STOCK TITAN

Earnings jump at Perdoceo Education (NASDAQ: PRDO) in Q1 2026

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Perdoceo Education Corporation reported a strong first quarter for 2026, with revenue rising 4.1% to $221.7 million and operating income increasing 22.0% to $63.1 million versus the prior year. Net income reached $54.0 million, and earnings per diluted share were $0.85, up from $0.65. Adjusted earnings per diluted share grew to $0.90 from $0.70.

Total student enrollments as of March 31, 2026 were 48,740, up 1.1%, with growth at CTU and USAHS partially offset by a decline at AIUS. The company generated $69.4 million in net cash from operating activities and held $680.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2026. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share payable June 12, 2026.

Perdoceo issued an outlook for the second quarter and updated full-year 2026, targeting full-year operating income of $217–$226 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.05–$3.16, based on assumptions around student demand, regulatory stability and continued access to federal student aid.

Positive

  • Strong earnings growth and margin expansion: Q1 2026 operating income increased 22.0% to $63.1 million and net income rose to $54.0 million, with earnings per diluted share up to $0.85 from $0.65 and adjusted EPS up to $0.90 from $0.70.
  • Raised full-year 2026 profitability outlook: The company now targets full-year operating income of $217–$226 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $3.05–$3.16, above 2025 levels of $196.0 million operating income and $2.61 adjusted EPS.
  • Healthy cash generation and liquidity: Net cash provided by operating activities was $69.4 million in Q1 2026, and cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $680.0 million as of March 31, 2026.
  • Ongoing shareholder returns via dividend: The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable June 12, 2026 to stockholders of record on June 1, 2026, and described dividends as an integral part of its capital allocation strategy.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Perdoceo posts double-digit profit growth and raises 2026 targets.

Perdoceo Education delivered meaningful operating leverage in Q1 2026. Revenue grew 4.1% to $221.7 million, but operating income rose 22.0% to $63.1 million, and net income reached $54.0 million. EPS increased from $0.65 to $0.85, while adjusted EPS climbed to $0.90.

Student fundamentals were stable to improving: total enrollments rose 1.1% to 48,740, with CTU and USAHS growth offsetting AIUS declines. Cash generation remained solid, with $69.4 million in operating cash flow and liquidity of $680.0 million in cash and investments as of March 31, 2026. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share.

The updated outlook implies continued earnings expansion. For full-year 2026, management projects operating income of $217–$226 million and adjusted EPS of $3.05–$3.16, versus $237 million adjusted operating income and $2.61 adjusted EPS in 2025. These targets depend on stable Title IV access, limited regulatory disruption, and consistent student demand; any changes in federal aid rules or economic conditions could affect actual results.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q1 2026 Revenue $221.7 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up 4.1% from $213.0 million
Q1 2026 Operating Income $63.1 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026; 22.0% increase vs prior year
Q1 2026 Diluted EPS $0.85 per share Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up from $0.65
Q1 2026 Adjusted Diluted EPS $0.90 per share Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up from $0.70 (28.6% increase)
Total Enrollments 48,740 students As of March 31, 2026; 1.1% increase from 48,190
Operating Cash Flow $69.4 million Net cash provided by operating activities in Q1 2026
Cash and Investments $680.0 million Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2026
Quarterly Dividend $0.15 per share Declared May 6, 2026; payable June 12, 2026
adjusted operating income financial
"For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, adjusted operating income of $72.5 million increased 14.1%"
Adjusted operating income is a company's profit from its main activities, excluding certain one-time or unusual costs and gains. It helps investors see how well the business is performing in its normal operations, without distractions from rare events or expenses. This way, they get a clearer picture of the company’s true profitability.
adjusted earnings per diluted share financial
"Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.90 compared to $0.70 for the prior year quarter."
Adjusted earnings per diluted share shows a company's profit attributable to each share after accounting for potential new shares (like stock options or convertible securities) and excluding one-time or unusual items that can distort results. Investors use it as a cleaned-up per-share profit measure—like checking a car’s fuel efficiency after ignoring a bad tank of gas—to compare underlying performance over time or across companies, though the adjustments can vary by management.
Title IV Programs regulatory
"our continued compliance with and eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965"
Title IV programs are the U.S. federal student financial aid programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act, including federal grants, loans and work-study that help students pay for college. For investors, a school’s access to these funds is like its steady paycheck from government-supported customers: losing eligibility can sharply reduce enrollment and revenue, while stable access supports predictable cash flow and growth prospects.
borrower defense to repayment regulatory
"the impact of various versions of “borrower defense to repayment” regulations"
Grad plus loan program regulatory
"any impact on total student enrollments due to elimination of the Grad plus loan program"
A Grad PLUS loan program is a U.S. federal student loan that lets graduate and professional students borrow money to cover education costs not met by scholarships or other aid; the loan is federally backed and typically requires a basic credit check. Investors watch it because changes in borrowing levels, repayment ability, or program rules can influence higher-education revenues, consumer debt trends and default risk—like a bridge that lets students pay now but creates future repayment obligations that affect lenders and the broader economy.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted operating income"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Revenue $221.7 million 4.1% increase vs prior year
Operating income $63.1 million 22.0% increase vs prior year
Net income $54.0 million up from $43.7 million prior year
Diluted EPS $0.85 up from $0.65 prior year
Adjusted diluted EPS $0.90 28.6% increase vs $0.70 prior year
Guidance

For full-year 2026, Perdoceo guides to operating income of $217–$226 million, adjusted operating income of $254–$263 million, EPS of $2.86–$2.97 and adjusted EPS of $3.05–$3.16.

0001046568false00010465682026-05-072026-05-07

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): May 7, 2026

 

 

Perdoceo Education Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

0-23245

36-3932190

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

1750 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL

60173

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 781-3600

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

PRDO

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 


 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 7, 2026, Perdoceo Education Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release describing the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 and providing an update to the Company’s second quarter and full year 2026 outlook. A copy of the press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1, and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference. Following the issuance of the press release, the Company will host a conference call and webcast on which its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 and second quarter and full year 2026 outlook will be discussed.

The information contained in Item 2.02 of this Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall the information be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the “Exhibit Index” which is contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

 


Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Exhibits

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release of the Company dated May 7, 2026 reporting the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

 

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 /s/ Ashish R. Ghia

 

Ashish R. Ghia

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Date: May 7, 2026

 

 

 

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 1

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

img8661304_0.gif

 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

Earnings per diluted share increased by 30.8% as compared to the prior year

 

Schaumburg, IL. (May 7, 2026) – Perdoceo Education Corporation (NASDAQ: PRDO), a provider of postsecondary education programs through its academic institutions, today reported operating and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

 

 

"First quarter results were ahead of our expectations which we believe continue to underscore the operating strength and value proposition of our academic institutions,” said Todd Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer. “During the quarter, our academic institutions continued to generate strong levels of prospective student interest, while student retention and engagement trended near multi-year highs. We remain optimistic for 2026 and will continue to make selective investments that, we believe, will further improve academic outcomes and student experiences."

 

First Quarter 2026 Results as Compared to Prior Year Quarter

 

Operating income increased 22.0% to $63.1 million, while adjusted operating income increased 14.1% to $72.5 million*.
Revenue increased 4.1% to $221.7 million compared to $213.0 million.
Total student enrollments at March 31, 2026 increased by 1.1%. Total student enrollment growth at CTU and USAHS was partially offset by the expected decline at AIUS.
Earnings per diluted share was $0.85 as compared to $0.65, while adjusted earnings per diluted share grew by 28.6% to $0.90 as compared to $0.70*.

 

 

*See GAAP (U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) to non-GAAP reconciliations attached to this press release.

 

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 2

 

 

TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENTS

 

As of March 31, 2026, total student enrollments were 48,740 an increase of 1.1% as compared to 48,190 total student enrollments as of March 31, 2025.

 

 

 

As of March 31,

 

Total Student Enrollments

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

% Change

 

CTU (1)

 

 

34,050

 

 

 

33,400

 

 

 

1.9

%

AIUS (1)

 

 

10,320

 

 

 

10,550

 

 

 

-2.2

%

USAHS

 

 

4,370

 

 

 

4,240

 

 

 

3.1

%

Total

 

 

48,740

 

 

 

48,190

 

 

 

1.1

%

(1)
Total student enrollments do not include learners participating in: a) non-degree seeking and professional development programs, and b) degree seeking, non-Title IV, self-paced programs at our universities.

 

 

REVENUE

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, revenue increased 4.1% to $221.7 million compared to revenue of $213.0 million for the prior year quarter.

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

Revenue ($ in thousands)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

% Change

 

CTU

 

$

120,756

 

 

$

116,074

 

 

 

4.0

%

AIUS

 

 

57,816

 

 

 

57,564

 

 

 

0.4

%

USAHS

 

 

43,008

 

 

 

39,183

 

 

 

9.8

%

Corporate and Other

 

 

163

 

 

 

183

 

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

221,743

 

 

$

213,004

 

 

 

4.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 3

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, operating income increased 22.0% to $63.1 million as compared to the prior year quarter.

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

Operating Income ($ in thousands)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

% Change

 

CTU

 

$

50,543

 

 

$

46,760

 

 

 

8.1

%

AIUS

 

 

12,564

 

 

 

11,221

 

 

 

12.0

%

USAHS

 

 

6,307

 

 

 

(330

)

 

NM

 

Corporate and Other

 

 

(6,292

)

 

 

(5,924

)

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

63,122

 

 

$

51,727

 

 

 

22.0

%

 

 

ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME

The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted operating income, which exclude certain non-cash items, as a means to better understand its operating performance. (See the table below and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations attached to this press release for further details.)

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, adjusted operating income of $72.5 million increased 14.1% compared to adjusted operating income of $63.5 million for the prior year quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income ($ in thousands)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

Operating income

 

$

63,122

 

 

$

51,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

9,347

 

 

 

11,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$

72,469

 

 

$

63,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Increase (Decrease)

 

 

14.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 4

 

 

NET INCOME, EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the Company recorded:

Net income of $54.0 million compared to $43.7 million for the prior year quarter.
Earnings per diluted share of $0.85 compared to $0.65 for the prior year quarter.
Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.90 compared to $0.70 for the prior year quarter. (See the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations attached to this press release for further details.)

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Net income ($ in thousands)

 

$

53,951

 

 

$

43,688

 

Earnings per diluted share

 

$

0.85

 

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per diluted share

 

$

0.90

 

 

$

0.70

 

% Increase (Decrease)

 

 

28.6

%

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL ALLOCATION

On May 6, 2026 the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, which will be paid on June 12, 2026 to holders of record of common stock as of June 1, 2026. Any decision to pay future cash dividends, however, will be made by the board of directors and depend on the Company’s available retained earnings, financial condition and other relevant factors. The Company expects quarterly dividend payments to be an integral and growing part of its balanced capital allocation strategy that also prioritizes investments in student enrollment, student support and technology projects, as well as evaluating future acquisitions and share repurchases under our authorized repurchase program.

 

 

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, net cash provided by operating activities was $69.4 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $65.1 million for the prior year quarter.
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale short-term investments totaled $680.0 million and $643.5 million, respectively.

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

Selected Cash Flow Items ($ in thousands)

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

% Change

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

69,389

 

 

$

65,127

 

 

 

6.5

%

Capital expenditures

 

$

1,740

 

 

$

1,737

 

 

 

0.2

%

 

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 5

 

 

OUTLOOK

The Company is providing its second quarter outlook and updating its full year 2026 outlook, subject to the key assumptions identified below. Please see the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations for adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share attached to this press release for further details.

 

 

 

Total Company Outlook

 

For the Quarter Ending June 30,

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

OUTLOOK

ACTUAL

 

OUTLOOK

ACTUAL

 

2026

2025

 

2026

2025

Operating Income

$53.6M - $54.6M

$51.4M

 

$217.1M - $226.1M

$196.0M

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

$9.4M

$10.1M

 

$36.9M

$41.6M

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

$63.0M - $64.0M

$61.5M

 

$254.0M - $263.0M

$237.6M

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Diluted Share

$0.74 - $0.75

$0.62

 

$2.86 - $2.97

$2.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

0.07

0.06

 

0.25

0.26

Tax effect of adjustments

(0.02)

(0.01)

 

(0.06)

(0.07)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

$0.79 - $0.80

$0.67

 

$3.05 - $3.16

$2.61

 

 

 

Operating income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to adjusted operating income, and earnings per diluted share, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to adjusted earnings per diluted share, may not follow the same trends stated in the outlook above because of future adjustments made for certain non-cash items. The operating income, adjusted operating income, earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share outlook provided above for the second quarter ending June 30, 2026 and year ending December 31, 2026 are based on the following key assumptions and factors, among others: (i) prospective student interest in our academic institutions' programs and trends in student retention and engagement remain consistent with management’s recent experiences, (ii) no material impact from current or future federal budget reconciliations or other legislative activity on the availability of current levels of federal student aid or the conditions associated with participating in such aid programs, (iii) no significant impact from new or proposed regulations, or from updated interpretations of current regulations, administrative actions by or changes in the structure of federal agencies or other adverse changes in the legal or regulatory environment, including government shutdowns, which may require operational changes in the way the Company’s academic institutions attract, connect with, enroll, support and educate current and prospective students, among other impacts, (iv) any impact on total student enrollments due to elimination of the Grad plus loan program will not be material as prospective students are assumed to have access to private lending sources, (v) no significant operating impacts from the settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or other legal or regulatory matters, (vi) no material disruptions to the availability of the current levels of federal student aid whether due to the restructuring of federal agencies, government shutdowns, staffing related changes or layoffs or changes to congressional funding priorities, (vii) no material impact from the increased use of AI by prospective students in lieu of search engines, (viii) earnings per diluted share outlook assumes an effective income tax rate of approximately 20.0% for the second quarter and approximately 23.0% for the full year, and (ix) excludes any future impact from the Company’s stock repurchase program. Although these estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s good faith beliefs regarding current and future circumstances and actions that may be undertaken, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. In addition, decisions the Company makes in the future as it continues to evaluate diverse strategies to enhance stockholder value may impact the outlook provided above.

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 6

 

 

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Perdoceo Education Corporation will host a conference call on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the first quarter operating and financial results, and second quarter and full year 2026 outlook. Interested parties can access the live webcast of the conference call at www.perdoceoed.com in the Investor Relations section of the website. Participants can also listen to the conference call by dialing 1-800-715-9871 (domestic) or 1-646-307-1963 (international). Both dial-in numbers will use the access code 4671240. Viewers can also access the conference call by following this link https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/170297468. Please log-in or dial-in at least 10 minutes prior to the start time to ensure a connection. An archived version of the webcast will be accessible for 90 days at www.perdoceoed.com in the Investor Relations section of the website.

 

ABOUT PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION

Perdoceo’s accredited academic institutions offer a quality postsecondary education to a diverse student population, with fully online, campus-based and hybrid learning programs. The Company’s academic institutions – Colorado Technical University (“CTU”), the American InterContinental University System (“AIUS” or “AIU System”) and University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences ("USAHS") – provide degree programs from the associate through doctoral level as well as non-degree seeking and professional development programs. Our academic institutions offer students industry-relevant and career-focused academic programs that are designed to meet the educational needs of today’s busy adults. CTU and AIUS continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing personalized learning technologies like their intellipath® learning platform and using data analytics and technology to serve and educate students while enhancing overall learning and academic experiences. USAHS prepares medical professionals to provide quality medical care to communities across the country primarily through its graduate health sciences degree offerings in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and nursing, as well as continuing education programs. Perdoceo's academic institutions are committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers and communities needing a qualified workforce. For more information, please visit www.perdoceoed.com.

Except for the historical and current factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this release, including statements identified by words such as “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “continue,” “outlook,” “remain,” “focused on,” “should” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise such factors or any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments or changed circumstances, or for any other reason. These risks and uncertainties, the outcomes of which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, include, but are not limited to, the following: declines in enrollment or interest in our programs or our ability to attract and connect with prospective students; our continued compliance with and eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (including the new 90-10, earnings premium, financial responsibility and administrative capability standards prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, the "Department"), as well as applicable accreditation standards and state regulatory requirements; the impact of various versions of “borrower defense to repayment” regulations; the final outcome of various legal challenges to the Department's loan discharge and forgiveness efforts; rulemaking or changing interpretations of existing regulations, guidance or historical practices by the Department, or any state or accreditor and increased focus by Congress and governmental agencies on, or increased negative publicity about, for-profit education institutions; the impact of any federal budget reconciliations or other legislative activities on the availability of adequate levels of federal student aid or the conditions associated with participating in such aid programs; the success of our initiatives to improve student experiences, retention and academic outcomes; our continued ability to participate in educational assistance programs for key employers, veterans or other military personnel; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and execute our stock repurchase program; increased competition; the impact of management changes; and changes in the overall U.S. economy. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

###

 


PRDO ANNOUNCES 1Q26 RESULTS …PG 7

 

 

CONTACT

 

Investors:

Alpha IR Group

Nick Nelson or Daniel Naik

(312) 445-2870

PRDO@alpha-ir.com

or

Media:

Perdoceo Education Corporation

(847) 585-2600

media@perdoceoed.com

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted

 

$

164,306

 

 

$

110,970

 

Restricted cash

 

 

815

 

 

 

21,310

 

Short-term investments

 

 

514,840

 

 

 

511,211

 

Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments

 

 

679,961

 

 

 

643,491

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student receivables, net

 

 

39,587

 

 

 

27,197

 

Receivables, other

 

 

6,958

 

 

 

5,037

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

17,205

 

 

 

16,881

 

Inventories

 

 

3,277

 

 

 

4,049

 

Other current assets

 

 

357

 

 

208

 

Total current assets

 

 

747,345

 

 

 

696,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

80,990

 

 

 

83,314

 

Right of use assets, net - operating

 

 

41,518

 

 

 

43,290

 

Right of use assets, net - finance

 

 

8,980

 

 

 

10,259

 

Goodwill

 

 

265,697

 

 

 

265,697

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

73,769

 

 

 

77,945

 

Student receivables, net

 

 

4,940

 

 

 

4,811

 

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

57,438

 

 

 

57,438

 

Other assets

 

 

8,096

 

 

 

8,100

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

1,288,773

 

 

$

1,247,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities- operating

 

$

8,421

 

 

$

6,032

 

Lease liabilities - finance

 

 

5,584

 

 

 

5,458

 

Accounts payable

 

 

18,665

 

 

 

14,271

 

Accrued expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payroll and related benefits

 

 

26,454

 

 

 

44,363

 

Advertising and marketing costs

 

 

7,095

 

 

 

7,838

 

Income taxes

 

 

19,751

 

 

 

5,627

 

Other

 

 

16,958

 

 

 

16,374

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

52,249

 

 

 

37,844

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

155,177

 

 

 

137,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities - operating

 

 

41,499

 

 

43,752

 

Lease liabilities - finance

 

 

4,647

 

 

 

6,097

 

Sale lease-back financing

 

 

57,084

 

 

 

56,992

 

Other liabilities

 

 

30,457

 

 

30,657

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

133,687

 

 

 

137,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock

 

 

928

 

 

921

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

724,243

 

 

720,574

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(1,040

)

 

1,070

 

Retained earnings

 

 

762,683

 

 

 

718,365

 

Treasury stock

 

 

(486,905

)

 

 

(468,518

)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

999,909

 

 

 

972,412

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

1,288,773

 

 

$

1,247,717

 

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

% of
Total
Revenue

 

 

2025

 

 

% of
Total
Revenue

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuition and fees, net

 

$

220,622

 

 

 

99.5

%

 

$

211,848

 

 

 

99.5

%

Other

 

 

1,121

 

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

1,156

 

 

 

0.5

%

Total revenue

 

 

221,743

 

 

 

 

 

 

213,004

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational services and facilities

 

 

47,065

 

 

 

21.2

%

 

 

48,542

 

 

 

22.8

%

General and administrative

 

 

102,209

 

 

 

46.1

%

 

 

100,928

 

 

 

47.4

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

9,347

 

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

11,807

 

 

 

5.5

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

158,621

 

 

 

71.5

%

 

 

161,277

 

 

 

75.7

%

Operating income

 

 

63,122

 

 

 

28.5

%

 

 

51,727

 

 

 

24.3

%

OTHER INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

6,536

 

 

 

2.9

%

 

 

6,476

 

 

3.0

%

Interest expense

 

 

(1,526

)

 

 

-0.7

%

 

 

(1,682

)

 

 

-0.8

%

Miscellaneous expense

 

 

(2

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(16

)

 

0.0

%

Total other income

 

 

5,008

 

 

 

2.3

%

 

 

4,778

 

 

 

2.2

%

PRETAX INCOME

 

 

68,130

 

 

 

30.7

%

 

 

56,505

 

 

 

26.5

%

Provision for income taxes

 

 

14,179

 

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

12,817

 

 

 

6.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

 

53,951

 

 

 

24.3

%

 

 

43,688

 

 

 

20.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC:

 

$

0.86

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE -DILUTED:

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

62,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,680

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

63,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

2026

 

 

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

53,951

 

 

 

 

 

$

43,688

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments

 

 

(2,110

)

 

 

 

 

 

507

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(2,110

)

 

 

 

 

 

507

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

51,841

 

 

 

 

 

$

44,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

53,951

 

 

$

43,688

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

9,347

 

 

 

11,807

 

Bad debt expense

 

 

5,745

 

 

 

7,558

 

Compensation expense related to share-based awards

 

 

3,174

 

 

 

2,857

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

(2,828

)

 

 

(783

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

69,389

 

 

 

65,127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

 

 

(81,625

)

 

 

(100,367

)

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 

 

76,304

 

 

 

103,286

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(1,740

)

 

 

(1,737

)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(7,061

)

 

 

1,182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

 

502

 

 

978

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(8,137

)

 

 

(25,192

)

Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation

 

 

(10,250

)

 

 

(7,544

)

Payments of cash dividends and dividend equivalents

 

 

(10,278

)

 

 

(9,202

)

Earnout payments related to business acquisition

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,757

)

Principal payments for finance lease

 

 

(1,324

)

 

 

(1,207

)

Principal payments for failed sale leaseback

 

 

-

 

 

 

(489

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(29,487

)

 

 

(44,413

)

NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH

 

 

32,841

 

 

 

21,896

 

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of the period

 

 

132,280

 

 

 

131,753

 

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of the period

 

$

165,121

 

 

$

153,649

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)

(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

ACTUAL

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Operating income

 

$

63,122

 

 

$

51,727

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization (2)

 

 

9,347

 

 

 

11,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$

72,469

 

 

$

63,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ending June 30,

 

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$53.6M - $54.6M

 

 

$

51,399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization (2)

 

9.4M

 

 

 

10,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$63.0M - $64.0M

 

 

$

61,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$217.1M - $226.1M

 

 

$

196,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization (2)

 

36.9M

 

 

 

41,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$254.0M - $263.0M

 

 

$

237,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1) (cont’d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31,

 

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$

0.85

 

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax adjustments included in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization for acquired intangible assets (2)

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

0.06

 

Total pre-tax adjustments

 

$

0.07

 

 

$

0.06

 

Tax effect of adjustments (3)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.01

)

Total adjustments after tax

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

0.05

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$

0.90

 

 

$

0.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ending June 30,

 

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$0.74 - $0.75

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax adjustments included in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization for acquired intangible assets (2)

 

0.07

 

 

 

0.06

 

Total pre-tax adjustments

 

0.07

 

 

$

0.06

 

Tax effect of adjustments (3)

 

(0.02)

 

 

 

(0.01

)

Total adjustments after tax

 

0.05

 

 

 

0.05

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$0.79 - $0.80

 

 

$

0.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

2026

 

 

2025

 

Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$2.86 - $2.97

 

 

$

2.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax adjustments included in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization for acquired intangible assets (2)

 

0.25

 

 

 

0.26

 

Total pre-tax adjustments

 

0.25

 

 

$

0.26

 

Tax effect of adjustments (3)

 

(0.06)

 

 

 

(0.07

)

Total adjustments after tax

 

0.19

 

 

 

0.19

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$3.05 - $3.16

 

 

$

2.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1) (cont’d)

 

(1)
The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted operating income, which may exclude certain non-cash items as a means to understand the core performance of its operations. As a general matter, the Company uses non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP to help better analyze the performance of its operations, assist with preparing the annual operating plan, and measure performance for some forms of compensation. In addition, the Company believes that non-GAAP financial information is used by analysts and others in the investment community to analyze the Company’s historical results and to provide estimates of future performance.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share have limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, operating income, earnings per diluted share, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with and reported under GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity.

Non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed in a reconciliation to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide an additional way of viewing the Company’s results of operations and the factors and trends affecting the Company’s business. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding financial results presented in accordance with GAAP.

(2)
Amortization for acquired intangible assets relate to definite-lived intangible assets associated with acquisitions.
(3)
The tax effect of adjustments was calculated by multiplying the pre-tax adjustments with a tax rate of 25.0%. This tax rate is intended to reflect federal and state taxable jurisdictions as well as the nature of the adjustments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


FAQ

How did Perdoceo Education (PRDO) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Perdoceo reported Q1 2026 revenue of $221.7 million, up 4.1% year over year. Operating income increased 22.0% to $63.1 million, net income reached $54.0 million, and diluted EPS rose to $0.85 from $0.65, with adjusted EPS at $0.90.

What happened to Perdoceo Education (PRDO) student enrollments in Q1 2026?

Total student enrollments at Perdoceo reached 48,740 as of March 31, 2026, a 1.1% increase from 48,190 a year earlier. CTU enrollments grew 1.9%, USAHS grew 3.1%, while AIUS declined 2.2%, partially offsetting the growth at the other institutions.

What 2026 outlook did Perdoceo Education (PRDO) provide for earnings?

For full-year 2026, Perdoceo projects operating income of $217–$226 million and adjusted operating income of $254–$263 million. It expects earnings per diluted share of $2.86–$2.97 and adjusted diluted EPS of $3.05–$3.16, compared with 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.61.

Is Perdoceo Education (PRDO) paying a dividend after its Q1 2026 results?

Yes. Perdoceo’s board declared a $0.15 per share quarterly dividend on May 6, 2026. The dividend will be paid on June 12, 2026 to stockholders of record as of June 1, 2026, as part of its capital allocation strategy.

How strong is Perdoceo Education (PRDO) cash flow and liquidity after Q1 2026?

Perdoceo generated $69.4 million in net cash from operating activities in Q1 2026, up from $65.1 million a year earlier. As of March 31, 2026, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $680.0 million, providing substantial liquidity.

What are key assumptions behind Perdoceo Education (PRDO) 2026 outlook?

The 2026 outlook assumes stable student interest and retention, continued access to federal student aid, no significant new adverse regulations or legal impacts, limited effect from Grad Plus loan changes, and effective tax rates of about 20.0% for Q2 and 23.0% for the full year.

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