Key Takeaways Chegg is pivoting to skilling and AI learning, but legacy traffic declines cloud turnaround timing.Duolingo shows strong user engagement and MAX expansion, though monetization growth is moderating.CHGG trades at a discount with rebound potential, while DUOL commands a premium amid execution risks.The market's inclination toward digital learning, particularly AI-based alternatives, is favoring the edtech market and the firms operating within it, such as Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) and Duolingo, Inc. (DU ...

Key Takeaways Chegg plans to cut capex by about 60%, with 2025 spending near $27M versus $60-65M in 2024.CHGG is directing growth investment toward Chegg Skilling, expected to exit 2025 with about $70M revenue.Chegg aims to use AI-driven efficiencies to preserve cash while funding B2B skilling and language learning.Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) has been heavily investing in upgrading its digital platform and diversifying its offerings to meet the current market trends. The investment intensity is now expected to calm ...

Core Insights - Chegg, Inc. has officially split its business into two segments: a growth-oriented Chegg Skilling and a legacy academic services unit, aiming to leverage its language-learning platform, Busuu [2][4] Business Strategy - Chegg is focusing on expanding Busuu into Latin America (LATAM), targeting B2B skilling opportunities while moving away from its struggling academic services [3][4] - Busuu's unique approach to language learning emphasizes conversational fluency, aligning with enterprise demand for practical communication skills [3][4] Financial Performance - Chegg Skilling is projected to generate approximately $70 million in revenue by the end of 2025, with a year-over-year growth rate in the mid-teens [5][8] - The company has implemented aggressive cost restructuring, allowing for selective investments in expansion without straining cash flow [5][8] Market Position - Chegg's stock has increased by 13.5% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks Internet - Software industry and the S&P 500 Index [6][8] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 5.57, significantly lower than competitors like Duolingo and Coursera, which have P/E ratios of 43.67 and 15.88, respectively [10][11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chegg's 2025 loss has widened to 14 cents, while estimates for 2026 earnings have improved to 18 cents [12][13] - The 2025 estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 118.7%, while the 2026 estimate suggests a growth of 228.6% [13]

Key Takeaways Busuu-Chegg Skills drive double-digit growth, with revenues to hit $70M in 2025 and deeper B2B expansion.Chegg is slashing expenses by more than 50% by 2026, boosting EBITDA and pivoting to financial discipline.Shares down 23% in a month, trading at a discount, and executing on sustained skilling momentum.Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) has redefined its business model with a new growth engine, Chegg Skilling, built by integrating Busuu and Chegg Skills. The cornerstone of this reinvention is its belief in ...

Key Takeaways CHGG has lost 45%, facing academic traffic decline, revenue contraction and an ongoing operational reset.Its restructuring cut non-GAAP expenses sharply, while skilling unit targets sustained double-digit growth.Chegg sees stronger free cash flow in 2026, supported by lower capex, leaner costs and a solid cash position.Shares of Chegg, Inc. (CHGG) have lost 45.4% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Internet – Software industry’s 10.1% decline. Over the same timeframe, the broader ...

Group 1 - Chegg, Inc. has decided to remain a standalone public company after a year-long strategic review, concluding that independence maximizes long-term shareholder value [1] - The company announced a restructuring plan aimed at strengthening cash flow and focusing on the $40+ billion skilling market, which includes reducing its workforce by 388 roles (about 45%) [2] - Chegg expects its "Skills" businesses to generate approximately $70 million in revenue for 2025, with double-digit growth anticipated in 2026 [2] Group 2 - Executive Chairman Dan Rosensweig has returned to the roles of president and CEO, while Nathan Schultz has taken on the role of executive advisor to the CEO and board [1] - The restructuring plan targets a reduction of $100–$110 million in non-GAAP expenses for 2026 and anticipates incurring $15–$19 million in severance charges [2] - Chegg reiterated its Q3 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, indicating a focus on delivering services with a lower cost structure [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, total revenue was $78 million, a decrease of 42% year-over-year, primarily due to reduced traffic leading to fewer subscribers and less subscription revenue [10] - Non-GAAP operating expenses were $49 million, a reduction of approximately $41 million, or 46% year-over-year, driven by restructuring efforts [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $13 million, representing a margin of 17% [11] - Free cash flow for Q3 was negative $900,000, impacted by a one-time $7.5 million settlement payment to the FTC and $5.5 million in severance payments [12] - The company concluded the quarter with cash and investments of $112 million and a net cash balance of $49 million [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has split into two units: Chegg Skilling, expected to have sustainable double-digit growth, and legacy academic services, focusing on cash generation [5][6] - Chegg Skilling is expected to end 2025 with strong momentum, anticipating a 14% year-over-year growth and full-year revenue of $70 million [8] - The legacy academic business is expected to generate cash for several years despite challenges from reduced Google traffic [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The skilling market is currently valued at over $40 billion, with a focus on workforce, AI, and language learning [7] - Chegg Skilling is positioned to capture growth in the B2B market, transitioning from a B2C model [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to rebuild and reinvent itself, focusing on the skilling market and leveraging its assets for long-term value creation [5][9] - A strategic shift towards the skilling market is seen as essential for future growth, with all growth resources allocated to this segment [16] - The company is investing in AI to enhance its offerings and improve operational efficiency [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the disruptive impact of AI on traditional business models and is adapting to these changes [5][6] - The company is optimistic about its ability to grow in the skilling market, with expectations of double-digit growth in the coming quarters [10][12] - Management believes they have hit the bottom and are now positioned for future growth and profitability [13] Other Important Information - The company has undergone significant restructuring, which included a reduction of nearly 400 employees to streamline operations [17] - The transition to a B2B model is expected to provide a more stable and secure business environment [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategic product priorities for skilling and resource allocation - All growth resources will be directed towards the skilling business, focusing on B2B opportunities and sustainable growth [16] Question: Support for the legacy academic business - The legacy business will continue to operate efficiently, leveraging its existing database and technology to generate cash [22] Question: Initiatives for the Busuu business and growth confidence - The company is focusing on repackaging learning mechanisms for B2B and leveraging AI for conversational learning [27][29] Question: Investments and channels for the skilling business - The company is exploring new distribution channels and building a B2B Salesforce to expand its market reach [34][36] Question: Impact of reduced traffic on skilling business - The skilling business is not expected to face headwinds from reduced traffic, as it is positioned for growth [38]

Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $78 million, a 43% decrease year-over-year[35] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $13 million, compared to $22 million in Q3 2024[37] - Free cash flow for Q3 2025 was -$1 million, impacted by $55 million in severance payments and a $75 million settlement payment[39] - Capital Expenditures (CapEx) in Q3 2025 were $6 million, down 63% year-over-year[39] - The company ended the quarter with $112 million in cash and investments, resulting in a net cash balance of $49 million[42] Business Strategy and Outlook - The company is splitting into two units: Chegg Skilling (growth business) and legacy academic services (cash flow generation)[8] - Chegg Skilling is expected to have sustainable double-digit growth[8] - Chegg Skilling revenue is expected to increase approximately 14% year-over-year in Q4 2025, driving total revenue of approximately $70 million for the year[10] - Q4 2025 total net revenue is guided to be between $70 million and $72 million[44] - Q4 2025 Adjusted EBITDA is guided to be between $10 million and $11 million[44] - Full-year 2025 CapEx is anticipated to be approximately $27 million, with a targeted further reduction of approximately 60% in 2026[39]

Core Insights - The education technology (EdTech) sector is experiencing a transformation, with companies like Chegg and Duolingo showcasing different trajectories within this shift [1][2] - Chegg is facing challenges with declining subscriptions and revenues, while Duolingo is demonstrating strong growth and profitability [7][8] Chegg Overview - Chegg's core business is under pressure, with subscriptions dropping 40% year over year to 2.6 million in Q2 2025, leading to a 36% decline in total revenues to $105 million [3][6] - The company is focusing on two emerging businesses: Busuu, which saw a 15% year-over-year revenue increase, and Skills, targeting a $40 billion market [4][6] - Chegg is undergoing a major restructuring, including a 45% workforce reduction, to improve cash flow and focus on skilling initiatives, with expected revenues of $70 million in 2025 [6][12] - Despite the challenges, Chegg's adjusted EBITDA was $23 million at a 22% margin, indicating strong cost control [3][6] Duolingo Overview - Duolingo reported a 41% revenue increase to $252.3 million in Q2 2025, with daily active users rising 40% to 47.7 million [7][8] - The company is successfully upselling users into higher subscription tiers, benefiting from AI enhancements [9][10] - Duolingo's financial guidance remains strong, with bookings growth expected to exceed 32% for the full year 2025 [11][19] - The company is expanding its total addressable market with new subjects, such as a Chess course, which has surpassed one million daily active users [10][19] Stock Performance and Valuation - Chegg's stock has risen 44.2% in the past six months due to restructuring efforts, while Duolingo shares are down 31.8% amid market pressures [12][15] - Chegg's market capitalization is approximately $113.7 million, trading at 0.32X forward sales, reflecting investor caution [15][22] - In contrast, Duolingo has a market cap of around $12.5 billion, trading at 10.09X forward sales, indicating confidence in its growth trajectory [15][22] Analyst Expectations - Analysts maintain cautious expectations for Chegg, forecasting a 36.7% revenue decline in 2025 and a projected loss per share of 11 cents [17][19] - Duolingo's estimates show a projected EPS of $3.16 for 2025, with revenue expected to climb 36.2% [19][21] - The contrasting analyst sentiment highlights the divergent paths of the two companies, with Duolingo seen as a high-visibility growth compounder [19][22] Investment Outlook - Chegg is viewed as a turnaround story with potential upside, but revenue stability remains uncertain [22][24] - Duolingo is recognized for its robust operating performance and expanding profitability, making it a more favorable long-term investment [23][24]

Core Insights - Chegg Inc. announced a significant restructuring plan, including a 45% reduction in its global workforce, primarily due to revenue declines attributed to the impact of artificial intelligence [1][3]. Restructuring Details - The restructuring plan involves laying off 388 employees, which is expected to reduce non-GAAP expenses by approximately $100-$110 million in 2026 [1][3]. - The company will incur charges of $15-$19 million, mainly for cash severance payments to the laid-off employees [3]. Leadership Changes - Executive Chairman Dan Rosensweig will take on the roles of President and CEO, while Nathan Schultz will transition to an Executive Advisor role [2]. Financial Performance - Chegg's stock price increased by 4.17% in after-hours trading following the announcement of the restructuring plan [2]. - Year-to-date, Chegg shares are down 14.29%, underperforming compared to the S&P 500 index, which has gained 17.15% [6]. Strategic Focus - The company is pivoting towards its business-to-business (B2B) operations, particularly its professional language learning platform Busuu and AI-related skills courses, which are projected to generate around $70 million in revenue in 2025 [5]. - Chegg aims to capitalize on the $40 billion+ skilling market as part of its new strategy [4]. Future Outlook - Chegg has reiterated its revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance for the third quarter of 2025, with further details on the restructuring expected during the earnings call on November 10, 2025 [5].