Perdoceo Education (PRDO) - 2022 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q3 2022 was $22.1 million, down from$ 27.8 million in the prior year, equating to $0.32 per diluted share compared to$ 0.39 [10][18] - Total revenue for the quarter was $168.4 million, approximately 3.2% lower than the prior year quarter [18] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share was$ 0.39, down from $0.45 in the prior year quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total student enrollments declined by 2.1% compared to the prior year quarter, an improvement from the 7% decline in Q2 [11][20] - At CTU, total students increased by 2.7%, while at AIU System, total students decreased by 9.5% [11][20] - Revenue at CTU was$ 97.6 million, a decrease of 6.9% from the prior year quarter, while AIU System revenue was $70.6 million, an increase of 2.4% due to recent acquisitions [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The corporate partnership program contributed to total enrollment growth at CTU, with students participating in these programs typically experiencing higher retention and better academic outcomes [19][20] - The rate of decline in total student enrollments at AIU System has moderated from double-digit declines in the first half of the year [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in technology upgrades and data analytics to enhance student engagement and retention [7][12] - A balanced approach to capital allocation is maintained, focusing on enhancing shareholder value while investing in student-related initiatives [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed satisfaction with the operating results and improvements in student engagement and retention, expecting full-year adjusted operating income to be between$ 157 million to $160 million [30] - The company anticipates fourth-quarter adjusted operating income to be between$ 25.5 million to $28.5 million, down from$ 42 million in the prior year quarter [31] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q3 was 29.5%, impacted by a valuation allowance increase related to state net operating losses [26] - Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2022, were $525.2 million, an increase from$ 499.4 million at year-end 2021 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for student enrollment trends moving forward? - Management noted that while total enrollments at AIU System have declined, the rate of decline has moderated, and they expect CTU enrollments to grow year-over-year [20][21] Question: How is the corporate partnership program impacting financial performance? - The corporate partnership program is expected to lead to higher retention and better academic outcomes, although it may result in lower revenue in the short term due to high tuition grants [19][20]