Sunlands Technology Group (STG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 22, 2025 06:00 AM ET Company Participants Yuhua Ye - Investor RelationsTongbo Liu - CEO & DirectorHangyu Li - Finance Director Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to Sunderland's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. Today's conference call is being recorded. I will now turn the call over to your host today, Yu Hua, Sunlands IR representat ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - Sunlands Technology Group reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting a decrease in net revenues but maintaining profitability for the sixteenth consecutive quarter, indicating a strategic focus on high-potential areas and operational efficiency [3][5][12]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for Q1 2025 were RMB487.6 million (US$67.2 million), a decrease of 6.8% from RMB523.2 million in Q1 2024 [5][9]. - Net income for the quarter was RMB75.2 million (US$10.4 million), down from RMB112.7 million in Q1 2024, resulting in a net income margin of 15.4% compared to 21.5% in the previous year [12][9]. - Gross profit decreased by 6.9% to RMB415.3 million (US$57.2 million) from RMB446.1 million in Q1 2024 [7][9]. Cost Management - Cost of revenues decreased by 6.3% to RMB72.3 million (US$10.0 million) due to reduced compensation expenses from headcount reductions [6][9]. - Operating expenses remained stable at RMB341.1 million (US$47.0 million) compared to the same quarter in 2024 [8][9]. Student Enrollment and Deferred Revenue - New student enrollments were 169,083, a decline from 175,758 in Q1 2024 [9]. - As of March 31, 2025, the deferred revenue balance was RMB891.6 million (US$122.9 million), down from RMB916.5 million at the end of 2024 [15][9]. Outlook - For Q2 2025, the company expects net revenues to be between RMB500 million to RMB520 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.6% to 5.6% [17]. Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB596.2 million (US$82.2 million) and short-term investments of RMB200.7 million (US$27.7 million), an increase from the previous quarter [14][9]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has a share repurchase program authorized for up to US$15.0 million, with approximately US$3.9 million utilized as of May 19, 2025 [16]. Company Overview - Sunlands Technology Group is a leader in China's adult online education market, offering a variety of courses through a live streaming platform, focusing on personalized and interactive learning experiences [21].

Core Viewpoint - Sunlands Technology Group has filed its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the SEC, highlighting its position as a leader in China's adult online education market [1]. Company Overview - Sunlands Technology Group, formerly known as Sunlands Online Education Group, is a prominent player in China's adult online education and personal interest learning markets [3]. - The company offers a variety of educational services, including degree-oriented courses, professional certification preparation, and skills training, accessible via PC and mobile applications [3]. - Sunlands utilizes a unique educational approach through its proprietary Learning Outcome Trees, which organizes content to meet the educational needs of its students [3]. Investor Relations - The annual report is available on the company's investor relations website and the SEC's website, with hard copies provided free of charge to shareholders upon request [2]. - For inquiries, investors and media can contact the company's investor relations team via email [5].