2U Reports Strong Results for First Quarter 2023
2U, a leading online education platform, reported a 6% decline in revenue for Q1 2023, totaling $238.5 million, compared to $253.3 million in Q1 2022. The Degree Program Segment saw a 9% decrease to $140.5 million, while the Alternative Credential Segment decreased 1% to $98 million. Despite these revenue drops, the company improved its net loss by 57% to $54.1 million.
Adjusted EBITDA surged 146% to $30.2 million, marking a 13% margin. The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents of $109.3 million, down from $182.6 million as of December 31, 2022. 2U affirmed its FY 2023 revenue guidance between $985 million and $995 million, signaling expected growth.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 146% to $30.2 million, indicating strong operational efficiency.
- First-time positive adjusted free cash flow reported.
- Enterprise channel growth of 57%, reflecting expanded market reach.
- Guidance for revenue growth in FY 2023 maintained and adjusted EBITDA forecast raised.
- Revenue decreased 6% year-over-year, raising concerns about growth.
- Degree Program Segment revenue fell 9%, driven by an 11% drop in FCE enrollments.
- Cash and equivalents decreased by $73.3 million from the prior quarter.
Results for First Quarter 2023 compared to First Quarter 2022
- Revenue decreased
6% to$238.5 million - Degree Program Segment revenue decreased
9% to$140.5 million - Alternative Credential Segment revenue decreased
1% to$98.0 million - Net loss improved
57% to , or$54.1 million per share$0.68 - Cash provided by operating activities on a trailing twelve month basis increased to
$38.5 million
Non-GAAP Results for First Quarter 2023 compared to First Quarter 2022
- Adjusted EBITDA increased
146% to ; a margin of$30.2 million 13% - Adjusted net loss improved
59% to , or$7.6 million per share$0.10 - Adjusted unlevered free cash flow on a trailing twelve month basis increased to
$58.5 million
"We're thrilled to report that we achieved positive adjusted free cash flow for the first time in our history, delivering a
"Our platform strategy has contributed to these strong results, creating a sound financial foundation and setting the stage for future top-line growth and sustained value creation for our shareholders," added
Discussion of First Quarter 2023 Results
Revenue for the quarter totaled
Costs and expenses for the quarter totaled
As of
Business Outlook for Fiscal Year 2023
The company affirmed its revenue guidance provided on
- Revenue to range from
to$985 million , representing growth of$995 million 3% at the midpoint - Net loss to range from
to$93 million $87 million - Adjusted EBITDA to range from
to$157 million , representing growth of$163 million 28% at the midpoint
New Offerings, Partnerships and Highlights
- Announced two new degree programs under the flexible degree model with
Cabrini University including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. In addition, Cabrini will launch a MicroMasters® program in education and a MicroBachelors® program in social sciences. - Extended
Southern Methodist University's contract to support its Online Master of Science in Data Science through 2027 and announced plans for two new Professional Certificate programs in data science. - Signed a new flex degree agreement with
Arcadia University to launch their online Doctor of Education program. - Launched new executive education courses from HEC Paris.
- Announced new professional certificate programs including:
- Two programs in Blockchain and Digital Assets from
The DEC Institute , - Six programs from LEORON, the first Arabic language educational programs on edX,
- Business-critical skill programs from
SDA Bocconi School of Management , and - A QuickBooks certification from Inuit, Teaching English as a Foreign Language from The TEFL Org and aviation technician programs from Lufthansa Technical Training.
- Announced new platform innovations including:
- MicroBootCampsTM - a new stackable credential designed to provide companies and professionals with a flexible, affordable, and on-demand learning pathway to build progressive skills in key technical fields.
- Try It Courses - free courses lasting 1 - 2 hours which introduce learners to new topics and skills.
- edX was named to
Fast Company's 2023 list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for pioneering Access Partnerships, a sustainable and scalable workforce training model, powered by boot camps. - Launched over 130 new edX courses from 50 unique institutions during the quarter. Welcomed new edX members, including
Arcadia University , BoxPlay,Cabrini University , Dr.Deepak Chopra's ChopraX,The DEC Institute , LEORON, Lufthansa Technical Training,Project University , theRaspberry Pi Foundation , SDA Bocconi,Southern Methodist University ,Tel Aviv University , The TEFL Org, theUniversity of Cape Town and WOBI.
Non-GAAP Measures
To provide investors and others with additional information regarding 2U's results, the company has disclosed the following non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted EBITDA (loss), adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted free cash flow, adjusted unlevered free cash flow, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share. The company has provided a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure used in this earnings release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The company defines adjusted EBITDA (loss) as net income or net loss, as applicable, before net interest income (expense), other income (expense), net, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, transaction costs, integration costs, restructuring-related costs, stockholder activism costs, certain litigation-related costs, consisting of fees for certain non-ordinary course litigation and other proceedings, impairment charges, debt modification expense and loss on debt extinguishment, and stock-based compensation expense. The company defines adjusted EBITDA margin as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. The company defines adjusted free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures, payments to university clients, and certain non-ordinary cash payments. The company defines adjusted unlevered free cash flow as adjusted free cash flow less cash interest payments on debt. The company defines adjusted net income (loss) as net income or net loss, as applicable, before other income (expense), net, acquisition-related gains or losses, deferred revenue fair value adjustments, transaction costs, integration costs, restructuring-related costs, stockholder activism costs, certain litigation-related costs, consisting of fees for certain non-ordinary course litigation and other proceedings, impairment charges, debt modification expense and loss on debt extinguishment, and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted net income (loss) per share is calculated as adjusted net income (loss) divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for periods that result in adjusted net income, and basic weighted-average shares outstanding for periods that result in an adjusted net loss. Some of the adjustments described above may not be applicable in any given reporting period and may vary from period to period.
The company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, to understand cash that is generated by or available for operational expenses and investment in the business after capital expenditures, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, for short- and long-term operating plans, and to evaluate the company's financial performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures reflect the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in the company's business as they exclude expenses that are not reflective of ongoing operating results. Management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the company's operating results and prospects in the same manner as management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies.
The use of adjusted EBITDA (loss), adjusted free cash flow, adjusted unlevered free cash flow, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share measures has certain limitations, as they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the company's operations. The company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Further, these non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore comparability may be limited. Management encourages investors and others to review the company's financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Conference Call Information
What: | 2U's first quarter 2023 financial results conference call | |
When: | ||
Time: | 4:30 p.m. ET | |
Live Call: | (888) 330-2446 | |
Conference ID #: | 1153388 | |
Webcast: |
About 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU)
As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides 76 million people worldwide with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 250 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,200 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding
- trends in the higher education market and the market for online education, and expectations for growth in those markets;
- the company's ability to maintain minimum recurring revenues or other financial ratios through the maturity date of our amended term loan facilities;
- the acceptance, adoption and growth of online learning by colleges and universities, faculty, students, employers, accreditors and state and federal licensing bodies;
- the impact of competition on the company's industry and innovations by competitors;
- the company's ability to comply with evolving regulations and legal obligations related to data privacy, data protection and information security;
- the company's expectations about the potential benefits of its cloud-based software-as-a-service technology and technology-enabled services to university clients and students;
- the company's dependence on third parties to provide certain technological services or components used in its platform;
- the company's expectations about the predictability, visibility and recurring nature of its business model;
- the company's ability to meet the anticipated launch dates of its offerings;
- the company's ability to acquire new clients and expand its offerings with existing university clients;
- the company's ability to successfully integrate the operations of its acquisitions, including the edX acquisition, to achieve the expected benefits of its acquisitions and manage, expand and grow the combined company;
- the company's ability to refinance its indebtedness on attractive terms, if at all, to better align with its focus on profitability;
- the company's ability to service its substantial indebtedness and comply with the covenants and conversion obligations contained in the indentures governing its
2.25% convertible senior notes due 2025 and4.50% convertible senior notes due 2030 and the credit agreement governing its revolving credit facility; - the company's ability to generate sufficient future operating cash flows from recent acquisitions to ensure related goodwill is not impaired;
- the company's ability to execute its growth strategy, including internationally and grow its enterprise business;
- the company's ability to continue to recruit prospective students for its offerings;
- the company's ability to maintain or increase student retention rates in its degree programs;
- the company's ability to attract, hire and retain qualified employees;
- the company's expectations about the scalability of its cloud-based platform;
- potential changes in laws, regulations or guidance applicable to the company or its university clients;
- the company's expectations regarding the amount of time its cash balances and other available financial resources will be sufficient to fund its operations;
- the impact and cost of stockholder activism;
- the potential negative impact of the significant decline in the market price of the company's common stock, including the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets;
- the impact of any natural disasters or public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic;
- the company's expectations regarding the effect of the capped call transactions and regarding actions of the option counterparties and/or their respective affiliates; and
- other factors beyond the company's control.
These and other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
Investor Relations Contact: investorinfo@2U.com
Media Contact: media@2U.com
2U, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||
|
| ||
(unaudited) | |||
Assets | |||
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 94,175 | $ 167,518 | |
Restricted cash | 15,111 | 15,060 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 72,815 | 62,826 | |
Other receivables, net | 31,763 | 33,813 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 44,114 | 43,090 | |
Total current assets | 257,978 | 322,307 | |
Other receivables, net, non-current | 14,725 | 14,788 | |
Property and equipment, net | 44,165 | 45,855 | |
Right-of-use assets | 70,020 | 72,361 | |
732,349 | 734,620 | ||
Intangible assets, net | 532,695 | 549,755 | |
Other assets, non-current | 73,263 | 71,173 | |
Total assets | $ 1,725,195 | $ 1,810,859 | |
Liabilities and stockholders' equity | |||
Current liabilities | |||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ 126,305 | $ 110,020 | |
Deferred revenue | 114,957 | 90,161 | |
Lease liability | 14,324 | 13,909 | |
Accrued restructuring liability | 4,529 | 6,692 | |
Other current liabilities | 53,776 | 58,210 | |
Total current liabilities | 313,891 | 278,992 | |
Long-term debt | 854,348 | 928,564 | |
Deferred tax liabilities, net | 293 | 282 | |
Lease liability, non-current | 95,215 | 99,709 | |
Other liabilities, non-current | 1,808 | 1,796 | |
Total liabilities | 1,265,555 | 1,309,343 | |
Stockholders' equity | |||
Preferred stock, | — | — | |
Common stock, | 80 | 78 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,716,342 | 1,700,855 | |
Accumulated deficit | (1,234,034) | (1,179,972) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (22,748) | (19,445) | |
Total stockholders' equity | 459,640 | 501,516 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 1,725,195 | $ 1,810,859 |
2U, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
2023 | 2022 | ||
(unaudited) | |||
Revenue | $ 238,504 | $ 253,329 | |
Costs and expenses | |||
Curriculum and teaching | 32,840 | 33,230 | |
Servicing and support | 36,109 | 39,624 | |
Technology and content development | 45,484 | 51,057 | |
Marketing and sales | 100,175 | 130,982 | |
General and administrative | 39,250 | 50,235 | |
Restructuring charges | 4,875 | 787 | |
Impairment charges | — | 58,782 | |
Total costs and expenses | 258,733 | 364,697 | |
Loss from operations | (20,229) | (111,368) | |
Interest income | 365 | 257 | |
Interest expense | (17,957) | (13,890) | |
Debt modification expense and loss on debt extinguishment | (16,735) | — | |
Other income (expense), net | 607 | (1,030) | |
Loss before income taxes | (53,949) | (126,031) | |
Income tax (expense) benefit | (113) | 251 | |
Net loss | $ (54,062) | $ (125,780) | |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ (0.68) | $ (1.65) | |
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | 79,310,434 | 76,271,855 | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of | (3,303) | 7,329 | |
Comprehensive loss | $ (57,365) | $ (118,451) |
2U, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
2023 | 2022 | ||
(unaudited) | |||
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Net loss | $ (54,062) | $ (125,780) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||
Non-cash interest expense | 3,532 | 4,254 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 30,020 | 34,415 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | 14,563 | 24,424 | |
Non-cash lease expense | 4,457 | 5,750 | |
Impairment charges | — | 58,782 | |
Provision for credit losses | 2,497 | 2,350 | |
Loss on debt extinguishment | 12,123 | — | |
Other | (598) | 1,378 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired: | |||
Accounts receivable, net | (11,455) | (12,012) | |
Other receivables, net | 947 | (1,206) | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (1,213) | (1,419) | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 11,158 | (11,944) | |
Deferred revenue | 24,674 | 29,614 | |
Other liabilities, net | (9,165) | (8,672) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 27,478 | (66) | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Purchase of a business, net of cash acquired | — | 4,960 | |
Additions of amortizable intangible assets | (10,586) | (17,487) | |
Purchases of property and equipment | (1,222) | (1,769) | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (11,808) | (14,296) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Proceeds from debt | 239,223 | 33 | |
Payments on debt | (321,078) | (1,903) | |
Prepayment premium on extinguishment of senior secured term loan facility | (5,666) | — | |
Payment of debt issuance costs | (2,867) | — | |
Tax withholding payments associated with settlement of restricted stock units | (361) | (919) | |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 110 | 875 | |
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan share purchases | 1,176 | — | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (89,463) | (1,914) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 501 | (36) | |
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (73,292) | (16,312) | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 182,578 | 249,909 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ 109,286 | $ 233,597 |
2U, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) | |||
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net loss for each of the periods indicated. | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
2023 | 2022 | ||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||
Revenue | $ 238,504 | $ 253,329 | |
Net loss | $ (54,062) | $ (125,780) | |
Stock-based compensation expense | 14,563 | 24,424 | |
Other (income) expense, net | (607) | 1,030 | |
Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 9,936 | 17,491 | |
Income tax benefit on amortization of acquired intangible assets | (19) | (435) | |
Impairment charges | — | 58,782 | |
Debt modification expense and loss on debt extinguishment | 16,735 | — | |
Restructuring charges | 4,875 | 787 | |
Other* | 962 | 5,240 | |
Adjusted net loss | (7,617) | (18,461) | |
Net interest expense | 17,592 | 13,633 | |
Income tax expense | 132 | 184 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 20,084 | 16,924 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 30,191 | $ 12,280 | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 13 % | 5 % | |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ (0.68) | $ (1.65) | |
Adjusted net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ (0.10) | $ (0.24) | |
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | 79,310,434 | 76,271,855 |
* | Includes (i) transaction and integration expense of |
2U, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted EBITDA by Segment (unaudited) | |||||||||||
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA (loss) to net loss by segment for each of the periods indicated. | |||||||||||
Degree Program Segment | Alternative Credential Segment | Consolidated | |||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ 140,480 | $ 154,167 | $ 98,024 | $ 99,162 | $ 238,504 | $ 253,329 | |||||
Net loss | $ (13,077) | $ (10,782) | $ (40,985) | $ (54,062) | |||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 8,135 | 13,365 | 6,428 | 11,059 | 14,563 | 24,424 | |||||
Other (income) expense, net | (1,203) | 552 | 596 | 478 | (607) | 1,030 | |||||
Net interest expense (income) | 17,649 | 13,702 | (57) | (69) | 17,592 | 13,633 | |||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 96 | (102) | 17 | (149) | 113 | (251) | |||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 13,818 | 13,893 | 16,202 | 20,522 | 30,020 | 34,415 | |||||
Impairment charges | — | — | — | 58,782 | — | 58,782 | |||||
Debt modification expense and loss on debt extinguishment | 16,735 | — | — | — | 16,735 | — | |||||
Restructuring charges | 4,107 | 688 | 768 | 99 | 4,875 | 787 | |||||
Other | 944 | 4,502 | 18 | 738 | 962 | 5,240 | |||||
Total adjustments | 60,281 | 46,600 | 23,972 | 91,460 | 84,253 | 138,060 | |||||
Total adjusted EBITDA (loss) | $ 47,204 | $ 35,818 | $ (17,013) | $ (23,538) | $ 30,191 | $ 12,280 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 34 % | 23 % | (17) % | (24) % | 13 % | 5 % |
2U, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow (unaudited) | |||||||
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted unlevered free cash flow to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for each of the twelve-month periods indicated. | |||||||
Trailing Twelve Months Ended | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | ||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ 38,472 | $ 10,927 | $ (16,378) | $ 12,765 | |||
Additions of amortizable intangible assets | (55,544) | (62,445) | (65,522) | (65,533) | |||
Purchases of property and equipment | (11,210) | (11,755) | (13,168) | (12,555) | |||
Payments to university clients | 6,425 | 6,775 | 6,775 | 7,025 | |||
Non-ordinary cash payments* | 32,282 | 24,157 | 30,812 | 25,229 | |||
Adjusted free cash flow | 10,425 | (32,341) | (57,481) | (33,069) | |||
Cash interest payments on debt | 48,118 | 43,826 | 56,175 | 44,532 | |||
Adjusted unlevered free cash flow | $ 58,543 | $ 11,485 | $ (1,306) | $ 11,463 | |||
* | Includes transaction, integration, restructuring-related, stockholder activism, and litigation-related expense. |
2U, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (unaudited) | |
The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA guidance to net loss guidance, at the midpoint of the ranges provided by the company, for the period indicated. | |
Year Ending | |
(in millions) | |
Net loss | $ (90.0) |
Stock-based compensation expense | 58.0 |
Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 30.0 |
Debt modification expense and loss on extinguishment | 16.7 |
Restructuring | 4.9 |
Other | 0.4 |
Adjusted net income | 20.0 |
Net interest expense | 70.0 |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 70.0 |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 160.0 |
2U, Inc. Key Financial Performance Metrics (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Full Course Equivalent Enrollments | |||||||||||||||
Degree Program Segment | |||||||||||||||
The following table presents FCE enrollments and average revenue per FCE enrollment in the company's Degree Program Segment for the last eight quarters. | |||||||||||||||
Q1 '23 | Q4 '22 | Q3 '22 | Q2 '22 | Q1 '22 | Q4 '21 | Q3 '21 | Q2 '21 | ||||||||
Degree Program Segment FCE enrollments | 55,491 | 53,631 | 57,092 | 60,303 | 62,609 | 58,967 | 57,842 | 60,429 | |||||||
Degree Program Segment average revenue per FCE enrollment | $ 2,532 | $ 2,557 | $ 2,404 | $ 2,373 | $ 2,462 | $ 2,585 | $ 2,555 | $ 2,420 | |||||||
Alternative Credential Segment* | |||||||||||||||
The following table presents FCE enrollments and average revenue per FCE enrollment in the company's Alternative Credential Segment for the last eight quarters. | |||||||||||||||
Q1 '23 | Q4 '22 | Q3 '22 | Q2 '22 | Q1 '22 | Q4 '21 | Q3 '21 | Q2 '21 | ||||||||
Alternative Credential Segment FCE enrollments | 21,990 | 24,236 | 23,128 | 23,443 | 22,664 | 21,153 | 20,174 | 23,679 | |||||||
Alternative Credential Segment average revenue per FCE enrollment | $ 4,193 | $ 3,840 | $ 3,850 | $ 3,891 | $ 4,012 | $ 4,312 | $ 4,193 | $ 3,843 |
* | FCE enrollments and average revenue per FCE enrollment exclude the impact of enrollments in edX offerings and the related revenue of |
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