Laureate Education(LAUR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, revenue was $423 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $141 million, representing a 10% year-over-year increase in revenue on an organic constant currency basis, driven by a 5% increase in total enrollment volume [21][22] - Full year 2024 revenue was $1.567 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $450 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.7%, a historic high for the company [23][24] - Full year net income was $296 million, leading to earnings per share of $1.92 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, new enrollments increased by 4% for the year, with revenue growth of 10% driven by an 8% increase in average total enrollments [29] - In Peru, new enrollments increased by 6% for the year, with revenue growth of 4% driven by a 2% increase in average total enrollments [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains the largest higher education provider in Mexico and Peru, with strong demand for quality higher education driven by rising participation rates and strong wage premiums for graduates [9][14] - The economic outlook for Peru is positive, with GDP growth expected to reach approximately 3% in 2025, while Mexico's GDP growth is anticipated to be around 1% [16][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open four new campuses for its value brands, with two expected to launch in 2025, marking the first new campus launches since 2019 [13] - Continued investment in digital education is a priority, alongside maintaining a strong focus on academic quality and student outcomes [36][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the geopolitical uncertainties in Mexico, noting that while there may be some impact on enrollments, the company has proven resilient in various economic conditions [15][50] - The company anticipates flat to slightly down year-over-year reported revenues for 2025, but expects growth in adjusted EBITDA and unlevered free cash flow due to local currency revenue growth and margin expansion efforts [19][41] Other Important Information - The company returned over $100 million to shareholders in 2024 and has a strong balance sheet with a net debt position of $11 million [8][33] - New non-GAAP metrics for adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share were introduced to provide a clearer picture of the company's underlying profitability [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs and economic environment in Mexico - Management acknowledged that while geopolitical discussions around tariffs do not directly impact the business, a slowdown in foreign direct investment has affected GDP growth, which in turn impacts enrollments [47][49] Question: Capital allocation policy - The company aims for a 50% free cash flow conversion on EBITDA and plans to return 50% of available free cash flow to shareholders after supporting growth [54][56] Question: Tax rate and Peru intake - The effective tax rate is expected to be below 40%, and management is optimistic about the upcoming intake period in Peru, despite some lingering effects from the previous recession [60][63][64]