Core Viewpoint - The company is experiencing a gradual stabilization in its core business, leading to a significant improvement in shareholder returns, with a target price adjustment to $74.5 or HKD 57.9, maintaining a buy rating [1] Performance Overview - For FY26Q1, the company reported a net revenue of $1.52 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, slightly exceeding previous guidance [1] - Operating profit reached $310 million, up 6% year-on-year, while Non-GAAP operating profit was $336 million, reflecting an 11.3% increase [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was $240 million, down 1.9% year-on-year, primarily due to dividend withholding tax and fluctuations in other income [1] - The Non-GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders was $258 million, a decrease of 1.6% year-on-year, with a Non-GAAP operating profit margin of 22.0%, up 1.0 percentage points year-on-year [1] Education Business Performance - In FY26Q1, the overseas exam preparation and study abroad consulting businesses grew by 1.0% and 2.0% year-on-year, respectively, with rapid growth in overseas youth exam training partially offsetting declines in adult exams [2] - The university and adult exam business saw a year-on-year growth of 14.4% [2] - New business revenue increased by 15.3% year-on-year, with non-academic tutoring registrations reaching 530,000, a 9.5% increase [2] - The number of active paying users for smart learning systems and devices reached 452,000 in Q4, a year-on-year increase of 39.9% [2] FY26Q2 and FY26 Outlook - The company expects FY26Q2 net revenue to be between $1.132 billion and $1.163 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 9% to 12% [3] - The net revenue forecast for FY26 remains unchanged, with expected total revenue between $5.145 billion and $5.39 billion, indicating a year-on-year growth of 5% to 10% [3] Shareholder Return Plan - In July 2025, the company approved a three-year shareholder return plan, committing to return no less than 50% of the previous fiscal year's net profit to shareholders starting from FY26 [4] - The announced shareholder return plan for FY26 includes a cash dividend of $190 million (to be paid in two installments) and a $300 million share buyback within the next 12 months, resulting in a total return of approximately $490 million [4]

Core Viewpoint - First Shanghai has given New Oriental-S (09901, EDU.US) a target price of $74.5 / HKD 57.9 based on a 25x PE for FY26E net profit, maintaining a buy rating due to the stabilization of core business and significant shareholder returns [1] Group 1: Performance Overview - For FY26Q1, the company reported a net revenue of $1.52 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, slightly exceeding previous guidance [2] - Operating profit reached $310 million, up 6% year-on-year, while Non-GAAP operating profit was $336 million, reflecting an 11.3% increase [2] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was $240 million, down 1.9% year-on-year, primarily due to dividend withholding tax and fluctuations in other income [2] Group 2: Education Business Performance - In FY26Q1, the overseas exam preparation and study abroad consulting businesses grew by 1.0% and 2.0% year-on-year, respectively, with youth exam training showing faster growth [3] - The university and adult exam business saw a year-on-year growth of 14.4% [3] - New business revenue increased by 15.3% year-on-year, with non-academic tutoring registrations reaching 530,000, a 9.5% increase [3] - The active paying users for the smart learning system and devices reached 452,000, up 39.9% year-on-year [3] Group 3: FY26Q2 and FY26 Outlook - The company expects FY26Q2 net revenue to be between $1.132 billion and $1.163 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 9% to 12% [4] - For FY26, the total net revenue is projected to be between $5.145 billion and $5.39 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 5% to 10% [4] Group 4: Shareholder Return Plan - In July 2025, the company approved a three-year shareholder return plan, committing to return no less than 50% of the previous fiscal year's net profit to shareholders starting from FY26 [5] - The shareholder return plan includes a cash dividend of $190 million (to be paid in two installments) and a $300 million buyback within the next 12 months, resulting in a total return rate of approximately 5% [5] - The total planned return through dividends and buybacks amounts to $490 million [5]

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of $1.523 billion for FY26Q1, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, exceeding the previous guidance [1] - Non-GAAP operating profit reached $336 million, up 11.3% year-on-year, with an operating profit margin of 22%, an increase of 1 percentage point [1] - The company announced a three-year shareholder return plan, committing to return over 50% of the previous year's net profit through cash dividends and share buybacks starting FY26 [2] Financial Performance - The company’s revenue for FY26Q1 was $1.523 billion, surpassing the upper limit of the previous guidance [1] - Non-GAAP operating profit was $336 million, reflecting an 11.3% increase year-on-year, with a profit margin of 22% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was $241 million, a slight decrease of 1.9% year-on-year, primarily due to dividend withholding tax [1] Business Segments - The K12 and university business segments showed significant recovery, with new education business revenue growing by 15.3% year-on-year [1] - Non-academic courses have been launched in approximately 60 cities, attracting around 530,000 students [1] - The adult and university exam preparation business grew by about 14.4% year-on-year, continuing the recovery trend in exam preparation and vocational training [1] Shareholder Returns - The company plans to distribute approximately $190 million in cash dividends this year, equating to $0.12 per share [2] - A maximum of $300 million in share buybacks is planned over the next 12 months, totaling a return of about 132% of FY25 net profit [2] - The projected dividend yield is approximately 2.0% [2] Future Outlook - Management guidance for FY26Q2 revenue is between $1.132 billion and $1.163 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 9-12% [2] - For the full FY26, revenue is expected to be between $5.145 billion and $5.390 billion, indicating a growth of 5-10% [2] - The company aims to enhance AI teaching and digital efficiency, optimizing course experience and operational efficiency, which is expected to steadily improve profitability [2] Valuation - The projected net profits for FY26-28 are estimated at $450 million, $492 million, and $531 million respectively [3] - Using a sum-of-the-parts valuation method, the education segment is valued at approximately HKD 769 billion based on a 22x P/E ratio [3] - The total group valuation is approximately HKD 898 billion, translating to a target price of HKD 56.86 per share, maintaining a "buy" rating [3]

Core Insights - The latest quarterly financial reports from two major Chinese education companies, TAL Education (好未来) and New Oriental (新东方), reveal divergent growth paths and strategic focuses in the post-restructuring phase of the education industry [3][4]. Financial Performance - TAL Education reported a net income of $861 million for Q2 FY2026, marking a 39.1% year-over-year increase, while New Oriental's Q1 FY2026 net income was $1.523 billion, reflecting a 6.1% growth [1][2]. - TAL's operating profit reached $96.1 million with an operating margin of 11.2%, whereas New Oriental achieved an operating profit of $311 million and a margin of 20.4% [2][9]. - TAL's net profit surged by 116.1% to $124 million, while New Oriental's net profit slightly declined by 1.9% to $241 million [2][9]. Growth Strategies - Both companies are rapidly advancing in educational technology, with TAL emphasizing smart learning devices and digital teaching systems as key growth drivers [5][6]. - TAL's business model is shifting towards a subscription-based approach, aiming to extend the learning lifecycle beyond traditional classroom settings [7]. - New Oriental is focusing on a diversified revenue structure, with significant growth in adult and university exam services, as well as non-academic education [8]. Profitability and Efficiency - New Oriental maintains the highest profitability in the industry, with a focus on cost control and efficiency, while TAL is experiencing rapid profit growth driven by technology and product innovation [9][10]. - TAL's profit margin has doubled year-over-year, indicating a shift towards a technology-driven operational leverage model [10]. Capital Management - New Oriental exhibits a robust capital structure with over $5 billion in cash and equivalents, committing to return at least 50% of its net profit to shareholders [11][12]. - In contrast, TAL is investing heavily in technology and market expansion, reflecting a growth-oriented capital strategy [11][12]. Strategic Vision - TAL is positioning itself as a technology company, focusing on integrating quality educational content with smart devices, while New Oriental emphasizes brand trust and quality educational services [13][14]. - Both companies are addressing the challenge of redefining education in the era of AI and digitalization, albeit through different strategic lenses [14].

Core Insights - New Oriental Education & Technology Group reported a 6.1% year-on-year increase in net revenue for Q1 of FY2026, reaching $1.523 billion [1] - Operating profit for the same period rose by 6.0% year-on-year to $311 million [1] - Shareholder net profit for Q1 of FY2026 decreased by 1.9% year-on-year to $241 million [1] Revenue Growth - The revenue from overseas exam preparation and consulting services grew by approximately 1.0% and 2.0% year-on-year, respectively [2] - Domestic exam preparation services for adults and university students saw a significant increase of about 14.4% year-on-year [2] - New educational business recorded a revenue growth of 15.3% year-on-year [2] Student Engagement - Non-subject tutoring services were launched in around 60 cities, attracting approximately 530,000 students [2] - The smart learning system and devices were implemented in about 60 cities, with active paying users reaching approximately 452,000 [2] Strategic Focus - The company aims to maintain its strategic direction and long-term development plans, focusing on continuous optimization of core educational services [2] - There is an emphasis on enhancing product capabilities and quality, systematic construction of educational resources, and improving operational efficiency [2] Technology Integration - The company is advancing its OMO (Online-Merge-Offline) teaching system and increasing investments in integrating artificial intelligence into its educational ecosystem [2] - AI-driven smart learning devices and solutions have been successfully launched, enhancing the learning experience and supporting students [2] Financial Performance - Despite challenges from a slowdown in overseas business, the company achieved a year-on-year increase in Non-GAAP operating profit margin, which reached 22.0%, up 100 basis points from the previous year [2] - The company plans to expand cost control and efficiency improvement measures across all businesses to establish a foundation for sustainable and profitable growth [2]

Core Insights - New Oriental's net revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 increased by 6.1% year-on-year to $1.523 billion [1] - Operating profit for the same period rose by 6.0% year-on-year to $311 million [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 1.9% year-on-year to $241 million [1] Revenue Growth - The revenue from overseas exam preparation and consulting services grew by approximately 1.0% and 2.0% year-on-year, respectively [2] - Domestic exam preparation services for adults and university students saw a significant increase of about 14.4% year-on-year [2] - New education business recorded a revenue growth of 15.3% year-on-year [2] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on enhancing product capabilities and quality while systematically building educational resources [2] - The active paid user count for the smart learning system reached approximately 452,000 across about 60 cities [2] - The company is integrating artificial intelligence into its educational ecosystem and has launched AI-driven smart learning devices and solutions [2] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP operating profit margin improved to 22.0%, an increase of 100 basis points year-on-year [2] - The company aims to expand cost control and efficiency improvement measures across all business segments for sustainable and profitable growth [2]

Core Insights - New Oriental Education & Technology Group reported a 6.1% year-on-year increase in net revenue for Q1 of FY2026, reaching $1,523.0 million [1] - Operating profit for the same period rose by 6.0% to $310.8 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 1.9% to $240.7 million [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from overseas exam preparation and consulting services grew approximately 1.0% and 2.0% year-on-year, respectively [1] - Domestic exam preparation services for adults and university students saw a significant increase of about 14.4% year-on-year [1] - The new education business recorded a revenue growth of 15.3% year-on-year [1] - Non-subject tutoring services have been launched in around 60 cities, attracting approximately 530,000 students [1] User Engagement and Strategic Direction - The smart learning system and devices have been implemented in about 60 cities, with active paying users reaching approximately 452,000 [2] - The company aims to maintain its strategic direction and long-term development plans, focusing on continuous optimization of core educational services [2] - There is a commitment to enhancing product capabilities and quality, systematically building educational resources, and improving operational efficiency [2] - The company is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, enhancing brand influence, and creating sustainable long-term value for shareholders [2] - The belief in achieving continuous growth through ongoing strategic initiatives and a relentless pursuit of excellence is emphasized [2]