Laureate Education Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2022

Laureate Education Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2022

Company Increases Full-Year 2022 Guidance

MIAMI, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR), which operates five universities across Mexico and Peru, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2022.

First Quarter 2022 Highlights (compared to first quarter 2021):

  • New enrollments increased 9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}.

  • Total enrollments increased 11{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}.

  • On a reported basis, revenue increased 8{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} to $209.6 million. On an organic constant currency basis1, revenue increased 9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}.

  • Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $9.0 million, compared to operating loss of $(86.4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, which was mainly driven by impairment charges of $56.7 million that were largely attributable to impairment of the Laureate tradename.

  • Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $(44.7) million, compared to net loss of $(164.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, which was mainly driven by impairment charges.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $27.2 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

1 Organic constant currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations, acquisitions and divestitures, and other items.

Eilif Serck-Hanssen, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am very encouraged by the momentum in the business. Our strategic growth initiatives that play to our unique strengths in Mexico and Peru are having a positive impact on our performance, and as a result we are increasing our guidance for the year.”

First Quarter 2022 Results

New enrollments for the three months ended March 31, 2022 increased 9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, compared to new enrollment activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and total enrollments were up 11{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} compared to the prior-year period. The first quarter represents the primary intake cycle for Peru, and results for the first quarter of 2022 were strong, with new and total enrollments in Peru increasing 5{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 14{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, respectively, compared to the prior-year period. Mexico’s new enrollments were up 15{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} compared to the prior-year period, and total enrollment was up 7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, following its secondary intake cycle completed in the first quarter of 2022.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, revenue on a reported basis was $209.6 million, an increase of $14.9 million, or 8{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. On an organic constant currency basis, revenue increased 9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}. Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $9.0 million, compared to an operating loss of $(86.4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, which was predominantly driven by impairment charges of $56.7 million. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $(44.7) million, which was primarily attributable to a discrete tax expense, compared to net loss of $(164.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, which was mainly attributable to the impairment charges described above. Basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $(0.25).

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $27.2 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Balance Sheet and Capital Structure

Laureate has a strong financial position with significant liquidity. As of March 31, 2022, Laureate had $294 million of cash and gross debt of $156 million. Accordingly, total cash, net of debt, was $138 million as of March 31, 2022.

In addition, $74 million of the Walden sale transaction value was paid into an escrow account, which will be released in full or in part to Laureate in August 2022 pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement.

Increase to Share Repurchase Program

On March 14, 2022, Laureate announced that its board of directors approved an increase in the Company’s existing share repurchase program, from $600 million to $650 million, to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2022, the Company has repurchased approximately $556 million of shares under the authorization. The Company expects to complete the repurchase program during 2022, dependent on market conditions.

Outlook for Fiscal 2022

Laureate is updating its full-year 2022 guidance to reflect an improved outlook.

Based on the current foreign exchange spot rates2, Laureate currently expects its full-year 2022 results to be as follows:

  • Total enrollments are now expected to be in the range of 410,000 to 416,000 students, reflecting growth of 6{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}-7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} on an organic basis versus 2021;

  • Revenues are now expected to be in the range of $1,190 million to $1,206 million, reflecting growth of 9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}-11{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} on an organic constant currency basis versus 2021; and

  • Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be in the range of $326 million to $334 million, reflecting growth of 22{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}-25{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} on an organic constant currency basis versus 2021 (up 29{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}-32{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} on an as-reported basis).

Reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP measures, specifically the 2022 Adjusted EBITDA outlook, to the relevant forward-looking GAAP measures are not being provided, as Laureate does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such outlooks and reconciliations. Due to this uncertainty, the Company cannot reconcile projected Adjusted EBITDA to projected net income without unreasonable effort.

Please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this release for a discussion of certain risks related to this outlook.

2 Based on actual FX rates for January-April 2022, and current spot FX rates (local currency per U.S. Dollar) of MXN 20.48 and PEN 3.82 for May 2022 – December 2022. FX impact may change based on fluctuations in currency rates in future periods.

Conference Call

Laureate will host an earnings conference call today at 8:30 am ET. Interested parties are invited to listen to the earnings call by dialing 1-855-307-2849 (for U.S.-based callers) or 1-703-639-1262 (for international callers), and requesting to join the Laureate conference call, conference ID 7763447. Replays of the entire call will be available through May 12, 2022, at 1-855-859-2056 (for U.S.-based callers) and at 1-404-537-3406 (for international callers), conference ID 7763447. The webcast of the conference call, including replays, and a copy of this press release and the related slides will be made available through the Investor Relations section of Laureate’s website at www.laureate.net.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that express Laureate’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Laureate’s actual results may vary significantly from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘seeks,’’ ‘‘approximately,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘estimates’’ or ‘‘anticipates’’ or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to (i) guidance (including, but not limited to, total enrollments, revenues, and Adjusted EBITDA), (ii) our current growth strategy and other future plans, strategies or transactions that may be identified, explored or implemented and any litigation or dispute resulting from any completed transaction, (iii) any anticipated share repurchases or cash distributions and (iv) the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or the global economy as a whole are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, including with respect to our current growth strategy and the impact of any completed divestiture or separation transaction on our remaining businesses. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this release and we do not undertake to publicly update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) throughout this press release, Laureate provides the non-GAAP measurements of Adjusted EBITDA, and total cash, net of debt (or net cash). We have included these non-GAAP measurements because they are key measures used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short- and long-term operational plans.

Adjusted EBITDA consists of income (loss) from continuing operations, adjusted for the items included in the accompanying reconciliation. The exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key input into the formula used by the compensation committee of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the payment of incentive compensation to our executive officers and other members of our management team. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.

Total cash, net of debt (or net cash) consists total cash and cash equivalents, less total gross debt. Net cash provides a useful indicator about Laureate’s leverage and liquidity.

Laureate’s calculations of Adjusted EBITDA and total cash, net of debt (or net cash) are not necessarily comparable to calculations performed by other companies and reported as similarly titled measures. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled from the GAAP measure in the attached table “Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”

We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and an organic constant currency basis. The organic constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, acquisitions and divestitures, and other items. We believe that providing organic constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate organic constant currency amounts using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period, and then exclude the impact of acquisitions and divestitures and other items described in the accompanying presentation.

About Laureate Education, Inc.

Laureate Education, Inc. operates five universities across Mexico and Peru, enrolling more than 375,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit. Learn more at laureate.net.

Key Metrics and Financial Tables
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, and may not sum due to rounding)

New and Total Enrollments by segment

New Enrollments

Total Enrollments

YTD 1Q 2022

YTD 1Q 2021

Change

As of 03/31/2022

As of 03/31/2021

Change

Mexico

31,500

27,300

15

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

196,800

183,700

7

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

Peru

49,400

47,100

5

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

208,300

182,300

14

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

Laureate

80,900

74,400

9

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

405,100

366,000

11

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three months ended March 31,

IN MILLIONS

2022

2021

Change

Revenues

$

209.6

$

194.7

$

14.9

Costs and expenses:

Direct costs

182.9

181.8

1.1

General and administrative expenses

17.5

42.6

(25.1

)

Loss on impairment of assets

0.1

56.7

(56.6

)

Operating income (loss)

9.0

(86.4

)

95.4

Interest income

2.0

0.7

1.3

Interest expense

(3.7

)

(23.5

)

19.8

Gain on derivatives

29.3

(29.3

)

Other expense, net

(1.2

)

(1.2

)

Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net

(3.6

)

28.2

(31.8

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

2.4

(51.7

)

54.1

Income tax expense

(48.0

)

(112.9

)

64.9

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

0.1

0.1

Loss from continuing operations

(45.4

)

(164.5

)

119.1

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

0.7

(0.4

)

1.1

Net loss

(44.7

)

(164.9

)

120.2

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

0.5

0.5

Net loss attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.

$

(44.2

)

$

(164.9

)

$

120.7

Net loss available to common stockholders

$

(44.2

)

$

(164.9

)

$

120.7

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

178.0

200.2

(22.2

)

Basic and diluted loss per share

$

(0.25

)

$

(0.82

)

$

0.57

Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by segment

{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} Change

$ Variance Components

For the three months ended March 31,

2022

2021

Reported

Organic
Constant
Currency(1)

Total

Organic
Constant
Currency

Other

Acq/Div.

FX

Revenues

Mexico

$

142.5

$

135.4

5{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

6{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

$

7.1

$

8.0

$

$

$

(0.9

)

Peru

65.4

57.5

14{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

17{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

7.9

10.0

(2.1

)

Corporate & Eliminations

1.6

1.8

(11){ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

(11){ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

Total Revenues

$

209.6

$

194.7

8{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

$

14.9

$

17.9

$

$

$

(3.0

)

Adjusted EBITDA

Mexico

$

37.0

$

17.3

114{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

35{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

$

19.7

$

6.1

$

13.3

$

$

0.3

Peru

3.8

11.6

(67){ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

(70){ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

(7.8

)

(8.1

)

0.3

Corporate & Eliminations

(13.6

)

(19.2

)

29{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

29{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

5.6

5.6

Total Adjusted EBITDA

$

27.2

$

9.7

180{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

37{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}

$

17.5

$

3.6

$

13.3

$

$

0.6

(1) Organic Constant Currency results exclude the period-over-period impact from currency fluctuations, acquisitions and divestitures, and other items. Other items include the impact of acquisition-related contingent liabilities for taxes other-than-income tax, net of changes in recorded indemnification assets. Organic Constant Currency is calculated using the change from prior-period average foreign exchange rates to current-period average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current period. The “Organic Constant Currency” {ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} changes are calculated by dividing the Organic Constant Currency amounts by the 2021 Revenues and Adjusted EBITDA amounts, excluding the impact of the divestitures.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

IN MILLIONS

March 31, 2022

December 31, 2021

Change

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

293.8

$

324.8

$

(31.0

)

Receivables (current), net

129.1

152.0

(22.9

)

Other current assets

68.7

67.5

1.2

Property and equipment, net

516.9

499.5

17.4

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

384.5

384.3

0.2

Goodwill and other intangible assets

715.7

689.6

26.1

Deferred income taxes

47.8

38.7

9.1

Other long-term assets

47.7

48.6

(0.9

)

Long-term assets held for sale

6.6

6.2

0.4

Total assets

$

2,210.7

$

2,211.3

$

(0.6

)

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

186.6

$

182.9

$

3.7

Deferred revenue and student deposits

97.1

44.0

53.1

Total operating leases, including current portion

412.8

415.3

(2.5

)

Total long-term debt, including current portion

152.6

153.7

(1.1

)

Other liabilities

303.4

263.4

40.0

Current and long-term liabilities held for sale

11.7

10.8

0.9

Total liabilities

1,164.1

1,070.0

94.1

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

1.7

1.7

Total stockholders’ equity

1,044.9

1,139.6

(94.7

)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

2,210.7

$

2,211.3

$

(0.6

)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31,

IN MILLIONS

2022

2021

Change

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss

$

(44.7

)

$

(164.9

)

$

120.2

Depreciation and amortization

14.4

22.7

(8.3

)

Loss on impairment of assets

0.1

57.7

(57.6

)

(Gain) loss on sales and disposal of subsidiaries and property and equipment, net

(0.7

)

16.5

(17.2

)

Gain on derivative instruments

(29.3

)

29.3

Loss on debt extinguishment

0.1

(0.1

)

Deferred income taxes

4.4

84.4

(80.0

)

Unrealized foreign currency exchange gain

(0.8

)

(23.7

)

22.9

Income tax receivable/payable, net

27.0

(16.7

)

43.7

Working capital, excluding tax accounts

44.3

25.6

18.7

Other non-cash adjustments

9.9

39.1

(29.2

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

53.9

11.3

42.6

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property and equipment

(1.2

)

(11.7

)

10.5

Expenditures for deferred costs

(1.9

)

1.9

Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, and property and equipment

9.2

30.8

(21.6

)

Payments on derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations

(18.3

)

18.3

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

7.9

(1.1

)

9.0

Cash flows from financing activities

Decrease in long-term debt, net

(9.2

)

(52.7

)

43.5

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

11.5

11.5

Payments to repurchase common stock

(102.2

)

(145.2

)

43.0

Financing other, net

(4.3

)

(1.2

)

(3.1

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(104.1

)

(199.2

)

95.1

Effects of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash

11.2

(6.9

)

18.1

Change in cash included in current assets held for sale

(3.5

)

3.5

Net change in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash

(31.1

)

(199.3

)

168.2

Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period

345.6

867.3

(521.7

)

Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period

$

314.4

$

668.0

$

(353.6

)

Liquidity (including Undrawn Revolver)

$

703.8

$

971.4

$

(267.6

)

Non-GAAP Reconciliation

The following table reconciles Loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA:

For the three months ended March 31,

IN MILLIONS

2022

2021

Change

Loss from continuing operations

$

(45.4

)

$

(164.5

)

$

119.1

Plus:

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Income tax expense

48.0

112.9

(64.9

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

2.4

(51.7

)

54.1

Plus:

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net

3.6

(28.2

)

31.8

Other expense, net

1.2

1.2

Gain on derivatives

(29.3

)

29.3

Interest expense

3.7

23.5

(19.8

)

Interest income

(2.0

)

(0.7

)

(1.3

)

Operating income (loss)

9.0

(86.4

)

95.4

Plus:

Depreciation and amortization

14.4

22.8

(8.4

)

EBITDA

23.4

(63.6

)

87.0

Plus:

Share-based compensation expense (2)

2.8

1.3

1.5

Loss on impairment of assets (3)

0.1

56.7

(56.6

)

EiP implementation expenses (4)

0.9

15.3

(14.4

)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

27.2

$

9.7

$

17.5

(2) Represents non-cash, share-based compensation expense pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation.”
(3) Represents non-cash charges related to impairments of long-lived assets.
(4) Excellence-in-Process (EiP) implementation expenses are related to our enterprise-wide initiative to optimize and standardize Laureate’s processes, creating vertical integration of procurement, information technology, finance, accounting and human resources. It included the establishment of regional shared services organizations (SSOs), as well as improvements to the Company’s system of internal controls over financial reporting. The EiP initiative also included other back- and mid-office areas, as well as certain student-facing activities, expenses associated with streamlining the organizational structure, an enterprise-wide program aimed at revenue growth, and certain non-recurring costs incurred in connection with the dispositions. The EiP initiative was completed as of December 31, 2021, except for certain EiP expenses related to the run out of programs that began in prior periods.

Investor Relations Contact:
ir@laureate.net

Media Contacts:

Laureate Education

Adam Smith

adam.smith@laureate.net

U.S.: +1 (443) 255 0724

Source: Laureate Education, Inc.

Laureate Education Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Year End 2021 Results and 2022 Guidance

MIAMI, Feb. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAUR) today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 and guidance for full-year 2022.

Laureate Education Logo

Laureate Education Logo

Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2021 and Year End 2021 Results

Based on preliminary information, Laureate expects fourth quarter revenue of approximately $295 to $297 million and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $57 to $60 million, and, for the year ended December 31, 2021, expects revenue of approximately $1,085 to $1,087 million and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $250 to $253 million. Total enrollment at year-end 2021 was approximately 388,500 students.

Laureate ended the fourth quarter of 2021 with approximately $325 million of cash and cash equivalents and $154 million in debt outstanding. In addition, $74 million of the Walden sale transaction value was paid into an escrow account, which will be released in full or in part to Laureate in August 2022 pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement.

Preliminary Outlook for Fiscal 2022

Based on preliminary information and the current foreign exchange spot rates1, Laureate currently expects its full-year 2022 results to be as follows:

  • Total enrollments expected to be in the range of 405,000 to 415,000;

  • Revenues expected to be in the range of $1,169 to $1,194 million; and

  • Adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $320 to $330 million.

Reconciliations of the forward-looking non-GAAP measures, including the 2022 Adjusted EBITDA outlook, to the relevant forward-looking GAAP measures are not being provided, as Laureate does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such reconciliations, and such reconciliation could not be produced without unreasonable effort.

Please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this release for a discussion of certain risks related to this outlook.

1 Based on actual FX rates for January and spot FX rates (local currency per U.S. Dollar) of MXN 20.56 and PEN 3.86 for February 2022—December 2022. FX impact may change based on fluctuations in currency rates in future periods.

The preliminary estimates for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 and outlook for fiscal 2022 set forth herein are not yet complete and are based on information available to our management team as of the date hereof. We have prepared the preliminary estimates disclosed in good faith based upon our internal reporting. These estimates are preliminary and unaudited, inherently uncertain, and subject to change as we complete our financial statements as of and for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. These preliminary estimates are not guarantees of actual performance, and are not guarantees of, or indicative of, future performance. Given the timing of these preliminary estimates, we have not completed our customary financial closing and review procedures, including full income tax calculations and management’s review of the results. We may identify other items that require material adjustments to these preliminary estimates as we finalize our financial statement close procedures for the quarter. Accordingly, these preliminary estimates should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Final results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, and the final 2022 outlook could differ materially from these preliminary estimates. You should exercise caution in relying on these preliminary estimates and should not place undue reliance on this information or draw any inferences from this information regarding financial or operating data not yet provided or available. These preliminary results are subject to the final review by our audit committee and review by our independent registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, our independent registered public accounting firm does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from these preliminary estimates are set forth below under “Forward- Looking Statements.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that express Laureate’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Laureate’s actual results may vary significantly from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as ”believes,” ”expects,” ”may,” ”will,” ”should,” ”seeks,” ”approximately,” ”intends,” ”plans,” ”estimates” or ”anticipates” or similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans or intentions. All statements we make relating to (i) guidance (including, but not limited to, total enrollments, revenues, and Adjusted EBITDA), (ii) our current growth strategy and other future plans, strategies or transactions that may be identified, explored or implemented and any litigation or dispute resulting from any completed transaction, (iii) any anticipated share repurchases or cash distributions and (iv) the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or the global economy as a whole are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, including with respect to our current growth strategy and the impact of any completed divestiture. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from those we expected. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed and to be filed with the SEC and other filings made with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this release and we do not undertake to publicly update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with GAAP in this press release, Laureate provides the non-GAAP measurement of Adjusted EBITDA. We have included this non-GAAP measurement because it is a key measure used by our management and board of directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short- and long-term operational plans.

Adjusted EBITDA consists of income (loss) from continuing operations, adjusted for certain items. The exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key input into the formula used by the compensation committee of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the payment of incentive compensation to our executive officers and other members of our management team. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.

We have not included a GAAP reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA amounts for the quarter or the year ended December 31, 2021, because we have not yet completed our financial closing procedures for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, and such reconciliation could not be produced without unreasonable effort.

About Laureate Education, Inc.

Laureate Education, Inc. operates five universities across Mexico and Peru, enrolling more than 350,000 students in high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and specialized degree programs through campus-based and online learning. Our universities have a deep commitment to academic quality and innovation, strive for market-leading employability outcomes, and work to make higher education more accessible. At Laureate, we know that when our students succeed, countries prosper, and societies benefit. Learn more at laureate.net.

Investor Relations Contact:
ir@laureate.net

Media Contact:
Adam Smith
Laureate Education, Inc.
adam.smith@laureate.net
U.S.: +1 (443) 255 0724

Cision

Cision

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SOURCE Laureate Education, Inc.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Laureate Education, Stride, Perdoceo Education and Lincoln Educational Services

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – December 6, 2021 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Schools, including Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. BFAM, Laureate Education, Inc. LAUR, Stride, Inc. LRN, Perdoceo Education Corporation PRDO and Lincoln Educational Services Corporation LINC.

Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/1834922/5-school-stocks-set-to-gain-defying-industry-challenges

The companies under the Zacks Schools industry have been facing COVID-related challenges like extended restrictions, higher advertising and marketing expenses along with costs pertaining to online education. Nonetheless, for-profits education companies are forging corporate and community college partnerships to educate their workforce.

Prudent cost management, persistent focus on driving profitability and strategic initiatives are expected to lend support to some prominent players in this industry like Bright Horizons Family SolutionsLaureate EducationStridePerdoceo Education and Lincoln Educational Services.

Industry Description

The Zacks Schools industry comprises for-profit education companies that offer undergraduate, graduate and specialized programs in areas of finance, accounting, analytics, marketing, healthcare, business and technology. They are engaged in offering career-oriented programs in the field of business and management, nursing, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, project management, cybersecurity as well as criminal justice.

The industry players also offer child care services and career-oriented, post-secondary courses. Some companies within the industry also provide yoga classes and yoga-related retail merchandise-integrated fitness classes along with conducting workshops and teacher training programs.

3 Trends Shaping the Future of Schools Industry

COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a disruption in educational services. The general economic slowdown has reduced the number of jobs available to graduates and resulted in lower salaries being offered in connection with the available employment, affecting the companies’ placements and persistence.

Additionally, the slowdown may compel students to repay their loans, which could increase institutions’ student loan cohort default rates, ultimately bumping up bad debt expenses. Higher default rates may also adversely impact the industry players’ eligibility to participate in some Title IV programs, affecting the companies’ operations and financial condition.

Additionally, extended restrictions and COVID-related border closures, increased competition, advertising inflation, higher expenses for various programs, and shortage of skilled labor are concerning. Higher unemployment levels may prove detrimental to for-profit education companies.

Rising Demand for Online Education: Amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, for-profit education stocks have been reaping benefits from the rise in virtual delivery of education. As the world struggles to contain the virus spread, many for-profit education companies have undertaken initiatives to reach students who aspire to complete their courses as planned, with the help of various online education platforms. Also, classroom-type-education-providing companies are cashing in on the unprecedented surge demand for online education these days.

Cost-Saving Efforts, Increasing Use of Technology & Introduction of More Programs: In order to boost profitability, school companies are resorting to aggressive cost cutting through significant layoffs, campus closings and consolidations. Developments like switching to online education programs, increasing use of technology in education, more investments in education, regular introduction of programs and specializations should boost student outcomes along with tie-ups with different organizations to reduce exposure to Title IV funding, improve academic quality as well as retain students.

Many for-profit education companies are investing in non-degree programs and designing programs that are specifically aimed at meeting the educational needs of working adults in targeted professions.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects

The Zacks Schools industry is a 17-stock group within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #225, which places it at the bottom 11{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} of more than 250 Zacks industries.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bleak near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

The industry’s positioning in the bottom 50{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential. Since October 2021, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2021 and 2022 have been revised 64{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 16.1{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} downward.

Despite the industry’s gloomy near-term view, we will present a few stocks that one may consider adding to their portfolio. Before that, it’s worth looking at the industry’s shareholder returns and current valuation.

Industry Lags Sector & S&P 500

The Zacks Schools industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year.

The stocks in this industry have collectively lost 71.7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} compared with the broader sector’s decline of 10.2{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has risen 22.6{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} in the said period.

Industry’s Current Valuation

On the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing for-profit education stocks, the industry is currently trading at 18.47X versus the S&P 500’s 21.1X and the sector’s 20.9X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 52.1X, as low as 18.5X and at a median of 31.9X.

5 School Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On

Below we have discussed five stocks from the industry that have solid growth potential. The chosen companies currently carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Perdoceo Education: Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, this company offers bachelor’s, associate and non-degree programs in information technologies, visual communication and design technologies, business studies as well as culinary arts. It has been benefiting from an improvement in enrollment trend at its Colorado Technical University (CTU) segment, partly offset by lower enrollment in its American InterContinental University (AIU) segment.

Apart from higher revenues, operating efficiencies at both CTU and AIU along with the DigitalCrafts and Hippo Education acquisitions bode well. The company’s focus on increased investments in technology and student-serving processes drives growth.

Perdoceo Education currently sports a Zacks Rank #2. The stock has lost 18.7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} year to date, faring better than the industry’s 72.9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} fall. Its earnings estimates for 2021 and 2022 have moved a respective 0.6{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 1.2{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} up in the past 30 days. This company’s earnings for 2021 and 2022 are expected to grow 3.9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 6.2{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, respectively.

Stride, Inc. (formerly known as K12 Inc.): Headquartered in Herndon, VA, this technology-based education company has been gaining from higher enrollment and cost-saving efforts. Consistent demand for online learning options has been benefiting Stride’s top line in recent times. Investments focused on improving user experience, enhancing teacher tools and strengthening student engagement also bode well.

In addition to higher enrollments and stronger-than-expected student retention (partly attributable to revenues it recognized in relation to the services provided in fiscal 2020), the Galvanize acquisition is expected to contribute to revenues as well. Also, strong middle and high school Career Learning enrollments, and growth in Adult Learning bode well.

Stride currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The stock has gained 57.7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} so far this year. Its earnings estimates for fiscal 2022 have moved 16.5{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} up in the past 60 days. The company’s earnings for fiscal 2022 are expected to grow 19.9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}.

Bright Horizons Family Solutions: Based in Newton, MA, this company is a leading provider of high-quality education and care solutions. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations and temporary closure of certain child care centers have been impacting the company’s revenues, the ramp-up of its centers and phased re-opening of a limited number of centers are encouraging.

Bright Horizons currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. The stock has declined 29.8{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} in the year-to-date period. This company’s earnings for 2021 and 2022 are expected to grow 34.2{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 82.9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, respectively.

Lincoln Educational Services: Based in West Orange, NJ, this company provides career-oriented post-secondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. Improved operating performance at its 22 campuses, consolidating facilities, a new welding program, a reinvigorated corporate partnership and changes in the admissions team have been working in favor of Lincoln.

Lincoln currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. The stock has gained 11.3{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} year to date. This company’s earnings for 2021 and 2022 are expected to grow 52.8{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} and 7{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}, respectively.

Laureate Education: Baltimore, MD-based higher education programs and service provider has been benefiting from higher enrollment given the recovery of the Latin American higher-education market from the damages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as robust growth from Laureate’s investments in new digital capabilities.

The company has carried out divestiture programs that drove significant value for shareholders over the years. Its best-in-class digital learning assets and physical footprint in Mexico and Peru have been driving growth. The company expects to carry out a more capital-efficient business model that delivers high-quality education via efficient omnichannel distribution modes.

Laureate Education currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. The stock has declined 30.2{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550} year to date. This company’s earnings for 2021 are expected to grow 168.9{ac23b82de22bd478cde2a3afa9e55fd5f696f5668b46466ac4c8be2ee1b69550}.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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