NEW ORIENTAL(EDU) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's total net revenue decreased by 2% year over year, but net revenue excluding Eastbuy increased by 21.2% year over year [9] - Operating income increased by 9.8% year over year to $124.5 million, while non-GAAP income from operations decreased by 0.2$142.1 million [26] - Net income attributable to the company was $87.3 million, a slight increase of 0.1$113.3 million [27] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $1.4 billion, with total cash and short-term investments around$4.7 billion [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas test drive business recorded a revenue increase of 7% year over year [11] - The overseas study consulting business reported a revenue increase of about 21% year over year [11] - The adults and university students business recorded a revenue increase of 17% year over year [11] - New educational business initiatives recorded a revenue increase of 35% year over year [15] - The integrated tourism-related business line performed exceptionally with a revenue increase of 85% year over year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top ten cities contributed over 60% of the children business revenue, while the top ten cities contributed approximately 50% of the intelligent learning system and device business [12][13] - The company has expanded its reach to around 60 cities for its children business and has conducted study tours in around 55 cities [12][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to long-term value creation and operational consistency, focusing on enhancing user experience and driving efficiency [8][17] - Investments in AI technologies are being integrated into the teaching ecosystem to improve learning outcomes and operational efficiency [19][20] - The board approved an extension of the share repurchase program, increasing the total value from $400 million to$700 million [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates steady sustainable growth across business lines despite macroeconomic challenges [30] - The company expects total net revenue excluding Eastbuy for the next quarter to be in the range of $1,009.1 million to$1,036.6 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 10% to 13% [31] - Cost control initiatives are being implemented to enhance operating margins in the upcoming quarters [32] Other Important Information - The company has invested $29.7 million in improving its online merge offline teaching platform [18] - Deferred revenue increased by 15% year over year, indicating strong future revenue recognition [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the major drivers of the slowdown in overseas-related businesses? - Management attributed the slowdown to macroeconomic conditions and changes in international relations, projecting growth in the range of 5% to 10% for the overseas-related business in Q4 [39] Question: Can you provide a breakdown of other business growth in Q4? - Management forecasted growth of approximately 19% for domestic university students, 16-17% for high school, and 30-35% for K-9 educational business [45] Question: What is the outlook for K-9 business growth? - Management expects K-9 business to grow by over 35% year over year in Q4, despite slower growth in enrollment due to timing differences [59] Question: How will the company manage cost control and efficiency? - Management indicated that cost control is an ongoing effort, focusing on improving utilization rates and operational efficiency [92] Question: What are the expectations for headquarters overhead costs in 2026? - Management aims to reduce headquarters expenses to around 5% of total revenue in fiscal year 2026 [95]