Chegg Shares Surge 12% After Unexpected Quarterly Profit
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
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Should l Buy CHGG?
Source: seekingalpha
- Surprise Profit: Chegg reported adjusted earnings of $0.03 per share for Q1, surpassing analysts' expectations of a $0.02 loss, marking the company's first net income in two years and indicating a significant improvement in financial health.
- Cost Reductions: The company reduced operating expenses by 55% year-over-year through streamlined operations and increased use of AI tools, with CEO Dan Rosensweig noting a 40% cut in cost base over the past six months, enhancing overall profitability.
- Skilling Business Growth: Chegg's skilling segment, focusing on career training and AI-related education, generated $17.6 million in revenue, up 9% year-over-year, with expectations for double-digit revenue growth by 2026, highlighting a clearer market opportunity.
- Future Outlook: Chegg anticipates Q2 revenue between $49 million and $50 million, with the CEO emphasizing that the foundation for future growth is now established, focusing on expanding the skilling business, reflecting the company's confidence in future development.
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Analyst Views on CHGG
About CHGG
Chegg, Inc. provides a student-first connected learning platform. The Company provides individualized learning support to students as they pursue their educational journeys. Available on demand 24/7 and powered by quality learning insights, the Chegg platform offers students artificial intelligence (AI)-powered academic support thoughtfully designed for education, coupled with access to a vast network of subject matter experts who help ensure quality and accuracy. Its service and product offerings fall into two categories: Subscription Services, which encompass its Chegg Study Pack, Chegg Study, Chegg Writing, Chegg Math, and Busuu offerings that can be accessed internationally through its websites and on mobile devices, and Skills and Other, which include its Chegg Skills, advertising services, content licensing, print textbooks and eTextbooks offerings. Chegg Study subscribers have access to personalized, step-by-step learning support powered by AI and computational engines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Chegg Shares Surge 12% After Unexpected Quarterly Profit
- Surprise Profit: Chegg reported adjusted earnings of $0.03 per share for Q1, surpassing analysts' expectations of a $0.02 loss, marking the company's first net income in two years and indicating a significant improvement in financial health.
- Cost Reductions: The company reduced operating expenses by 55% year-over-year through streamlined operations and increased use of AI tools, with CEO Dan Rosensweig noting a 40% cut in cost base over the past six months, enhancing overall profitability.
- Skilling Business Growth: Chegg's skilling segment, focusing on career training and AI-related education, generated $17.6 million in revenue, up 9% year-over-year, with expectations for double-digit revenue growth by 2026, highlighting a clearer market opportunity.
- Future Outlook: Chegg anticipates Q2 revenue between $49 million and $50 million, with the CEO emphasizing that the foundation for future growth is now established, focusing on expanding the skilling business, reflecting the company's confidence in future development.
See More
Chegg Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Exceeding Expectations
- Strong Financial Performance: Chegg reported Q1 revenue of $47.6 million, exceeding expectations, with adjusted EBITDA of $15.5 million reflecting a 24% margin, indicating successful transformation in cost control and profitability.
- Growth in Skills Market: Management anticipates double-digit revenue growth in the skilling segment for 2026, with Q1 skilling revenue at $17.6 million, a 9% year-over-year increase, bolstered by a new partnership with Cornerstone to enhance enterprise distribution channels.
- Capital Structure Optimization: The company aims to fully repay its convertible debt by 2026, prioritizing capital allocation towards maximizing free cash flow and strengthening its balance sheet, with Q1 free cash flow reported at $3.1 million, including $12.9 million in severance payments.
- Positive Future Outlook: Management's guidance for Q2 indicates optimism, projecting total revenue between $49 million and $50 million, with gross margins of 51% to 52%, emphasizing that upcoming partnerships will drive revenue growth.
See More
Coinbase Cuts 14% Workforce Amid Market Volatility
- Layoff Announcement: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated that the company will reduce its workforce by approximately 14% to address market volatility and the rapid impact of AI on operations, aiming to position the firm for its 'next phase of growth.'
- Market Context: Armstrong highlighted the dual challenges of the current downturn in the crypto market and the fast-paced evolution of AI, asserting that while he remains bullish on crypto's future, the company must adjust its cost structure to navigate these changes.
- Industry Trends: This layoff aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies like Block and Pinterest have also announced job cuts due to increased AI investments, indicating a growing demand for efficient, smaller teams.
- Future Outlook: Armstrong reiterated his optimism about the future of cryptocurrency, suggesting that stablecoins, prediction markets, and tokenization will fuel the 'next wave of adoption,' even as the company must remain agile and efficient during market downturns.
See More
Chegg to Release Q1 2026 Earnings Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Chegg, Inc. will announce its Q1 2026 earnings results on May 6, 2026, reflecting the company's latest financial performance in the educational market, which is expected to impact investor confidence.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 1:30 PM Pacific Time (4:30 PM Eastern Time) on the same day to discuss the financial results, allowing investors to dial in at 1-877-407-4018 or +1-201-689-8471 internationally, enhancing transparency.
- Live Webcast Access: Participants can access the live webcast of the call via Chegg's investor website under the Events & Presentations menu, providing a convenient real-time information channel that improves interaction with investors.
- Audio Replay Service: An audio replay will be available from 7:30 PM Eastern Time on May 6 until 11:59 PM on May 20, ensuring that investors who cannot participate live can still access key information, thereby enhancing information accessibility.
See More
Analysis of SaaS Companies' Prospects Amid AI Disruption
- Market Panic Intensifies: SaaS companies are experiencing severe market panic, as evidenced by the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) dropping over 30% in the past six months, compared to a mere 9% decline in the NASDAQ, indicating a significant loss of investor confidence in SaaS stocks.
- Chegg's Collapse: The online homework help platform Chegg has seen its stock plummet over 99% since its peak in 2021, as its core product has been replaced by free AI tools like ChatGPT, leading to a 40% year-over-year revenue decline, highlighting the tangible threat AI poses to certain SaaS companies.
- HubSpot and Constellation's Dilemma: Despite HubSpot and Constellation Software achieving all-time highs in revenue and free cash flow, their valuations have plummeted, with HubSpot trading at a mere 4 times sales and Constellation at 3 times, reflecting a pessimistic outlook from the market regarding their futures.
- AI as a Double-Edged Sword: While AI poses a threat to SaaS companies, some experts believe it could also serve as an advantage, particularly for firms like ServiceNow and Cadence, which may leverage AI effectively to gain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.
See More
Chegg Shares Surge 21% Following Shareholder Split Proposal
- Shareholder Split Proposal: Galloway Capital, holding a 5.44% stake, has proposed separating Chegg's skilling segment from its legacy academic services, believing this strategic move could effectively unlock shareholder value and reflects a positive outlook on the company's future.
- Stock Price Surge: Following Galloway's split proposal, Chegg's shares surged 21%, indicating a market reassessment of the company's potential value, despite a 22% decline in stock price earlier this year.
- Strong Financial Position: Galloway highlighted in his letter that Chegg's robust balance sheet and projected year-end net cash position with no debt indicate no credible risk of financial distress, suggesting a significant undervaluation by the market.
- Management Engagement: Galloway expressed a desire to engage constructively with Chegg's management and board to further discuss the split proposal, demonstrating shareholder interest and willingness to influence the company's strategic direction.
See More
Chegg Shares Surge 12% After Unexpected Quarterly Profit
- Surprise Profit: Chegg reported adjusted earnings of $0.03 per share for Q1, surpassing analysts' expectations of a $0.02 loss, marking the company's first net income in two years and indicating a significant improvement in financial health.
- Cost Reductions: The company reduced operating expenses by 55% year-over-year through streamlined operations and increased use of AI tools, with CEO Dan Rosensweig noting a 40% cut in cost base over the past six months, enhancing overall profitability.
- Skilling Business Growth: Chegg's skilling segment, focusing on career training and AI-related education, generated $17.6 million in revenue, up 9% year-over-year, with expectations for double-digit revenue growth by 2026, highlighting a clearer market opportunity.
- Future Outlook: Chegg anticipates Q2 revenue between $49 million and $50 million, with the CEO emphasizing that the foundation for future growth is now established, focusing on expanding the skilling business, reflecting the company's confidence in future development.
See More
Chegg Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Exceeding Expectations
- Strong Financial Performance: Chegg reported Q1 revenue of $47.6 million, exceeding expectations, with adjusted EBITDA of $15.5 million reflecting a 24% margin, indicating successful transformation in cost control and profitability.
- Growth in Skills Market: Management anticipates double-digit revenue growth in the skilling segment for 2026, with Q1 skilling revenue at $17.6 million, a 9% year-over-year increase, bolstered by a new partnership with Cornerstone to enhance enterprise distribution channels.
- Capital Structure Optimization: The company aims to fully repay its convertible debt by 2026, prioritizing capital allocation towards maximizing free cash flow and strengthening its balance sheet, with Q1 free cash flow reported at $3.1 million, including $12.9 million in severance payments.
- Positive Future Outlook: Management's guidance for Q2 indicates optimism, projecting total revenue between $49 million and $50 million, with gross margins of 51% to 52%, emphasizing that upcoming partnerships will drive revenue growth.
See More
Coinbase Cuts 14% Workforce Amid Market Volatility
- Layoff Announcement: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated that the company will reduce its workforce by approximately 14% to address market volatility and the rapid impact of AI on operations, aiming to position the firm for its 'next phase of growth.'
- Market Context: Armstrong highlighted the dual challenges of the current downturn in the crypto market and the fast-paced evolution of AI, asserting that while he remains bullish on crypto's future, the company must adjust its cost structure to navigate these changes.
- Industry Trends: This layoff aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies like Block and Pinterest have also announced job cuts due to increased AI investments, indicating a growing demand for efficient, smaller teams.
- Future Outlook: Armstrong reiterated his optimism about the future of cryptocurrency, suggesting that stablecoins, prediction markets, and tokenization will fuel the 'next wave of adoption,' even as the company must remain agile and efficient during market downturns.
See More
Chegg to Release Q1 2026 Earnings Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Chegg, Inc. will announce its Q1 2026 earnings results on May 6, 2026, reflecting the company's latest financial performance in the educational market, which is expected to impact investor confidence.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 1:30 PM Pacific Time (4:30 PM Eastern Time) on the same day to discuss the financial results, allowing investors to dial in at 1-877-407-4018 or +1-201-689-8471 internationally, enhancing transparency.
- Live Webcast Access: Participants can access the live webcast of the call via Chegg's investor website under the Events & Presentations menu, providing a convenient real-time information channel that improves interaction with investors.
- Audio Replay Service: An audio replay will be available from 7:30 PM Eastern Time on May 6 until 11:59 PM on May 20, ensuring that investors who cannot participate live can still access key information, thereby enhancing information accessibility.
See More
Analysis of SaaS Companies' Prospects Amid AI Disruption
- Market Panic Intensifies: SaaS companies are experiencing severe market panic, as evidenced by the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) dropping over 30% in the past six months, compared to a mere 9% decline in the NASDAQ, indicating a significant loss of investor confidence in SaaS stocks.
- Chegg's Collapse: The online homework help platform Chegg has seen its stock plummet over 99% since its peak in 2021, as its core product has been replaced by free AI tools like ChatGPT, leading to a 40% year-over-year revenue decline, highlighting the tangible threat AI poses to certain SaaS companies.
- HubSpot and Constellation's Dilemma: Despite HubSpot and Constellation Software achieving all-time highs in revenue and free cash flow, their valuations have plummeted, with HubSpot trading at a mere 4 times sales and Constellation at 3 times, reflecting a pessimistic outlook from the market regarding their futures.
- AI as a Double-Edged Sword: While AI poses a threat to SaaS companies, some experts believe it could also serve as an advantage, particularly for firms like ServiceNow and Cadence, which may leverage AI effectively to gain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.
See More
Chegg Shares Surge 21% Following Shareholder Split Proposal
- Shareholder Split Proposal: Galloway Capital, holding a 5.44% stake, has proposed separating Chegg's skilling segment from its legacy academic services, believing this strategic move could effectively unlock shareholder value and reflects a positive outlook on the company's future.
- Stock Price Surge: Following Galloway's split proposal, Chegg's shares surged 21%, indicating a market reassessment of the company's potential value, despite a 22% decline in stock price earlier this year.
- Strong Financial Position: Galloway highlighted in his letter that Chegg's robust balance sheet and projected year-end net cash position with no debt indicate no credible risk of financial distress, suggesting a significant undervaluation by the market.
- Management Engagement: Galloway expressed a desire to engage constructively with Chegg's management and board to further discuss the split proposal, demonstrating shareholder interest and willingness to influence the company's strategic direction.
See More
