Energy plan, the introduction of third-party payments, and a potential easing of AI-related public sentiment [14][15].