TAL Education Group Announces Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended August 31, 2024 and Issues Notice of Annual General Meeting

BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL) ("TAL" or the "Company"), a smart learning solutions provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended August 31, 2024 and issued notice of Annual General Meeting.

Highlights for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

• Net revenues were US$619.4 million, compared to net revenues of US$411.9 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Income from operations was US$47.6 million, compared to income from operations of US$31.8 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$64.5 million, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of US$52.7 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Net income attributable to TAL was US$57.4 million, compared to net income attributable to TAL of US$37.9 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$74.3 million, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$58.8 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Basic and diluted net income per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were both US$0.09. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were both US$0.12. Three ADSs represent one Class A common share.
• Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled US$3,454.3 million as of August 31, 2024, compared to US$3,303.3 million as of February 29, 2024.

Highlights for the Six Months Ended August 31, 2024

• Net revenues were US$1,033.5 million, compared to net revenues of US$687.4 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Income from operations was US$30.3 million, compared to loss from operations of US$26.0 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$65.4 million, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of US$20.4 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Net income attributable to TAL was US$68.8 million, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$7.1 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$103.9 million, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$39.3 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Basic and diluted net income per ADS were both US$0.11. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were both US$0.17.

Financial Data——Second Quarter and First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2025
(In US$ thousands, except per ADS data and percentages)

"In this quarter we achieved year-on-year revenue growth of 50.4%. AI learning device was one of the faster growing business lines. We are excited about the opportunity to provide for our customers more accessibility to quality learning contents through these AI-power devices," said Alex Peng, TAL's President & Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Peng added: "As for learning services, we will prudently manage our learning center network, balancing operating efficiency and growth rate. Our primary objective for learning service is to offer quality learning experience to our learners both online and offline."

Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

Net Revenues

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, TAL reported net revenues of US$619.4 million, representing a 50.4% increase from US$411.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Operating Costs and Expenses

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, operating costs and expenses were US$572.0 million, representing a 49.5% increase from US$382.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$555.1 million, representing a 53.4% increase from US$361.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Cost of revenues increased by 59.8% to US$270.6 million from US$169.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP cost of revenues, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 60.7% to US$268.8 million, from US$167.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 56.4% to US$181.9 million from US$116.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 61.6% to US$177.9 million, from US$110.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

General and administrative expenses increased by 23.1% to US$119.5 million from US$97.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 28.3% to US$108.3 million, from US$84.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Total share-based compensation expenses allocated to the related operating costs and expenses decreased by 19.1% to US$16.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 from US$20.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024.

Gross Profit                                                                                                                                 

Gross profit increased by 43.8% to US$348.7 million from US$242.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Income/(Loss) from Operations

Income from operations was US$47.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to income from operations of US$31.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$64.5 million, compared to Non-GAAP income from operations of US$52.7 million in the same period of the prior year.

Other Income/(Expense)

Other income was US$20.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to other income of US$5.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investments

Impairment loss on Long-term investment was US$4.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to US$30.8 million for the same period of fiscal year 2024.

Income Tax Benefit/(Expense)

Income tax expense was US$25.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to US$10.0 million of income tax benefit in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Net Income/(Loss) attributable to TAL Education Group

Net income attributable to TAL was US$57.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to net income attributable to TAL of US$37.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$74.3 million, compared to Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$58.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Basic and Diluted Net Income/(Loss) per ADS

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were both US$0.09 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were both US$0.12 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Cash Flow 

Net cash used in operating activities for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 was US$0.6 million.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments

As of August 31, 2024, the Company had US$2,085.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and US$1,368.4 million of short-term investments, compared to US$2,208.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and US$1,094.6 million of short-term investments as of February 29, 2024.

Deferred Revenue

As of August 31, 2024, the Company's deferred revenue balance was US$517.6 million, compared to US$428.3 million as of February 29, 2024.

Financial Results for the First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2025

Net Revenues

For the first six months of fiscal year 2025, TAL reported net revenues of US$1,033.5 million, representing a 50.4% increase from US$687.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Operating Costs and Expenses

In the first six months of fiscal year 2025, operating costs and expenses were US$1,004.1 million, representing a 38.5% increase from US$724.8 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$969.0 million, representing a 42.8% increase from US$678.5 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Cost of revenues increased by 52.4% to US$470.6 million from US$308.9 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP cost of revenues, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 53.2% to US$466.5 million from US$304.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024 .

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 42.3% to US$304.3 million from US$213.9 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 47.7% to US$296.0 million from US$200.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

General and administrative expenses increased by 13.4% to US$229.2 million from US$202.0 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 18.9% to US$206.6 million from US$173.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Total share-based compensation expenses allocated to the related operating costs and expenses decreased by 24.3% to US$35.1 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2025 from US$46.4 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by 48.7% to US$562.9 million from US$378.5 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Income/(Loss) from Operations

Income from operations was US$30.3 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to loss from operations of US$26.0 million in the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$65.4 million, compared to US$20.4 million Non-GAAP income from operations in the same period of the prior year.

Other Income/(Expense)

Other income was US$33.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to other expense of US$1.8 million in the same period of the prior year.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investments

Impairment loss on long-term investments was US$8.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to US$30.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Income Tax Benefit/(Expense)

Income tax expense was US$27.9 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to US$6.5 million of income tax benefit in the first six months of fiscal year 2024.

Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to TAL Education Group

Net income attributable to TAL was US$68.8 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$7.1 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$103.9 million, compared to US$39.3 million Non-GAAP income attributable to TAL in the same period of the prior year.

Cash Flow 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2025 was US$246.2 million.

Basic and Diluted Net Income/(Loss) per ADS

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were both US$0.11 in the first six months of fiscal year 2025. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were both US$0.17 in the first six months of fiscal year 2025.

Share Repurchase

In April 2024, the Company's board of directors authorized to extend its share repurchase program launched in April 2021 by 12 months. Pursuant to the extended share repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to approximately US$503.8 million of its common shares through April 30, 2025. As of August 31, 2024, the Company has repurchased 499,933 common shares at an aggregate consideration of approximately US$13.1 million under the share repurchase program.

TAL to Hold Annual General Meeting on November 15, 2024

The Company announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") at TAL Building No.1, Courtyard No. 9, Qixin Middle Street, Changping District, Beijing, China, on November 15, 2024 at 3:00PM (Beijing time). No proposal will be submitted to shareholders for approval at the AGM. Instead, the AGM will serve as an open forum for shareholders and beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs to discuss Company's affairs with management.

The board of directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on November 4, 2024 (Eastern Standard Time) as the record date (the "Record Date"). Holders of record of the Company's common shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of the AGM and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the AGM in person.

The notice of the AGM is available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://ir.100tal.com/. The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F (the "Annual Report"), which includes the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company's Annual Report can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of its website at https://ir.100tal.com, as well as on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its financial results for the second fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended August 31, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 24, 2024 (8:00 p.m. Beijing time on October 24, 2024).

Please note that you will need to pre-register for conference call participation at
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb77ca114970c4bd1bfe7d1770af84eac.

Upon registration, you will receive an email containing participant dial-in numbers and unique Direct Event Passcode. This information will allow you to gain immediate access to the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of TAL's website at https://ir.100tal.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, TAL Education Group's strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's ability to continue to provide competitive learning services and products; the Company's ability to continue to recruit, train and retain talents; the Company's ability to improve the content of current course offerings and develop new courses; the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brand; the Company's ability to maintain and continue to improve its teaching results; and the Company's ability to compete effectively against its competitors. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's reports filed with, or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and TAL Education Group undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About TAL Education Group

TAL Education Group is a smart learning solutions provider in China. The acronym "TAL" stands for "Tomorrow Advancing Life", which reflects our vision to promote top learning opportunities for students through both high-quality teaching and content, as well as leading edge application of technology in the education experience. TAL Education Group offers comprehensive learning solutions to students from all ages through diversified class formats. Our learning solutions mainly cover enrichment learnings programs and some academic subjects in and out of China. Our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TAL".

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In evaluating its business, TAL considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenues, non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, non-GAAP basic and non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release.

TAL believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. TAL believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to TAL's historical performance and liquidity. TAL computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. TAL believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charges that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the Company's business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

For further information, please contact:

Jackson Ding
Investor Relations
TAL Education Group
Tel: +86 10 5292 6669-8809
Email: ir@tal.com