Chegg(CHGG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Chegg delivered $18 million in revenue from its skilling business, indicating a strong start for double-digit growth in 2026 [6][12] - Academic services revenue was $55 million, with a focus on cash generation [13] - Non-GAAP operating expenses were reduced to $44.8 million, a 47% decrease year-over-year, reflecting successful restructuring efforts [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $13 million, representing an 18% margin [13] - Free Cash Flow in Q4 was -$15 million, primarily due to $12 million in severance payments related to restructuring [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chegg Skilling is now the growth engine, while the legacy academic learning services are managed for free cash flow generation [5][6] - The legacy business, Chegg Study, continues to serve over a million students and is generating meaningful cash flow [6][11] - The company is testing pricing and packaging strategies to extend the operational runway of its legacy business [7][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global demand for workforce skilling has reached $40 billion, presenting a significant opportunity for Chegg [8] - Chegg is expanding its course catalog in high-demand areas such as AI, language, and technical skills [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chegg is focused on the $40 billion skilling market, aiming for double-digit revenue growth with strong margins and cash flow [5][10] - The company plans to strengthen its balance sheet by ending the year with zero debt and a meaningful cash balance [10][16] - New partnerships with companies like DHL and Woolf University are aimed at expanding Chegg's reach into global enterprise and academic markets [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the new business structure and its potential for success, noting positive early signs [5][11] - The company is transitioning from a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model to a business-to-business (B2B) skills learning platform [11] - Management anticipates stronger performance in the second half of 2026, driven by continued investment and new distribution partners [16] Other Important Information - Chegg repurchased $9 million of its 2026 convertible notes at a discount, enhancing its capital structure [12] - The company received a delisting notice from the NYSE but has multiple avenues to regain compliance [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers of skilling growth and core business performance - Management highlighted that the core business is now skilling, with strong retention rates and positive early results from pricing tests [19][20] Question: Opportunities from the Coursera/Udemy merger - Management sees potential partnerships with Coursera and Udemy rather than competition, focusing on content creation and distribution [28][30] Question: Demand for AI learning content - There is a growing demand for AI learning content across all employee levels, with Chegg expanding its course offerings to meet this need [32][33]