Stride Posts Another Record Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN) reported strong financial results for fiscal year 2024, with significant year-over-year growth. Key highlights include:

- Revenue increased 11% to $2,040.1 million
- Net income rose 60.9% to $204.2 million
- Diluted earnings per share grew 57.9% to $4.69
- Adjusted EBITDA improved 31.9% to $390.7 million

The company's General Education segment saw a 13.9% revenue increase, while Career Learning revenue grew 6.4%. Average enrollment across both segments increased by 9% to 194,300 students. Stride's strong cash position of $714.2 million as of June 30, 2024, positions it well for future growth.

Positive

• Revenue increased 11% year-over-year to $2,040.1 million
• Net income rose 60.9% to $204.2 million
• Diluted earnings per share grew 57.9% to $4.69
• Adjusted EBITDA improved 31.9% to $390.7 million
• General Education segment revenue increased 13.9%
• Average enrollment across segments grew 9% to 194,300 students
• Strong cash position of $714.2 million as of June 30, 2024

Negative

• Adult Career Learning revenue decreased 16.4% year-over-year
• Capital expenditures increased to $61.6 million from $66.5 million in the previous year

Financial Analyst

Stride's fiscal 2024 results demonstrate robust financial performance and growth. The company reported a 11.0% increase in revenue to $2.04 billion, with net income surging by 60.9% to $204.2 million. The standout metric is the 57.9% jump in diluted EPS to $4.69, indicating strong profitability and operational efficiency.

The General Education segment showed impressive growth, with revenue up 13.9% YoY. However, the Adult segment within Career Learning experienced a 16.4% decline, which warrants monitoring. The company's strong cash position of $714.2 million provides ample liquidity for future investments and potential acquisitions.

Overall, Stride's performance reflects the growing demand for technology-based education solutions, positioning the company well in the evolving education landscape.

Education Technology Expert

Stride's fiscal 2024 results underscore the accelerating adoption of tech-based education. The 9.0% increase in average enrollment across General Education and Career Learning segments indicates growing market acceptance of online learning solutions.

The company's ability to increase revenue per enrollment in General Education by 8.2% suggests successful upselling and product enhancements. However, the slight 0.7% increase in Career Learning revenue per enrollment points to potential pricing pressures or a shift in product mix.

The reduced capital expenditure on curriculum development ($18.7 million vs $66.5 million in FY2023) may indicate a maturing product offering or a strategic shift towards leveraging existing content. This could lead to improved margins but may require careful balancing to maintain competitive edge in a rapidly evolving edtech landscape.

Market Research Analyst

Stride's performance reflects broader trends in the education technology sector. The strong growth in General Education aligns with the increased acceptance of online learning post-pandemic. However, the decline in Adult Learning revenue (16.4% YoY) suggests potential market saturation or increased competition in this segment.

The company's decision to withhold fiscal 2025 guidance until Q1 results are released could indicate uncertainty in the market or potential strategic shifts. This approach may be prudent given the evolving regulatory landscape and potential economic headwinds.

Stride's robust cash position ($714.2 million) provides a strong foundation for strategic initiatives, potentially including M&A activities to expand its product offerings or enter new markets. The education technology sector remains dynamic and Stride's financial strength positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Earnings Per Share Increased 58% YoY

RESTON, Va., Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN), one of the nation’s most successful technology-based education companies, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

Fiscal 2024 Highlights Compared to 2023

• Revenue of $2,040.1 million, compared with $1,837.4 million.
• Income from operations of $249.6 million, compared with $165.5 million.
• Net income of $204.2 million, compared with $126.9 million.
• Diluted net income per share of $4.69, compared with $2.97.
• Adjusted operating income of $293.9 million, compared with $201.0 million. (1)
• Adjusted EBITDA of $390.7 million, compared with $296.2 million. (1)

Fiscal 2024 Summary Financial Metrics

	Year Ended June 30,							Change 2024/2023
	2024			2023				$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages and per share data)
Revenues	$	2,040,069			1,837,358			202,711		11.0	%
Income from operations		249,600			165,499			84,101		50.8	%
Adjusted operating income (1)		293,940			201,027			92,913		46.2	%
Net income		204,183			126,867			77,316		60.9	%
Net income per share, diluted		4.69			2.97			1.72		57.9	%
EBITDA (1)		359,283			275,857			83,426		30.2	%
Adjusted EBITDA (1)		390,745			296,177			94,568		31.9	%

(1)		To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we also present non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted operating income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that these additional metrics provide useful information to investors relating to our financial performance. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided below.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights Compared to 2023

• Revenue of $534.2 million, compared with $483.5 million.
• Income from operations of $73.7 million, compared with $53.9 million.
• Net income of $62.8 million, compared with $43.4 million.
• Diluted net income per share of $1.42 compared with $1.01.
• Adjusted operating income of $87.9 million, compared with $64.4 million. (1)
• Adjusted EBITDA of $112.1 million, compared with $88.8 million. (1)

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Summary Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended June 30,							Change 2024/2023
	2024			2023				$		%
	(In thousands, except percentages and per share data)
Revenues	$	534,183		$	483,489		$	50,694		10.5	%
Income from operations		73,678			53,946			19,732		36.6	%
Adjusted operating income (1)		87,896			64,430			23,466		36.4	%
Net income		62,782			43,372			19,410		44.8	%
Net income per share, diluted		1.42			1.01			0.41		40.6	%
EBITDA (1)		101,897			83,648			18,249		21.8	%
Adjusted EBITDA (1)		112,087			88,772			23,315		26.3	%

(1)		To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we also present non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted operating income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that these additional metrics provide useful information to investors relating to our financial performance. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided below.

Revenue and Enrollment Data

Revenue

The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues for the periods indicated:

		Three Months Ended													Year Ended
		June 30,						Change 2024 / 2023							June 30,						Change 2024 / 2023
		2024			2023			$				%			2024			2023			$				%
		(In thousands, except percentages)
General Education		$	347,058		$	295,402		$	51,656			17.5	%		$	1,289,193		$	1,131,391		$	157,802			13.9	%
Career Learning
Middle - High School			167,219			156,668			10,551			6.7	%			651,191			586,770			64,421			11.0	%
Adult			19,906			31,419			(11,513	)		(36.6	%)			99,685			119,197			(19,512	)		(16.4	%)
Total Career Learning			187,125			188,087			(962	)		(0.5	%)			750,876			705,967			44,909			6.4	%
Total Revenues		$	534,183		$	483,489		$	50,694			10.5	%		$	2,040,069		$	1,837,358		$	202,711			11.0	%

Enrollment Data

The following table sets forth enrollment data for students in our General Education and Career Learning lines of revenue. Enrollments for General Education and Career Learning only include those students in full service public or private programs where Stride provides a combination of curriculum, technology, instructional and support services inclusive of administrative support.

		Three Months Ended						Change						Year Ended						Change
		June 30,						2024 / 2023						June 30,						2024 / 2023
		2024			2023			#			%			2024			2023			#			%
		(In thousands, except percentages)
General Education (1)			120.6			110.6			10.0		9.0	%			121.6			112.3			9.3		8.3	%
Career Learning (1)(2)			72.8			65.5			7.3		11.1	%			72.7			65.9			6.8		10.3	%
Average Enrollment			193.4			176.1			17.3		9.8	%			194.3			178.2			16.1		9.0	%

(1)		This data includes enrollments for which Stride receives no public funding or revenue.
(2)		No enrollments are included in Career Learning for Stride’s Adult Learning offerings.

Revenue per Enrollment Data

The following table sets forth revenue per average enrollment data for students for the period indicated. If the mix of enrollments changes, our revenues will be impacted to the extent the average revenues per enrollments are significantly different.

		Three Months Ended						Change							Year Ended						Change
		June 30,						2024 / 2023							June 30,						2024 / 2023
		2024			2023			$				%			2024			2023			$			%
General Education		$	2,735		$	2,455		$	280			11.4	%		$	10,028		$	9,270		$	758		8.2	%
Career Learning			2,294			2,389			(95	)		(4.0	%)			8,946			8,885			61		0.7	%

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $714.2 million, compared with $545.5 million reported at June 30, 2023.

Capital expenditures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 were $61.6 million, compared to $66.5 million in fiscal year 2023, and were comprised of $2.3 million of property and equipment, $40.7 million of capitalized software development and $18.7 million of capitalized curriculum development.

Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook

The Company will provide an outlook for fiscal year 2025 when it reports results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, anticipated to be released in October 2024. No separate guidance communication, or enrollment counts, for fiscal 2025 will be provided before that time.

Conference Call

The Company will discuss its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 financial results during a conference call scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. eastern time (ET).

A live webcast of the call will be available at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/804531504. To participate in the live call, investors and analysts should dial (800) 715-9871 (domestic) or +1 (646) 307-1963 (international) and provide the conference ID number 8901384. Please access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A replay of the call will be posted at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/804531504 as soon as it is available.

About Stride Inc.

Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN) is redefining lifelong learning with innovative, high-quality education solutions. Serving learners in primary, secondary, and postsecondary settings, Stride provides a wide range of services including K-12 education, career learning, professional skills training, and talent development. Stride reaches learners in all 50 states and over 100 countries. Learn more at stridelearning.com.

Investor Contact

Timothy Casey
Vice President, Investor Relations
Stride, Inc.
tcasey@k12.com

Special Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “continues,” “likely,” “may,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “projects,” “will,” “will be,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward looking statements, whether in the negative or the affirmative. These statements reflect our current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to us. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. These risks, uncertainties, factors and contingencies include, but are not limited to: reduction of per pupil funding amounts at the schools we serve; inability to achieve a sufficient level of new enrollments to sustain our business model; limitations of the enrollment data we present, which may not fully capture trends in the performance of our business; failure to enter into new school contracts or renew existing contracts, in part or in their entirety; failure of the schools we serve or us to comply with federal, state and local regulations, resulting in a loss of funding, an obligation to repay funds previously received, or contractual remedies; governmental investigations that could result in fines, penalties, settlements, or injunctive relief; declines or variations in academic performance outcomes of the students and schools we serve as curriculum standards, testing programs and state accountability metrics evolve; harm to our reputation resulting from poor performance or misconduct by operators or us in any school in our industry and/or in any school in which we operate; legal and regulatory challenges from opponents of virtual public education or for-profit education companies; changes in national and local economic and business conditions and other factors, such as natural disasters, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; discrepancies in interpretation of legislation by regulatory agencies that may lead to payment or funding disputes; termination of our contracts, or a reduction in the scope of services, with schools; failure to develop the Career Learning business; entry of new competitors with superior technologies and lower prices; unsuccessful integration of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures; failure to further develop, maintain and enhance our technology, products, services and brands; inadequate recruiting, training and retention of effective teachers and employees; infringement of our intellectual property; disruptions to our Internet-based learning and delivery systems, including, but not limited to, our data storage systems and third-party cloud systems and facilities, resulting from cybersecurity attacks; misuse or unauthorized disclosure of student and personal data; and failure to prevent or mitigate a cybersecurity incident that affects our systems; and other risks and uncertainties associated with our business described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. All information in this press release is as of today’s date, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations.

Financial Statements

The financial statements set forth below are not the complete set of Stride, Inc.’s financial statements for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2024 and are presented below without footnotes. Readers are encouraged to obtain and carefully review Stride Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, including all financial statements contained therein and the footnotes thereto, filed with the SEC, which may be retrieved from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or from Stride Inc.’s website at www.stridelearning.com.

STRIDE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
		Three Months Ended								Year Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
		(In thousands except share and per share data)
Revenues		$	534,183			$	483,489			$	2,040,069			$	1,837,358
Instructional costs and services			345,971				311,408				1,276,466				1,190,288
Gross margin			188,212				172,081				763,603				647,070
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			114,534				118,135				514,003				481,571
Income from operations			73,678				53,946				249,600				165,499
Interest expense, net			(2,318	)			(2,070	)			(8,812	)			(8,404	)
Other income, net			7,519				5,858				26,900				15,452
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity method investments			78,879				57,734				267,688				172,547
Income tax expense			(16,099	)			(14,468	)			(64,482	)			(45,346	)
Income (loss) from equity method investments			2				106				977				(334	)
Net income attributable to common stockholders		$	62,782			$	43,372			$	204,183			$	126,867
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share:
Basic		$	1.47			$	1.02			$	4.79			$	3.00
Diluted		$	1.42			$	1.01			$	4.69			$	2.97
Weighted average shares used in computing per share amounts:
Basic			42,760,745				42,434,397				42,626,588				42,286,392
Diluted			44,248,689				42,849,355				43,535,441				42,728,108

STRIDE, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		June 30,
		2024				2023
		(In thousands except share and per share data)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	500,614			$	410,807
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $31,298 and $30,031			472,754				463,722
Inventories, net			36,748				36,716
Prepaid expenses			29,164				24,817
Marketable securities			191,672				111,918
Other current assets			14,494				17,219
Total current assets			1,245,446				1,065,199
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net			54,503				69,508
Property and equipment, net			50,856				52,332
Capitalized software, net			81,952				83,465
Capitalized curriculum development costs, net			53,232				50,787
Intangible assets, net			60,282				74,771
Goodwill			246,676				246,676
Deferred tax asset			7,200				8,776
Deposits and other assets			120,318				109,152
Total assets		$	1,920,465			$	1,760,666
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	40,970			$	48,854
Accrued liabilities			60,796				76,626
Accrued compensation and benefits			64,878				57,426
Deferred revenue			35,742				76,159
Current portion of finance lease liability			29,146				35,621
Current portion of operating lease liability			12,748				14,449
Total current liabilities			244,280				309,135
Long-term finance lease liability			26,452				21,278
Long-term operating lease liability			45,192				59,425
Long-term debt			414,675				413,035
Other long-term liabilities			13,841				10,497
Total liabilities			744,440				813,370
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued or outstanding			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.0001; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 48,576,164 and 48,339,048 shares issued; and 43,241,421 and 43,004,305 shares outstanding, respectively			4				4
Additional paid-in capital			720,033				695,480
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(42	)			(35	)
Retained earnings			558,512				354,329
Treasury stock of 5,334,743 shares at cost			(102,482	)			(102,482	)
Total stockholders’ equity			1,176,025				947,296
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	1,920,465			$	1,760,666

		Year Ended
		June 30,
		2024				2023
		(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	204,183			$	126,867
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense			109,683				110,358
Stock-based compensation expense			31,462				20,320
Deferred income taxes			2,890				(10,373	)
Provision for credit losses			22,844				9,158
Amortization of fees on debt			1,640				1,597
Noncash operating lease expense			14,246				14,728
Other			849				(1,966	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(32,056	)			(54,908	)
Inventories, prepaid expenses, deposits and other current and long-term assets			(8,877	)			(19,389	)
Accounts payable			(6,844	)			(11,999	)
Accrued liabilities			(16,556	)			24,132
Accrued compensation and benefits			7,394				(15,473	)
Operating lease liability			(14,990	)			(12,243	)
Deferred revenue and other liabilities			(37,071	)			22,341
Net cash provided by operating activities			278,797				203,150
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment			(2,270	)			(4,336	)
Capitalized software development costs			(40,653	)			(44,973	)
Capitalized curriculum development costs			(18,666	)			(17,239	)
Sale of other investments			—				60
Acquisition of assets			—				(1,409	)
Other acquisitions, loans and investments, net of distributions			(5,196	)			(1,652	)
Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities			204,487				91,879
Purchases of marketable securities			(277,573	)			(140,570	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(139,871	)			(118,240	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments on finance lease obligations			(40,919	)			(42,956	)
Payments of contingent consideration			—				(7,024	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			—				20
Repurchase of restricted stock for income tax withholding			(8,200	)			(13,541	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(49,119	)			(63,501	)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			89,807				21,409
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period			410,807				389,398
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period		$	500,614			$	410,807

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we have presented adjusted operating income (loss), EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA, which are not presented in accordance with GAAP.

• Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as income (loss) from operations as adjusted for stock-based compensation and the amortization of intangible assets.
• EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations as adjusted for depreciation and amortization.
• Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations as adjusted for stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization.
• Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income (loss) exclude stock-based compensation, which consists of expenses for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock units.

Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors relating to our financial performance. Adjusted operating income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA remove stock-based compensation, which is a non-cash charge that varies based on market volatility and the terms and conditions of the awards. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA remove depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide a measure of corporate performance exclusive of capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired.

Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures:

• as additional measures of operating performance because they assist us in comparing our performance on a consistent basis; and
• in presentations to the members of our Board of Directors to enable our Board to review the same measures used by management to compare our current operating results with corresponding prior periods.

Other companies may define these non-GAAP financial measures differently and, as a result, our use of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be directly comparable to similar non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Although we use these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of our business, the use of non-GAAP financial measures is limited as they include and/or do not include certain items not included and/or included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, revenues, income (loss) from operations, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share or other related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of liquidity. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these non-GAAP financial measures.

A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided below.

Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2024

Reconciliation of Income from Operations to Adjusted Operating Income

	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
	(In thousands)
Income from operations	$	73,678		$	53,946		$	249,600		$	165,499
Amortization of intangible assets		4,028			5,360			12,878			15,208
Stock-based compensation expense		10,190			5,124			31,462			20,320
Adjusted operating income		87,896			64,430			293,940			201,027

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

	Three Months Ended June 30,								Year Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
	(In thousands)
Net income	$	62,782			$	43,372			$	204,183			$	126,867
Interest expense, net		2,318				2,070				8,812				8,404
Other income, net		(7,519	)			(5,858	)			(26,900	)			(15,452	)
Income tax expense		16,099				14,468				64,482				45,346
(Income) loss from equity method investments		(2	)			(106	)			(977	)			334
Depreciation and amortization		28,219				29,702				109,683				110,358
EBITDA		101,897				83,648				359,283				275,857
Stock-based compensation expense		10,190				5,124				31,462				20,320
Adjusted EBITDA	$	112,087			$	88,772			$	390,745			$	296,177

FAQ

What was Stride's (LRN) revenue for fiscal year 2024?

Stride (LRN) reported revenue of $2,040.1 million for fiscal year 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year.

How much did Stride's (LRN) earnings per share grow in fiscal 2024?

Stride's (LRN) diluted earnings per share grew 57.9% to $4.69 in fiscal year 2024, compared to $2.97 in the previous year.

What was Stride's (LRN) average enrollment for fiscal year 2024?

Stride (LRN) reported an average enrollment of 194,300 students for fiscal year 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year.

How much cash did Stride (LRN) have at the end of fiscal 2024?

Stride (LRN) reported a cash and cash equivalents balance of $714.2 million as of June 30, 2024.