New Oriental Announces Upsizing of Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Summary

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (NYSE: EDU, SEHK: 9901) has announced an upsizing of its share repurchase program. The company's board of directors has approved an increase in the program's value from US$400 million to US$700 million, effective through May 31, 2025. As of the announcement date, New Oriental had already repurchased approximately US$330.3 million worth of its ADSs under the original program, which was launched on July 28, 2022. The repurchases may be conducted through various means, including open market transactions, private negotiations, and block trades, subject to market conditions and applicable regulations.

Positive

• Increase in share repurchase program from US$400 million to US$700 million
• Extension of the repurchase program through May 31, 2025
• US$330.3 million worth of ADSs already repurchased

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

New Oriental's decision to upsize its share repurchase program from $400 million to $700 million is a significant move that signals management's confidence in the company's future prospects and current undervaluation. With $330.3 million already repurchased, the additional $369.7 million authorization provides substantial firepower to support the stock price.

This move is likely to be viewed positively by investors for several reasons:

• It demonstrates the company's strong cash position and financial health
• It potentially increases earnings per share by reducing the number of outstanding shares
• It may indicate that management believes the stock is undervalued at current levels

However, investors should also consider that funds used for share repurchases could alternatively be used for business expansion or other growth initiatives. The extended timeline until May 31, 2025, provides flexibility but also raises questions about the urgency of the buyback program.

Market Research Analyst

The upsizing of New Oriental's share repurchase program reflects a broader trend in the Chinese education sector, where companies are adapting to regulatory changes and seeking to boost investor confidence. This move comes amid a challenging landscape for Chinese education stocks, which have faced significant headwinds due to regulatory crackdowns in recent years.

The extended timeline and increased buyback amount suggest that New Oriental is taking a long-term approach to managing its capital and shareholder value. This strategy could help differentiate the company from competitors and potentially attract value-oriented investors who appreciate companies with strong cash management practices.

However, it's important to monitor the execution of this program. The pace and timing of repurchases can provide insights into management's view of the company's valuation and market conditions. Investors should also keep an eye on how this program impacts New Oriental's liquidity and its ability to invest in future growth opportunities, especially as the education sector in China continues to evolve.

BEIJING, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. ("New Oriental" or the "Company") (NYSE: EDU and SEHK: 9901), a provider of private educational services in China, today announced that its board of directors has approved the upsizing of its share repurchase program. As previously disclosed, the Company launched a share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") whereby the Company was authorized to repurchase up to US$400 million of the Company's ADSs and/or common shares during the period from July 28, 2022 through May 31, 2023. The Share Repurchase Program was extended by two years through May 31, 2025.  As of the date of this press release, the Company had repurchased approximately US$330.3 million worth of its ADSs under the Share Repurchase Program.

The Company's board of directors has approved an adjustment to the Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the aggregate value of shares that the Company is authorized to repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program is increased from US$400 million to US$700 million. The upsized Share Repurchase Program is effective through May 31, 2025.

The repurchases may be effected from time to time through open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on the market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The Company's board of directors will review the Share Repurchase Program periodically, and may further authorize adjustment of its terms and size.

About New Oriental

New Oriental is a provider of private educational services in China offering a wide range of educational programs, services and products to a varied student population throughout China. New Oriental's program, service and product offerings mainly consist of educational services and test preparation courses, private label products and livestreaming e-commerce and other services, overseas study consulting services, and educational materials and distribution. New Oriental is listed on NYSE (NYSE: EDU) and SEHK (9901.SEHK), respectively. New Oriental's ADSs, each of which represents ten common shares, are listed and traded on the NYSE. The Hong Kong-listed shares are fully fungible with the ADSs listed on NYSE.

For more information about New Oriental, please visit http://www.neworiental.org/english/.

Contacts

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Rita Fong
FTI Consulting
Tel: +852 3768 4548
Email: rita.fong@fticonsulting.com

Ms. Sisi Zhao 
New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. 
Tel: +86-10-6260-5568 
Email: zhaosisi@xdf.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-oriental-announces-upsizing-of-share-repurchase-program-302215328.html

SOURCE New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc.

FAQ

What is the new value of New Oriental's (EDU) share repurchase program?

New Oriental (EDU) has increased its share repurchase program from US$400 million to US$700 million.

When does New Oriental's (EDU) upsized share repurchase program expire?

The upsized share repurchase program for New Oriental (EDU) is effective through May 31, 2025.

How much has New Oriental (EDU) already repurchased under its share repurchase program?

As of the announcement date, New Oriental (EDU) had repurchased approximately US$330.3 million worth of its ADSs under the share repurchase program.

What methods may New Oriental (EDU) use to repurchase shares?

New Oriental (EDU) may repurchase shares through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, block trades, and other legally permissible means.