NEW ORIENTAL(EDU) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP operating margin of 8.8% and a non-GAAP operating margin of 11.7% for the quarter [6] - Operating income increased by 147.1% year-over-year to $66.5 million, while non-GAAP operating income rose by 179% to$ 87.9 million [17] - Net income attributable to New Oriental was $81.6 million, representing a 166.7% increase year-over-year [17] - Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was$ 95.4 million, reflecting a 199.9% increase year-over-year [18] - Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, and short-term investments totaled approximately $4.3 billion [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overseas test prep business recorded a revenue increase of 13% in dollar terms or 23% in RMB terms year-over-year [8] - The adults and university students' business saw a revenue decrease of 3% in dollar terms or a 5% increase in RMB terms year-over-year [8] - Non-academic tutoring courses had 218,000 student enrollments this quarter, with the top 10 cities in China contributing about 60% of the revenue [9] - The intelligence learning system and device business had 108,000 active paid users this quarter, with revenue contribution from the top 10 cities in China around 60% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deferred revenue balance increased by 19.8% year-over-year to$ 1.163 billion [19] - The company is seeing strong demand for overseas test prep and consulting business due to reduced competition in the market [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sustain healthy growth in market share and pursue innovative endeavors as the economy recovers [7] - Plans to moderately increase capacity in learning centers and expand classroom areas in major cities [20] - The company is exploring opportunities in cultural tourism, leveraging its educational resources and teacher expertise [37][38] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of key business lines and the potential for further market share growth as the pandemic subsides [20] - The company expects total net revenue in Q4 FY 2023 to be in the range of $801.8 million to$ 822.7 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 53% to 57% [20] Other Important Information - The company invested $26.8 million in the OMO teaching platform during the reporting period [12] - The share repurchase program authorized up to$ 400 million, with approximately $157.6 million repurchased as of April 18, 2023 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers for fourth quarter growth and FY 2024 expectations - Management highlighted strong demand for overseas test prep and consulting, with less competition in the market as key drivers for growth [25][26] Question: Earnings contribution from Tung-Jung Hsieh - Management noted that East Buy has proven to be a successful business model, contributing significantly to overall revenue and profit growth [31] Question: Breakdown of new initiatives revenue and long-term business direction - The largest revenue contributor among new initiatives is non-academic tutoring, with strong demand and retention rates [34] - The intelligent learning device business is also gaining traction and expected to contribute more revenue [35] Question: Cash management and share buyback versus special dividends - Management stated that the decision on share buybacks versus special dividends will depend on the Board's evaluation [41] Question: Retention rates for non-academic tutoring - Retention rates for non-academic children's courses are over 70%, while the renewal rate for the intelligence learning system devices is over 60% [42] Question: Profitability of new businesses - Overall margins for new businesses are over 10%, with expectations for improvement in the upcoming quarters [45] Question: Growth opportunities in non-academic tutoring - Management sees growth opportunities in both top-tier and lower-tier cities, leveraging existing educational infrastructure [50]