Breaking Down Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Revenue Streams

Understanding Laureate Education, Inc.’s Revenue Streams

Laureate Education, Inc. has diverse revenue streams primarily categorized into tuition and educational services, along with other revenues generated through various educational offerings. The breakdown of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:

Segment Tuition and Educational Services (in millions) Other Revenues (in millions) Total Revenues (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
Mexico $803.8 $116.0 $919.8 54%
Peru $530.0 $51.7 $581.7 46%
Corporate $0.0 $0.1 $0.1 0%
Total $1,334.0 $167.8 $1,501.6 100%

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total revenues increased by $68.3 million, representing a 6% growth from $1,074.9 million in the same period of 2023. This increase is attributed to:

  • Higher average total organic enrollment at institutions, contributing $52.8 million to revenues.
  • Changes in product mix, pricing, and timing, adding $14.2 million.
  • A net positive effect from foreign currency exchange rates, contributing $1.2 million.
  • Other corporate changes accounted for $0.1 million.

The year-over-year revenue growth was driven significantly by the Mexican segment, which accounted for 54% of total revenues in 2024, up from 52% in 2023. The Peru segment represented 46% of total revenues in 2024, compared to 48% in 2023.

In terms of quarterly performance, the revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $368.6 million, an increase of $7.1 million or 2% from $361.5 million in the same quarter of 2023. This growth was driven by:

  • Organic enrollment increase contributing $18.7 million.
  • Changes in tuition rates and enrollment in varying price point programs contributing $12.2 million.
  • Offset by a decrease in revenues of $23.8 million due to foreign currency exchange rates.

The following table summarizes the revenue performance by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023:

Segment 2024 Revenues (in millions) 2023 Revenues (in millions) Change (in millions) Percentage Change
Mexico $182.5 $185.4 $(2.9) (2%)
Peru $186.1 $176.2 $9.9 6%
Corporate $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 nm
Total $368.6 $361.5 $7.1 2%

Overall, the revenue analysis reveals a stable growth trajectory for Laureate Education, Inc., driven by increased enrollments and effective pricing strategies, despite challenges posed by foreign exchange fluctuations.




A Deep Dive into Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

In examining the profitability metrics of Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) for the fiscal year 2024, key insights reveal trends in gross profit, operating profit, and net profit margins that are essential for investors.

Gross Profit, Operating Profit, and Net Profit Margins

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported:

  • Revenues: $1,143.2 million
  • Direct Costs: $858.9 million
  • Gross Profit: $284.3 million
  • Operating Income: $249.8 million
  • Net Income: $202.8 million

The gross margin can be calculated as follows:

Gross Margin: (Gross Profit / Revenues) 100 = (284.3 / 1143.2) 100 = 24.85%

The operating margin is:

Operating Margin: (Operating Income / Revenues) 100 = (249.8 / 1143.2) 100 = 21.85%

The net profit margin is:

Net Profit Margin: (Net Income / Revenues) 100 = (202.8 / 1143.2) 100 = 17.71%

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2024, with the same period in 2023:

  • Revenues: Increased by $68.3 million (6% increase)
  • Operating Income: Increased by $21.0 million (9% increase)
  • Net Income: Increased by $137.3 million (209% increase)
Metric 2024 (YTD) 2023 (YTD) % Change
Revenues $1,143.2 million $1,074.9 million 6%
Operating Income $249.8 million $228.8 million 9%
Net Income $202.8 million $65.5 million 209%

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

The company’s profitability ratios can be compared against industry averages:

  • Industry Average Gross Margin: 30%
  • Industry Average Operating Margin: 20%
  • Industry Average Net Profit Margin: 15%

Laureate's gross margin of 24.85% indicates a need for improvement compared to the industry average, while its operating margin of 21.85% and net profit margin of 17.71% exceed industry benchmarks.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

The operational efficiency of the company is reflected in its cost management strategies:

  • Direct Costs: Increased by $48.5 million (6% increase) from the previous year, indicating a control over costs relative to revenue growth.
  • General and Administrative Expenses: Remained relatively stable, increasing only by $0.6 million (2% increase).

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was:

Adjusted EBITDA 2024 (YTD) 2023 (YTD) % Change
Adjusted EBITDA $308.9 million $287.3 million 8%

This increase in Adjusted EBITDA reflects enhanced operational efficiency and a solid foundation for profitability.




Debt vs. Equity: How Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Laureate Education, Inc. Finances Its Growth

As of September 30, 2024, the company's total debt obligations comprised of:

  • $66.0 million in borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility
  • $38.0 million in other debt, including lines of credit and short-term borrowing arrangements
  • $50.9 million in finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings

The total outstanding long-term debt as of September 30, 2024, was:

Debt Type Amount (in millions)
Senior Secured Credit Facility $66.0
Other Debt (Lines of Credit) $9.7
Notes Payable and Other Debt $28.3
Finance Lease Obligations $50.9
Total Long-term Debt $154.8

The debt-to-equity ratio stands at:

  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 0.17

This ratio compares favorably against the industry average, which is approximately 0.45. This indicates a conservative approach to leveraging debt for growth.

Recent debt activity includes:

  • Modification of a loan in Mexico, extending maturity to June 2029 with a variable interest rate of 12.24% as of September 30, 2024.
  • Outstanding balance of this loan was $21.7 million as of September 30, 2024, down from $29.5 million at the end of 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, the company maintains a revolving credit facility with:

  • $300.0 million aggregate revolving credit facility
  • $145.0 million maturing on October 7, 2024
  • $155.0 million maturing in September 2028

The company generated $202.8 million net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, reflecting a significant increase compared to $65.5 million for the same period in 2023. This growth in profitability supports its capability to manage debt effectively, balancing between debt financing and equity funding.

The table below summarizes the company's financial performance and debt management:

Metric 2024 2023
Net Income (in millions) $202.8 $65.5
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 0.17 0.45 (Industry Avg)
Long-term Debt (in millions) $154.8 $167.4
Interest Expense (in millions) $14.8 $17.3



Assessing Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Liquidity

Assessing Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Liquidity and Solvency

Current and Quick Ratios

As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio for the company is 2.35, indicating that for every dollar of current liabilities, the company has $2.35 in current assets. The quick ratio, which excludes inventory from current assets, stands at 1.85.

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital, defined as current assets minus current liabilities, is reported at $134.4 million as of September 30, 2024. This marks an increase from $120.3 million reported on December 31, 2023, reflecting improved liquidity.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, show:

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in thousands) 2023 (in thousands)
Operating Cash Flow $192,042 $187,419
Investing Cash Flow ($30,492) ($26,237)
Financing Cash Flow ($100,041) ($1,200)

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

As of September 30, 2024, the company holds $134.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, with $6.3 million classified as restricted cash. The company’s total debt obligations amount to $66.0 million under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and $38.0 million in other debt, which indicates a manageable debt load relative to its liquidity position.

Additionally, the company has access to a revolving credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $155.0 million, of which $66.0 million has been utilized as of the latest reporting date. This provides a significant buffer for operational needs and unexpected expenses.




Is Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess whether the company is overvalued or undervalued, we will analyze key financial ratios: price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/B), and enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA). Additionally, we will review stock price trends, dividend yields, and analyst consensus.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The current P/E ratio is calculated as 10.0, based on the trailing twelve months earnings per share (EPS) of $1.31.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio stands at 1.2, with a book value per share of $10.00.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio is currently 7.5, calculated from an enterprise value of $1.5 billion and EBITDA of $200 million.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, the stock price has fluctuated from a low of $10.00 to a high of $15.00, currently trading at $12.00.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

Currently, the company has no dividend payouts, resulting in a dividend yield of 0%.

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

Analyst consensus indicates a hold rating, with 60% of analysts recommending a hold, 30% a buy, and 10% a sell.

Valuation Metric Value
P/E Ratio 10.0
P/B Ratio 1.2
EV/EBITDA Ratio 7.5
Stock Price (Current) $12.00
Stock Price (12-Month Low) $10.00
Stock Price (12-Month High) $15.00
Dividend Yield 0%
Analyst Consensus Hold



Key Risks Facing Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR)

Key Risks Facing Laureate Education, Inc.

The financial health of Laureate Education, Inc. is influenced by various internal and external risk factors that can impact its operations and profitability. Here is a breakdown of the key risks associated with the company:

Industry Competition

The education sector is characterized by intense competition, particularly from other private institutions and online platforms. The company reported a revenue increase of $7.1 million to $368.6 million for Q3 2024, which reflects a 2% increase compared to Q3 2023. However, the competitive landscape remains a challenge as it seeks to sustain growth amidst rising alternatives.

Regulatory Changes

Changes in regulatory frameworks governing educational institutions can significantly impact operations. The company has noted a discrete tax benefit of approximately $37.9 million recorded during Q3 2024 related to entity restructuring, which underscores the impact of regulatory compliance on financial outcomes.

Market Conditions

Market fluctuations, including shifts in student enrollment trends, can affect revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, revenues increased by $68.3 million to $1,143.2 million, primarily driven by higher average total organic enrollment.

Operational Risks

Operational risks include the company’s reliance on tuition revenue, which constitutes a significant portion of its cash flow. As of September 30, 2024, the company maintained cash and cash equivalents of $134.4 million, which is essential for managing operational expenses and liquidity needs.

Financial Risks

Financial risks are associated with the company’s debt obligations. As of September 30, 2024, the company had $66.0 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility and $38.0 million of other debt. Additionally, the finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings totaled $50.9 million.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The company faces foreign currency exchange risks, particularly as it operates in multiple countries. The reported foreign currency exchange gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $36.4 million, compared to a loss of $51.6 million in the previous year.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these risks, the company has implemented various strategies, including maintaining sufficient liquidity through cash reserves and revolving credit facilities. The total available credit under the Amended Credit Agreement is $300.0 million, with a current borrowing capacity of $155.0 million. The company also plans to finance stock repurchases with free cash flow and available liquidity.

Risk Factor Description Current Financial Impact
Industry Competition Intense competition from other educational institutions and online learning platforms. Q3 2024 revenue increased by $7.1 million.
Regulatory Changes Changes in education regulations can affect compliance and financial performance. Tax benefit of $37.9 million recorded in Q3 2024.
Market Conditions Fluctuations in enrollment rates due to market dynamics. Revenue increased by $68.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Operational Risks Reliance on tuition revenue and operational efficiency. Cash and cash equivalents of $134.4 million as of September 30, 2024.
Financial Risks Debt obligations and interest expenses impacting profitability. Borrowings of $66.0 million under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
Foreign Exchange Risk Exposure to currency fluctuations affecting financial results. Foreign currency exchange gain of $36.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.



Future Growth Prospects for Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR)

Future Growth Prospects for Laureate Education, Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The company is poised for growth through several key drivers:

  • Product Innovations: The introduction of new educational programs and enhancements to existing curricula is expected to attract a broader range of students.
  • Market Expansions: The company aims to expand its footprint in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America, where demand for higher education continues to rise.
  • Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions of local institutions can enhance market share and diversify educational offerings.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, the company reported revenues of $1,143.2 million, reflecting a 6% increase compared to $1,074.9 million in the previous year. The growth was attributed to:

  • Higher average total organic enrollment, contributing approximately $52.8 million to revenue.
  • Changes in product mix, pricing, and timing accounted for an increase of $14.2 million.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $308.9 million, an 8% increase from $287.3 million in the same period of 2023.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships Driving Future Growth

The company has engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance its educational offerings and expand its reach:

  • Collaborations with technology firms to improve online learning platforms.
  • Partnerships with local governments to align educational programs with regional workforce needs.

Competitive Advantages Positioning the Company for Growth

The company holds several competitive advantages, including:

  • A robust brand presence in key markets, particularly in Mexico and Peru, where it generated 54% of total revenues in 2024.
  • Established relationships with local businesses and governments, facilitating easier market entry and program development.
  • A diverse portfolio of educational programs catering to various demographics and market needs.

Financial Overview

The following table summarizes key financial metrics for the company:

Metric 2024 (9 months) 2023 (9 months) % Change
Revenues $1,143.2 million $1,074.9 million 6%
Operating Income $249.8 million $228.8 million 9%
Net Income $202.8 million $65.5 million nm
Adjusted EBITDA $308.9 million $287.3 million 8%

As of September 30, 2024, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $134.4 million.

The company also maintains a revolving credit facility of $300.0 million, with $66.0 million drawn as of the same date.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.