Skillsoft Appoints Bernard Barbour as Chief Technology and Product Officer
Skillsoft announced Bernard Barbour has joined Skillsoft as chief technology and product officer. In this role, Barbour will lead the continued evolution of the Skillsoft Percipio Platform as a unified skills management system that connects skills, learning, and workforce capability to business needs. Barbour is an experienced technology leader with a strong record of building and scaling engineering, AI, data, and product teams. He most recently served as chief technology officer at Indigo Agriculture, where he led modernization efforts that improved core platforms, strengthened data capabilities, and supported company growth.
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- Executive Inducement: On February 18, 2026, Skillsoft granted 25,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to newly appointed SVP David Koehn as a material inducement for his hiring on January 5, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to attracting top talent.
- Vesting Schedule: The RSUs will vest ratably over four years, contingent upon Koehn's continued employment through each vesting date, aiming to enhance executive retention and align leadership with the company's long-term strategic goals.
- Compliance Announcement: This stock grant is made under the employment inducement exemption per NYSE Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08, ensuring compliance with regulations and public disclosure of such incentives, thereby enhancing corporate transparency.
- Company Overview: Skillsoft is a global leader in AI-native skills management, serving over 105 million learners and helping enterprises close critical skill gaps while accelerating transformation, underscoring its significance in the rapidly evolving AI era.
- Executive Incentive: On February 18, 2026, Skillsoft granted 95,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to newly appointed Chief Technology Officer Bernard Barbour as a significant inducement for his hiring on December 8, 2025, reflecting the company's commitment to attracting top executive talent.
- Stock Unit Structure: Of the RSUs granted, 50% will vest ratably over four years, while the remaining 50% will vest based on the achievement of specified annual revenue growth targets by January 1, 2029, with a potential maximum of 175%, incentivizing Barbour's long-term contributions to the company.
- Compliance Announcement: Skillsoft issued this announcement in accordance with NYSE Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Company Overview: As a global leader in AI-native skills management, Skillsoft focuses on personalized learning and real-time skills intelligence to help enterprises close critical skill gaps, supporting over 105 million learners and solidifying its market leadership position.
- Market Uncertainty Intensifies: The U.S. market faces increased volatility in early 2026 due to trade threats from the Trump administration and rising geopolitical risks, which diminishes investor confidence and elevates the importance of value investing.
- Positive Outlook for Centerra Gold: Centerra Gold anticipates a 48% year-over-year growth in EPS for 2026, with estimates raised by 17 cents over the past week, reflecting strong performance driven by rising gold prices and effective cost control.
- Strategic Restructuring at Plains GP Holdings: Plains GP Holdings plans to exit the Canadian NGL business, expected to enhance cash flow and financial flexibility, with a projected 27% growth in EPS for 2026 and a 30-cent increase in estimates over the past 60 days.
- Expansion of Angi's Digital Marketplace: Angi forecasts a 36% year-over-year growth in EPS for 2026, with estimates raised by 16 cents in the past week, as it aims to launch a modern AI platform to improve operational efficiency, showcasing its growth potential in essential home services.
- Ciena Earnings Estimate Boost: Ciena Corporation (CIEN) has seen its current year earnings estimate increase by 22.3% over the past 60 days, indicating strong growth potential in the network technology sector and solidifying its Zacks Rank of 1.
- Skillsoft Earnings Growth: Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) has experienced a 19.8% increase in its current year earnings estimate in the last 60 days, with a PEG ratio of 0.20, significantly lower than the industry average of 0.76, highlighting its competitive edge in the digital learning solutions market.
- Patria Investments Earnings Adjustment: Patria Investments Limited (PAX) has seen a modest 1.6% increase in its current year earnings estimate over the past 60 days, and with a PEG ratio of 0.81, it demonstrates solid performance in the private equity sector.
- Semiconductor Market Growth Outlook: The global semiconductor manufacturing market is projected to grow from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028, indicating strong market opportunities for companies like Ciena, Skillsoft, and Patria amidst rising demand for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things technologies.
Stock Performance: Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL) shares dropped 25.23% to $5.76 following disappointing third-quarter fiscal 2025 results and lowered full-year guidance.
Revenue Decline: The company reported a 7% year-over-year decrease in total revenue to $125 million, with specific declines in Content and Instructor-Led Training revenues.
Revised Outlook: Skillsoft reduced its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA forecasts due to decreased customer spending and extended sales cycles.
Trading Activity: The stock experienced a significant increase in trading volume, exceeding 4.3 million shares, compared to an average of about 580,000 shares.

- Strategic Review: Skillsoft is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Global Knowledge (GK) segment, considering a potential sale to improve performance, particularly in light of an $18 million revenue decline.
- Financial Performance: Total revenue for Q3 was $129 million, down 6% year-over-year, with Talent Development Solutions (TDS) revenue at $101 million, reflecting a 2% decrease, indicating pressure in market competitiveness.
- Increased Net Loss: The net loss for Q3 reached $41 million, significantly up from $24 million in the prior year, resulting in a loss per share increase from $2.86 to $4.74, highlighting ongoing challenges in profitability.
- Cash Flow Situation: Free cash flow was negative $24 million, a stark decline from positive cash flow of $4 million in the previous year, underscoring urgency in the company's cash management and operational efficiency efforts.









