Strategic Education, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Strategic Education (NASDAQ: STRA) reported strong financial results for Q4 and full-year 2024. Annual revenue increased 7.7% to $1,219.9 million, with net income rising to $112.7 million from $69.8 million in 2023. Full-year diluted EPS grew to $4.67 from $2.91.

Q4 2024 highlights include revenue growth of 2.9% to $311.5 million, though quarterly net income decreased to $25.3 million from $39.1 million year-over-year. The U.S. Higher Education segment saw enrollment increase 3.0% to 88,860 students, while FlexPath enrollment reached 24% of USHE enrollment.

Notable achievements include Education Technology Services revenue jumping 39.3% to $30.5 million, driven by Sophia Learning's 29% subscriber growth and Workforce Edge expanding to 76 corporate agreements. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share, payable March 17, 2025.

Positive

• Annual revenue up 7.7% to $1.22B
• Full-year net income increased 61.5% to $112.7M
• Education Technology Services revenue grew 39.3% YoY
• USHE enrollment increased 6.4% for full-year 2024
• Sophia Learning subscribers up 29% YoY
• Operating margin improved to 12.8% from 8.4% in 2023

Negative

• Q4 net income declined to $25.3M from $39.1M YoY
• Q4 operating margin decreased to 11.6% from 17.9% YoY
• USHE Q4 revenue decreased 1.5% YoY
• Q4 bad debt expense increased to 4.5% from 3.7% YoY

Insights

Financial Analyst

Strategic Education (STRA) has delivered strong full-year 2024 results while showing signs of potential headwinds in Q4 that warrant investor attention. The company achieved 7.7% annual revenue growth to $1.22 billion with substantial margin expansion, as adjusted operating income margin improved to 12.9% from 11.0% in 2023. This translated to adjusted EPS of $4.87, a 31% year-over-year increase.

However, Q4 results reveal a concerning deceleration, with revenue growth slowing to just 2.9% and adjusted operating margins declining across all segments. Most notably, the U.S. Higher Education segment posted a 1.5% revenue decline despite 3.0% enrollment growth, indicating declining revenue per student. The segment's operating margin contracted significantly to 8.3% from 15.1% in Q4 2023.

The company's strategic shift toward employer partnerships is gaining traction, with employer-affiliated enrollment reaching 30.2% of USHE students. The Education Technology Services segment has become a critical growth driver, delivering 39.3% Q4 revenue growth through Sophia Learning subscriptions and Workforce Edge partnerships, which now reach approximately 3.82 million employees through 76 corporate agreements.

The rising bad debt expense ratio (4.5% vs. 3.7% in Q4 2023) suggests potential affordability challenges for students. However, STRA maintains excellent financial health with $199 million in cash, no debt, and 44.6% higher operating cash flow year-over-year. The consistent $0.60 quarterly dividend reflects management's confidence despite the Q4 slowdown.

The increasing adoption of FlexPath (now 24% of USHE enrollment) represents a strategic pivot toward flexible learning models that may pressure near-term revenue per student but potentially expand the addressable market and improve retention long-term.

Education Industry Specialist

Strategic Education's results reveal both promising strategic evolution and emerging challenges in the higher education landscape. The company's full-year performance demonstrates strong execution, but Q4 results highlight critical transitions that will shape future growth trajectories.

The most significant development is the fundamental business model transformation underway at STRA. The 30.2% employer-affiliated enrollment (up from 27.7%) signals a strategic pivot from traditional direct-to-consumer education toward B2B partnerships. This shift provides more stable enrollment pipelines but typically comes with corporate discounting that likely contributed to the revenue-per-student decline in USHE, where enrollment grew 3.0% while revenue dropped 1.5%.

Similarly, the acceleration of FlexPath adoption to 24% of USHE enrollment represents a disruptive shift from time-based to competency-based education. While this model enhances affordability and completion rates, it fundamentally alters revenue recognition patterns as students who progress quickly generate less revenue per credential.

The 39.3% revenue growth in Education Technology Services demonstrates STRA's successful diversification beyond traditional degree programs. Sophia Learning's 29% subscriber growth reflects the increasing demand for modular, lower-cost educational options. The 76 Workforce Edge corporate agreements create a substantial competitive moat through employer relationships.

The concerning 6.8 percentage point operating margin decline in USHE likely reflects both revenue-per-student pressure and increased investments in technology and corporate partnership infrastructure. Meanwhile, the rise in bad debt expense to 4.5% aligns with broader affordability challenges in higher education, though remains manageable.

STRA's transformation mirrors the broader evolution in higher education toward employer-aligned, flexible learning models. While this transition creates near-term margin pressure, it positions the company for more sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape where traditional enrollment models face demographic and value-proposition challenges.

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Strategic Education, Inc. (Strategic Education) (NASDAQ: STRA) today announced financial results for the period ended December 31, 2024.

“During 2024, we delivered strong performance consistent with our notional operating model including enrollment, revenue, and earnings growth,” said Karl McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Education. “We started 2025 positioned well to continue to deliver growth from the investments we've made across our diversified portfolio of education offerings.”

STRATEGIC EDUCATION CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Year Ended December 31

• Revenue increased 7.7% to $1,219.9 million compared to $1,132.9 million in 2023. Revenue on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 7.8% to $1,220.9 million in 2024 compared to $1,132.9 million in 2023. For more details on non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release, refer to the information in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this press release.
• Income from operations was $155.6 million or 12.8% of revenue, compared to $95.3 million or 8.4% of revenue in 2023. Adjusted income from operations, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $157.3 million in 2024 compared to $124.6 million in 2023. The adjusted operating income margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was 12.9% compared to 11.0% in 2023.
• Net income was $112.7 million in 2024 compared to $69.8 million in 2023. Adjusted net income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $117.7 million compared to $89.1 million in 2023.
• Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $233.8 million compared to $196.5 million in 2023.
• Diluted earnings per share was $4.67 compared to $2.91 in 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased to $4.87 from $3.72 in 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $4.87. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased to 24,140,000 from 23,956,000 in 2023.

Three Months Ended December 31

• Revenue increased 2.9% to $311.5 million compared to $302.7 million for the same period in 2023. Revenue on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 2.7% to $310.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $302.7 million for the same period in 2023. For more details on non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release, refer to the information in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this press release.
• Income from operations was $36.0 million or 11.6% of revenue, compared to $54.2 million or 17.9% of revenue for the same period in 2023. Adjusted income from operations, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $40.4 million compared to $56.6 million for the same period in 2023. The adjusted operating income margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was 13.0% compared to 18.7% for the same period in 2023.
• Net income was $25.3 million compared to $39.1 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted net income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $30.8 million compared to $40.4 million for the same period in 2023.
• Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $60.1 million compared to $74.4 million for the same period in 2023.
• Diluted earnings per share was $1.05 compared to $1.63 for the same period in 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased to $1.27 from $1.68 for the same period in 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $1.26. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased to 24,149,000 from 23,968,000 for the same period in 2023.

U.S. Higher Education Segment Highlights

• The U.S. Higher Education segment (USHE) is comprised of Capella University and Strayer University.
• For the fourth quarter, student enrollment within USHE increased 3.0% to 88,860 compared to 86,233 for the same period in 2023. Full-year 2024 student enrollment within USHE increased 6.4% compared to 2023.
• For the fourth quarter, FlexPath enrollment was 24% of USHE enrollment compared to 21% for the same period in 2023.
• Revenue decreased 1.5% to $214.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $217.6 million for the same period in 2023, driven by lower revenue per student.
• Income from operations was $17.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $32.9 million for the same period in 2023. The operating income margin was 8.3% compared to 15.1% for the same period in 2023.

Education Technology Services Segment Highlights

• The Education Technology Services segment (ETS) is comprised primarily of Enterprise Partnerships, Sophia Learning, and Workforce Edge.
• For the fourth quarter, employer affiliated enrollment was 30.2% of USHE enrollment compared to 27.7% for the same period in 2023. Full-year 2024 employer affiliated enrollment was 29.6% of USHE enrollment compared to 27.2% in 2023.
• For the fourth quarter, average total subscribers at Sophia Learning increased approximately 29% from the same period in 2023.
• As of December 31, 2024, Workforce Edge had a total of 76 corporate agreements, collectively employing approximately 3,820,000 employees.
• Revenue increased 39.3% to $30.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $21.9 million for the same period in 2023, driven by growth in Sophia Learning subscriptions, employer affiliated enrollment, and revenue from a new Workforce Edge employer partnership.
• Income from operations was $11.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $8.8 million for the same period in 2023. The operating income margin was 38.8% compared to 40.3% for the same period in 2023.

Australia/New Zealand Segment Highlights

• The Australia/New Zealand segment (ANZ) is comprised of Torrens University, Think Education, and Media Design School.
• For the fourth quarter, student enrollment within ANZ increased 3.0% to 19,825 compared to 19,252 for the same period in 2023. Full-year 2024 student enrollment within ANZ increased 4.8% compared to 2023.
• Revenue increased 5.4% to $66.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $63.3 million for the same period in 2023, driven by higher fourth quarter enrollment and revenue per student. Revenue on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 4.3% to $66.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $63.3 million for the same period in 2023, driven by higher fourth quarter enrollment and revenue per student.
• Income from operations was $10.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $14.9 million for the same period in 2023. The operating income margin was 16.1% compared to 23.5% for the same period in 2023. Income from operations on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $14.9 million for the same period in 2023. The operating income margin on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, was 15.6% compared to 23.5% for the same period in 2023.

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

At December 31, 2024, Strategic Education had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $199.0 million and no debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility. Cash provided by operations in 2024 was $169.3 million compared to $117.1 million in 2023. Capital expenditures for 2024 were $40.6 million compared to $36.9 million in 2023.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, consolidated bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue was 4.5% compared to 3.7% of revenue for the same period in 2023.

COMMON STOCK CASH DIVIDEND

Strategic Education announced today that it declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share of common stock. This dividend will be paid on March 17, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 10, 2025.

CONFERENCE CALL WITH MANAGEMENT

Strategic Education will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2024 results at 10:00 a.m. (ET) today. This call will be available via webcast. To access the live webcast of the conference call, please go to www.strategiceducation.com in the Investor Relations section 15 minutes prior to the start time of the call to register. An earnings release presentation will also be posted to www.strategiceducation.com in the Investor Relations section. Following the call, the webcast will be archived and available at www.strategiceducation.com in the Investor Relations section. To participate in the live call, investors should register here prior to the call to receive dial-in information and a PIN.

About Strategic Education, Inc.

Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: STRA) (www.strategiceducation.com) is dedicated to helping advance economic mobility through higher education. We primarily serve working adult students globally through our core focus areas: 1) U.S. Higher Education, including Capella University and Strayer University, each institutionally accredited, and collectively offer flexible and affordable associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs including the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University, and non-degree web and mobile application development courses through Strayer University’s Hackbright Academy and Devmountain; 2) Education Technology Services, developing and maintaining relationships with employers to build education benefits programs providing employees access to affordable and industry-relevant training, certificate, and degree programs, including through Workforce Edge, a full-service education benefits administration solution for employers, and Sophia Learning, which offers low-cost online general education-level courses that are ACE-recommended for college credit; and 3) Australia/New Zealand, comprised of Torrens University, Think Education, and Media Design School that collectively offer certificate and degree programs in Australia and New Zealand. This portfolio of high quality, innovative, relevant, and affordable programs and institutions helps our students prepare for success in today’s workforce and find a path to bettering their lives.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “potential” and other similar words, and include all statements that are not historical facts, including with respect to, among other things, the future financial performance and growth opportunities of Strategic Education; Strategic Education’s plans, strategies and prospects; and future events and expectations. The statements are based on Strategic Education’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to:

• the pace of student enrollment;
• Strategic Education’s continued compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, and the regulations thereunder, as well as other federal laws and regulations, institutional accreditation standards and state regulatory requirements;
• legislation and other actions by the U.S. Congress, actions by the current administration, rulemaking and other action by the Department of Education or other governmental entities, including without limitation action related to borrower defense to repayment applications, gainful employment, 90/10, increased focus by governmental entities on for-profit education institutions, and including actions by governmental entities in Australia and New Zealand;
• competitive factors;
• risks associated with the opening of new campuses;
• risks associated with the offering of new educational programs and adapting to other changes;
• risks associated with the acquisition of existing educational institutions, including Strategic Education’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand;
• the risk that the benefits of the acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected;
• the risk that the acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand may not advance Strategic Education’s business strategy and growth strategy;
• risks relating to the timing of regulatory approvals;
• Strategic Education’s ability to implement its growth strategy;
• the risk that the combined company may experience difficulty integrating employees or operations;
• risks associated with the ability of Strategic Education’s students to finance their education in a timely manner;
• general economic and market conditions; and
• additional factors described in Strategic Education’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Many of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions are beyond Strategic Education’s ability to control or predict. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the information currently available to Strategic Education on the date they are made, and Strategic Education undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
	For the three months ended December 31,						For the twelve months ended December 31,
	2023			2024			2023			2024
Revenues	$	302,702		$	311,456		$	1,132,924		$	1,219,930
Costs and expenses:
Instructional and support costs		153,751			166,884			623,903			650,496
General and administration		92,377			104,145			384,443			412,158
Amortization of intangible assets		1,093			—			11,457			—
Merger and integration costs		209			—			1,544			—
Restructuring costs		1,048			4,405			16,256			1,648
Total costs and expenses		248,478			275,434			1,037,603			1,064,302
Income from operations		54,224			36,022			95,321			155,628
Other income		994			1,869			5,405			5,804
Income before income taxes		55,218			37,891			100,726			161,432
Provision for income taxes		16,089			12,555			30,935			48,748
Net income	$	39,129		$	25,336		$	69,791		$	112,684
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.67		$	1.08		$	2.98		$	4.81
Diluted	$	1.63		$	1.05		$	2.91		$	4.67
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		23,367			23,370			23,403			23,406
Diluted		23,968			24,149			23,956			24,140

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	168,481			$	137,074
Marketable securities		39,728				46,949
Tuition receivable, net		76,102				76,127
Other current assets		44,758				44,793
Total current assets		329,069				304,943
Property and equipment, net		118,529				111,247
Right-of-use lease assets		119,202				103,673
Marketable securities, non-current		483				14,981
Intangible assets, net		251,623				245,098
Goodwill		1,251,888				1,206,883
Other assets		54,419				62,910
Total assets	$	2,125,213			$	2,049,735
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	90,888			$	101,749
Income taxes payable		2,200				2,926
Contract liabilities		92,341				89,563
Lease liabilities		24,190				22,222
Total current liabilities		209,619				216,460
Long-term debt		61,400				—
Deferred income tax liabilities		28,338				27,586
Lease liabilities, non-current		127,735				103,004
Other long-term liabilities		45,603				40,186
Total liabilities		472,695				387,236
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; 32,000,000 shares authorized; 24,406,816 and 24,502,385 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively		244				245
Additional paid-in capital		1,517,650				1,532,414
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(34,247	)			(88,565	)
Retained earnings		168,871				218,405
Total stockholders’ equity		1,652,518				1,662,499
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,125,213			$	2,049,735

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31,
		2023				2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	69,791			$	112,684
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(2,136	)			—
Gain on early termination of operating leases, net		(141	)			(6,166	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		557				674
Amortization of investment discount/premium		(65	)			(290	)
Depreciation and amortization		57,313				44,378
Deferred income taxes		(6,322	)			(150	)
Stock-based compensation		19,772				25,571
Impairment of right-of-use lease assets		5,135				677
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Tuition receivable, net		(12,874	)			221
Other assets		(7,631	)			(11,622	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		552				11,577
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable		(4,688	)			1,067
Contract liabilities		4,495				(2,948	)
Other liabilities		(6,639	)			(6,342	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		117,119				169,331
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(36,943	)			(40,580	)
Purchases of marketable securities		(26,905	)			(54,117	)
Proceeds from marketable securities		9,800				31,025
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		5,890				—
Proceeds from other investments		457				20
Other investments		(314	)			(531	)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired		(530	)			(177	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(48,545	)			(64,360	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common dividends paid		(58,780	)			(58,971	)
Payments on long-term debt		(40,000	)			(61,275	)
Net payments for stock awards		(4,828	)			(3,318	)
Payments of deferred financing costs		—				(1,698	)
Repurchase of common stock		(9,999	)			(11,510	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(113,607	)			(136,772	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(496	)			(3,468	)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(45,529	)			(35,269	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — beginning of period		227,454				181,925
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — end of period	$	181,925			$	146,656

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED SEGMENT REPORTING
(in thousands)
	For the three months ended December 31,								For the twelve months ended December 31,
		2023				2024				2023				2024
Revenues:
U.S. Higher Education	$	217,551			$	214,332			$	818,953			$	857,890
Australia/New Zealand		63,279				66,666				233,518				257,119
Education Technology Services		21,872				30,458				80,453				104,921
Consolidated revenues	$	302,702			$	311,456			$	1,132,924			$	1,219,930
Income from operations:
U.S. Higher Education	$	32,886			$	17,881			$	59,628			$	77,165
Australia/New Zealand		14,878				10,743				35,862				37,394
Education Technology Services		8,810				11,803				29,088				42,717
Amortization of intangible assets		(1,093	)			—				(11,457	)			—
Merger and integration costs		(209	)			—				(1,544	)			—
Restructuring costs		(1,048	)			(4,405	)			(16,256	)			(1,648	)
Consolidated income from operations	$	54,224			$	36,022			$	95,321			$	155,628

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In our press release and schedules, we report certain financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We discuss management’s reasons for reporting these non-GAAP measures below, and the press release schedules that follow reconcile the most directly comparable GAAP measure to each non-GAAP measure that we reference. Although management evaluates and presents these non-GAAP measures for the reasons described below, please be aware that these non-GAAP measures have limitations and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for revenue, total costs and expenses, income from operations, operating margin, income before income taxes, net income, earnings per share or any other comparable financial measure prescribed by GAAP. In addition, we may calculate and/or present these non-GAAP financial measures differently than measures with the same or similar names that other companies report, and as a result, the non-GAAP measures we report may not be comparable to those reported by others.

Management uses certain non-GAAP measures to evaluate financial performance because those non-GAAP measures allow for period-over-period comparisons of the Company’s ongoing operations before the impact of certain items described below. Management believes this information is useful to investors to compare the Company’s results of operations period-over-period. These measures are Adjusted Revenue, Adjusted Total Costs and Expenses, Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Operating Margin, Adjusted Income Before Income Taxes, Adjusted Net Income, Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS). We define Adjusted Revenue, Adjusted Total Costs and Expenses, Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Operating Margin, Adjusted Income Before Income Taxes, Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Diluted EPS to exclude (1) amortization and depreciation expense related to intangible assets and software assets associated with the Company’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand, (2) integration expenses associated with the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company and the Company’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand, (3) severance costs, asset impairment charges, gains on sale of real estate and early termination of leased facilities, and other costs associated with the Company’s restructuring activities, (4) income/loss recognized from the Company’s investments in partnership interests and other investments, and (5) discrete tax adjustments utilizing adjusted effective income tax rates of 30.0% and 27.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively, and adjusted effective income tax rates of 30.0% and 29.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. To illustrate currency impacts to operating results, Adjusted Revenue, Adjusted Total Costs and Expenses, Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Operating Margin, Adjusted Income Before Income Taxes, Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Diluted EPS for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 are also presented on a constant currency basis utilizing an exchange rate of 0.65 and 0.66 Australian Dollars to U.S. Dollars, respectively, which were the average exchange rates for the same periods in 2023. We define EBITDA as net income before other income, the provision for income taxes, gains on sale of property and equipment, depreciation and amortization, and from this amount in arriving at Adjusted EBITDA we also exclude stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense associated with deferred implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements, and the amounts in (2) and (3) above. These non-GAAP measures are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the sections that follow. Non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes for GAAP measures.

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
ADJUSTED REVENUE, ADJUSTED TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES, ADJUSTED INCOME FROM OPERATIONS, ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN, ADJUSTED INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, ADJUSTED NET INCOME, AND ADJUSTED EPS
(in thousands, except per share data)
					For the three months ended December 31, 2023 Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)				Amortization of intangible assets(1)				Merger and integration costs(2)				Restructuring costs(3)				Loss from other investments(4)				Tax adjustments(5)				As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Revenues	$	302,702			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	302,702
Total costs and expenses	$	248,478			$	(1,093	)		$	(209	)		$	(1,048	)		$	—			$	—			$	246,128
Income from operations	$	54,224			$	1,093			$	209			$	1,048			$	—			$	—			$	56,574
Operating margin		17.9	%																							18.7	%
Income before income taxes	$	55,218			$	1,093			$	209			$	1,048			$	108			$	—			$	57,676
Net income	$	39,129			$	1,093			$	209			$	1,048			$	108			$	(1,214	)		$	40,373
Earnings per share:
Diluted	$	1.63																							$	1.68
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted		23,968																								23,968
					For the three months ended December 31, 2024 Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)				Amortization of intangible assets(1)				Merger and integration costs(2)				Restructuring costs(3)				Loss from other investments(4)				Tax adjustments(5)				As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Revenues	$	311,456			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	311,456
Total costs and expenses	$	275,434			$	—			$	—			$	(4,405	)		$	—			$	—			$	271,029
Income from operations	$	36,022			$	—			$	—			$	4,405			$	—			$	—			$	40,427
Operating margin		11.6	%																							13.0	%
Income before income taxes	$	37,891			$	—			$	—			$	4,405			$	193			$	—			$	42,489
Net income	$	25,336			$	—			$	—			$	4,405			$	193			$	850			$	30,784
Earnings per share:
Diluted	$	1.05																							$	1.27
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted		24,149																								24,149
					For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)				Amortization of intangible assets(1)				Merger and integration costs(2)				Restructuring costs(3)				Income from other investments(4)				Tax adjustments(5)				As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Revenues	$	1,132,924			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1,132,924
Total costs and expenses	$	1,037,603			$	(11,457	)		$	(1,544	)		$	(16,256	)		$	—			$	—			$	1,008,346
Income from operations	$	95,321			$	11,457			$	1,544			$	16,256			$	—			$	—			$	124,578
Operating margin		8.4	%																							11.0	%
Income before income taxes	$	100,726			$	11,457			$	1,544			$	16,256			$	(2,718	)		$	—			$	127,265
Net income	$	69,791			$	11,457			$	1,544			$	16,256			$	(2,718	)		$	(7,245	)		$	89,085
Earnings per share:
Diluted	$	2.91																							$	3.72
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted		23,956																								23,956
					For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)				Amortization of intangible assets(1)				Merger and integration costs(2)				Restructuring costs(3)				Loss from other investments(4)				Tax adjustments(5)				As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Revenues	$	1,219,930			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1,219,930
Total costs and expenses	$	1,064,302			$	—			$	—			$	(1,648	)		$	—			$	—			$	1,062,654
Income from operations	$	155,628			$	—			$	—			$	1,648			$	—			$	—			$	157,276
Operating margin		12.8	%																							12.9	%
Income before income taxes	$	161,432			$	—			$	—			$	1,648			$	2,660			$	—			$	165,740
Net income	$	112,684			$	—			$	—			$	1,648			$	2,660			$	684			$	117,676
Earnings per share:
Diluted	$	4.67																							$	4.87
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted		24,140																								24,140

(1)		Reflects amortization and depreciation expense of intangible assets and software assets acquired through the Company’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand.
(2)		Reflects integration expenses associated with the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company and the Company’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand.
(3)		Reflects severance costs, asset impairment charges, gains on sale of real estate and early termination of leased facilities, and other costs associated with the Company’s restructuring activities.
(4)		Reflects income/loss recognized from the Company’s investments in partnership interests and other investments.
(5)		Reflects tax impacts of the adjustments described above and discrete tax adjustments related to stock-based compensation and other adjustments, utilizing adjusted effective income tax rates of 30.0% and 27.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively, and adjusted effective income tax rates of 30.0% and 29.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
2024 AS ADJUSTED WITH CONSTANT CURRENCY
(in thousands, except per share data)
	For the three months ended December 31, 2024												For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024
	As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)				Constant currency adjustment(1)				As Adjusted with Constant Currency (Non-GAAP)				As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)				Constant currency adjustment(1)				As Adjusted with Constant Currency (Non-GAAP)
Revenues	$	311,456			$	(672	)		$	310,784			$	1,219,930			$	977			$	1,220,907
Total costs and expenses	$	271,029			$	(246	)		$	270,783			$	1,062,654			$	1,292			$	1,063,946
Income from operations	$	40,427			$	(426	)		$	40,001			$	157,276			$	(315	)		$	156,961
Operating margin		13.0	%							12.9	%			12.9	%							12.9	%
Income before income taxes	$	42,489			$	(423	)		$	42,066			$	165,740			$	(297	)		$	165,443
Net income	$	30,784			$	(300	)		$	30,484			$	117,676			$	(212	)		$	117,464
Earnings per share:
Diluted	$	1.27							$	1.26			$	4.87							$	4.87
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted		24,149								24,149				24,140								24,140

(1)

Reflects an adjustment to translate foreign currency results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 at a constant exchange rate of 0.65 and 0.66 Australian Dollars to U.S. Dollars, respectively, which were the average exchange rates for the same periods in 2023.

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED NON-GAAP SEGMENT REPORTING
(in thousands)
	For the three months ended December 31,								For the twelve months ended December 31,
		2023				2024				2023				2024
Revenues:
U.S. Higher Education	$	217,551			$	214,332			$	818,953			$	857,890
Australia/New Zealand		63,279				66,666				233,518				257,119
Education Technology Services		21,872				30,458				80,453				104,921
Consolidated revenues		302,702				311,456				1,132,924				1,219,930
Income from operations:
U.S. Higher Education	$	32,886			$	17,881			$	59,628			$	77,165
Australia/New Zealand		14,878				10,743				35,862				37,394
Education Technology Services		8,810				11,803				29,088				42,717
Amortization of intangible assets		(1,093	)			—				(11,457	)			—
Merger and integration costs		(209	)			—				(1,544	)			—
Restructuring costs		(1,048	)			(4,405	)			(16,256	)			(1,648	)
Consolidated income from operations		54,224				36,022				95,321				155,628
Adjustments to consolidated income from operations:
Amortization of intangible assets		1,093				—				11,457				—
Merger and integration costs		209				—				1,544				—
Restructuring costs		1,048				4,405				16,256				1,648
Total adjustments to consolidated income from operations		2,350				4,405				29,257				1,648
Adjusted income from operations by segment:
U.S. Higher Education		32,886				17,881				59,628				77,165
Australia/New Zealand		14,878				10,743				35,862				37,394
Education Technology Services		8,810				11,803				29,088				42,717
Total adjusted income from operations	$	56,574			$	40,427			$	124,578			$	157,276

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
ADJUSTED EBITDA
(in thousands)
	For the three months ended December 31,								For the twelve months ended December 31,
		2023				2024				2023				2024
Net income	$	39,129			$	25,336			$	69,791			$	112,684
Provision for income taxes		16,089				12,555				30,935				48,748
Other income		(994	)			(1,869	)			(5,405	)			(5,804	)
Gain on sale of property and equipment		—				—				(2,136	)			—
Depreciation and amortization		12,432				11,345				57,313				44,378
EBITDA (1)		66,656				47,367				150,498				200,006
Stock-based compensation		4,570				6,782				19,772				25,571
Merger and integration costs (2)		209				—				1,208				—
Restructuring costs (3)		907				4,154				17,500				1,123
Cloud computing amortization (4)		2,024				1,762				7,547				7,143
Adjusted EBITDA (1)	$	74,366			$	60,065			$	196,525			$	233,843

(1)		Denotes non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the information in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this press release for more detail regarding these adjustments and management’s reasons for providing this information.
(2)		Reflects integration charges associated with the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company and the Company’s acquisition of Torrens University and associated assets in Australia and New Zealand. Excludes $0.3 million of depreciation and amortization for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
(3)		Reflects severance costs, asset impairment charges, gains on sale of real estate and early termination of leased facilities, and other costs associated with the Company’s restructuring activities. Excludes $2.1 million of gain on the sale of property and equipment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Excludes $0.4 million of depreciation and amortization expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, and $0.2 million of depreciation and amortization expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. Excludes $0.1 million and $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
(4)		Reflects amortization expense associated with deferred implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250227616272/en/

Terese Wilke

Senior Director of Investor Relations

Strategic Education, Inc.

(612) 977-6331

terese.wilke@strategiced.com

Source: Strategic Education, Inc.

FAQ

What was Strategic Education's (STRA) revenue growth in 2024?

STRA's revenue grew 7.7% to $1,219.9 million in 2024 compared to $1,132.9 million in 2023.

How much did STRA's earnings per share increase in 2024?

STRA's diluted earnings per share increased to $4.67 in 2024 from $2.91 in 2023.

What was Strategic Education's Q4 2024 enrollment growth?

U.S. Higher Education segment enrollment grew 3.0% to 88,860 students in Q4 2024.

How much is Strategic Education's quarterly dividend for March 2025?

STRA declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share, payable March 17, 2025.

What was the growth in STRA's Education Technology Services segment in Q4 2024?

Education Technology Services revenue increased 39.3% to $30.5 million in Q4 2024.