Core Insights - Strategic Education (STRA), an EdTech company, reported disappointing Q2 results that did not meet Wall Street expectations [1] Company Overview - Strategic Education operates several educational brands including Strayer, Capella, Sophia Learning, and WorkForce Edge [1] Financial Performance - The Q2 results released by Strategic Education have not pleased investors, indicating potential challenges in financial performance [1]

Core Insights - American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and total revenues exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][2] - The performance was primarily driven by contributions from Rasmussen University (RU), American Public University System (APUS), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN), while the Graduate School (GSUSA) segment experienced a revenue decline [1][2] Financial Performance - APEI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached 41 cents, significantly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents by 173.3%, compared to a loss of six cents per share in the same quarter last year [3] - Total revenues amounted to $164.6 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $162 million by 1.6% and growing 6.6% year over year, supported by net course registration growth and tuition increases [4] - Total costs and expenses rose 2% year over year to $152.3 million, driven by a 3.5% increase in instructional costs and an 8.5% rise in selling and promotional expenses [4] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24% year over year to $21.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13%, expanding 200 basis points from 11% [5] Segment Performance - APUS reported revenues of $83.9 million, a 4.1% increase from $80.7 million year over year, driven by net course registrations and tuition increases [6] - RU's revenues grew 11.5% year over year to $59.3 million, attributed to enrollment growth and tuition hikes, with total student enrollment increasing 7.4% to 14,500 [7][8] - HCN's revenues rose 7.5% year over year to $17.7 million, supported by student enrollment growth, although it reported a negative EBITDA margin of 1% [8][9] - GSUSA's revenues declined 11.9% year over year to $3.7 million, with a negative EBITDA margin of 57% [10] Cash and Debt Position - As of March 31, 2025, APEI had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $187.5 million, up from $158.9 million at the end of 2024 [11] - Net long-term debt slightly increased to $93.7 million from $93.4 million at the end of 2024 [11] Guidance and Outlook - For Q2 2025, APEI expects total revenues to increase by 4-5% year over year to $160-$162 million, with a projected loss per share between 13 cents and four cents [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 is anticipated to be between $11.5 million and $14 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6% to 28% [12] - The company revised its 2025 guidance, expecting total revenues to grow 4-6% year over year to $650-$660 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $77 million and $87 million [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, revenue increased by 8% and operating income increased by 26%, resulting in almost 200 basis points of operating margin expansion [6] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 31% for the year to $4.87 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In US higher education, revenue increased by 5% for the year, but decreased in the fourth quarter due to higher scholarships and a shift towards employer-affiliated students [8] - The Australia and New Zealand segment saw revenue growth of 11% on a constant currency basis, driven by enrollment growth and higher revenue per student [9] - The education technology services segment achieved record revenue growth of over 30% to exceed $100 million, with operating income increasing by almost 50% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - US higher education average total enrollment grew by 6% in 2024, with employer-affiliated enrollment growing by 16% [7] - The Australia and New Zealand segment's average total enrollment grew by 5% for the year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on productivity and disciplined cost management, which allowed expense growth to remain below revenue growth in US higher education [8] - The network of corporate partners is a major competitive strength, with over 70% of incremental total enrollment in US higher education coming through these partnerships [14] - The company plans to market more towards the domestic Australian market to counteract potential enrollment caps [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential, projecting mid-single-digit growth in US higher education and high single-digit growth in Australia and New Zealand [41] - The company is monitoring the evolving political and regulatory environment in Australia, particularly regarding international student immigration [11][22] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $217 million pretax cash from operations in 2024, with $128 million of distributable free cash flow remaining after expenses and dividends [15] - The company repaid a $61 million balance on its revolver and refinanced a $250 million revolver, ending 2024 with just under $200 million in cash and marketable securities [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Enrollment trends and growth expectations - Management noted that corporate partnership enrollment remains strong, and while growth may normalize to long-term trends, they expect fluctuations in quarterly performance [20] Question: Regulatory changes in Australia and New Zealand - Management explained that the proposed international student caps were replaced with a ministerial direction focusing on visa processing times, which may impact enrollment later in the year [22][25] Question: Impact of US government changes on business - Management indicated that they have a significant presence among federal government employees and are monitoring the situation as new political appointees are confirmed [27] Question: Adjusted operating expenses and future guidance - Management confirmed that the adjusted operating expense of $271 million in 2024 is expected to be appropriate for 2025, with some seasonality in marketing investments [38] Question: Revenue per student decline in US higher education - Management attributed the decline to a shift towards employer-affiliated students and higher scholarships, expecting revenue per student to remain stable in 2025 [54][55]