Sunlands Technology Group Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

BEIJING, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunlands Technology Group (NYSE: STG) (“Sunlands” or the “Company”), a leader in China’s adult online education market and China’s adult personal interest learning market, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Snapshots

• Net revenues were RMB491.3 million (US$70.0 million), compared to RMB524.6 million in the third quarter of 2023.
• Gross billings (non-GAAP) were RMB360.3 million (US$51.3 million), compared to RMB390.0 million in the third quarter of 2023.
• Gross profit was RMB409.2 million (US$58.3 million), compared to RMB460.5 million in the third quarter of 2023.
• Net income was RMB89.3 million (US$12.7 million), compared to RMB131.6 million in the third quarter of 2023.
• Net income margin¹ was 18.2% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 25.1% in the third quarter of 2023.
• New student enrollments² were 158,395, compared to 154,299 in the third quarter of 2023.
• As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s deferred revenue balance was RMB920.6 million (US$131.2 million), compared to RMB1,113.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

_____________________________
_{¹ Net income margin is defined as net income as a percentage of net revenues.
² New student enrollments for a given period refer to the total number of orders placed by students that newly enroll in at least one course during that period, including those students that enroll and then terminate their enrollment with us, excluding orders of our low-price courses, such as “mini courses” and “RMB1 courses”, which we offer in the form of recorded videos or short live streaming, to strengthen our competitiveness and improve customer experience.}

“As we review our performance for the third quarter of 2024, our business has continued to demonstrate resilience in a challenging market environment. Our total revenues for the quarter reached RMB491.3 million, while net profit rose to RMB89.3 million, marking an 8.6% sequential increase. This growth underscores the success of our strategic realignment towards high-return areas.

Looking ahead, the company will continue to strengthen its brand presence, enhance the user experience, and delve deeper into the learning needs of users across different age groups. Through continuous innovation, we aim to provide learners with more diverse and high-quality educational products and services. At the same time, the company will further optimize its cost structure, focusing resources on the most promising opportunities. We believe these actions will drive sustainable profitability growth and position the company to lead the adult online education sector in the long term,” said Mr. Tongbo Liu, Chief Executive Officer of Sunlands.

Mr. Hangyu Li, Finance Director of Sunlands, shared his thoughts on the quarter, stating, "This quarter, we have maintained strong cash flow with five consecutive quarters of positive cash flow from operating activities. The healthy cash position not only strengthens our ability to withstand uncertainty, but also provides stable financial support for future innovation and growth. Although net revenues slightly decreased year-over-year due to changes in offerings structure, we have successfully achieved a profit of RMB89.3 million for the quarter. This achievement underscores the resilience and adaptability of our business model. Looking ahead, our focus remains on maintaining profitability and enhancing operational efficiency to ensure that we continue to create value for our stakeholders while pursuing new growth avenues."

Financial Results for the third quarter of 2024

Net Revenues

In the third quarter of 2024, net revenues decreased by 6.4% to RMB491.3 million (US$70.0 million) from RMB524.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by the decline in gross billings from post-secondary courses over the recent quarters, resulting in a year-over-year decrease of RMB66.7 million in net revenues from post-secondary courses, partially offset by the year-over-year growth in revenues from sales of goods such as books and learning materials in an amount of RMB36.0 million.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues increased by 28.0% to RMB82.1 million (US$11.7 million) in the third quarter of 2024 from RMB64.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the cost of revenues from sales of goods such as books and learning materials.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased by 11.1% to RMB409.2 million (US$58.3 million) in the third quarter of 2024 from RMB460.5 million in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was due to the lower gross profit from sales of goods.

Operating Expenses

In the third quarter of 2024, operating expenses were RMB343.4 million (US$48.9 million), representing a 1.4% increase from RMB338.5 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Sales and marketing expenses increased by 2.7% to RMB303.0 million (US$43.2 million) in the third quarter of 2024 from RMB295.0 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was mainly due to a growth in the headcount of our sales and marketing personnel.

General and administrative expenses decreased by 1.8% to RMB34.5 million (US$4.9 million) in the third quarter of 2024 from RMB35.1 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Product development expenses decreased by 30.5% to RMB5.8 million (US$0.8 million) in the third quarter of 2024 from RMB8.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to declined compensation expenses related to headcount reduction of our product development personnel.

Net Income

Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB89.3 million (US$12.7 million), as compared to RMB131.6 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

Basic and diluted net income per share was RMB13.08 (US$1.86) in the third quarter of 2024.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had RMB535.9 million (US$76.4 million) of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and RMB257.9 million (US$36.8 million) of short-term investments, as compared to RMB766.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and RMB142.1 million of short-term investments as of December 31, 2023.

Deferred Revenue

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had a deferred revenue balance of RMB920.6 million (US$131.2 million), as compared to RMB1,113.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

Share Repurchase

On December 6, 2021, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to US$15.0 million of Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs over the next 24 months. On December 1, 2023, the Company’s board of directors authorized to extend its share repurchase program over the next twenty-four months. As of November 20, 2024, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of 689,935 ADSs for approximately US$3.9 million under the share repurchase program.

Financial Results for the First Nine Months of 2024

Net Revenues

In the first nine months of 2024, net revenues decreased by 6.9% to RMB1,506.7 million (US$214.7 million) from RMB1,617.9 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues increased by 23.0% to RMB235.9 million (US$33.6 million) in the first nine months of 2024 from RMB191.8 million in the first nine months of 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the cost of revenues from sales of goods such as books and learning materials.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased by 10.9% to RMB1,270.8 million (US$181.1 million) from RMB1,426.1 million in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was due to the lower gross profit from sales of goods.

Operating Expenses

In the first nine months of 2024, operating expenses were RMB1,023.4 million (US$145.8 million), representing a 5.5% increase from RMB970.3 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Sales and marketing expenses increased by 7.9% to RMB902.1 million (US$128.5 million) in the first nine months of 2024 from RMB836.4 million in the first nine months of 2023.

General and administrative expenses decreased by 6.5% to RMB100.9 million (US$14.4 million) in the first nine months of 2024 from RMB107.8 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Product development expenses decreased by 21.4% to RMB20.5 million (US$2.9 million) in the first nine months of 2024 from RMB26.1 million in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to declined compensation expenses related to headcount reduction of our product development personnel.

Net Income

Net income for the first nine months of 2024 was RMB284.3 million (US$40.5 million), compared with RMB485.6 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

Basic and diluted net income per share was RMB41.52 (US$5.92) in the first nine months of 2024, compared with RMB70.29 in the first nine months of 2023.

Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2024, Sunlands currently expects net revenues to be between RMB450 million to RMB470 million, which would represent a decrease of 13.2% to 16.9% year-over-year. The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company’s current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to substantial uncertainty.

Exchange Rate

The Company’s business is primarily conducted in China and all revenues are denominated in Renminbi (“RMB”). This announcement contains currency conversions of RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ are made at a rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate for September 30, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on September 30, 2024, or at any other rate.

Conference Call and Webcast
Sunlands’ management team will host a conference call at 5:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time, (6:30 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time) on November 22, 2024, following the quarterly results announcement.

For participants who wish to join the call, please access the link provided below to complete online registration 15 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, participants will receive details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers, a personal PIN and an e-mail with detailed instructions to join the conference call.

Registration Link:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI723ccaebdbf44e96857bedb8c2c0c81e 

Additionally, a live webcast and archive of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Sunlands' website at https://ir.sunlands.com/.

About Sunlands
Sunlands Technology Group (NYSE: STG) (“Sunlands” or the “Company”), formerly known as Sunlands Online Education Group, is a leader in China’s adult online education market and China’s adult personal interest learning market. With a one to many live streaming platform, Sunlands offers various degree- or diploma-oriented post-secondary courses as well as professional certification preparation, professional skills and interest courses. Students can access the Company's services either through PC or mobile applications. The Company's online platform cultivates a personalized, interactive learning environment by featuring a virtual learning community and a vast library of educational content offerings that adapt to the learning habits of its students. Sunlands offers a unique approach to education research and development that organizes subject content into Learning Outcome Trees, the Company's proprietary knowledge management system. Sunlands has a deep understanding of the educational needs of its prospective students and offers solutions that help them achieve their goals.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use gross billings, EBITDA, non-GAAP operating cost and expenses, non-GAAP income from operations and Non-GAAP net income per share, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes.

We define gross billings for a specific period as the total amount of cash received for the sale of course packages, net of the total amount of refunds paid in such period. Our management uses gross billings as a performance measurement because we generally bill our students for the entire course tuition at the time of sale of our course packages and recognize revenue proportionally over a period. EBITDA is defined as net income excluding depreciation and amortization, interest expense, interest income, and income tax expenses. We believe that gross billings and EBITDA provide valuable insight into the sales of our course packages and the performance of our business.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, their most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable GAAP measure has been provided in the tables included below. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. As gross billings, EBITDA, operating cost and expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, sales and marketing expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, product development expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP net income exclude share-based compensation expenses, and basic and diluted net income per share excluding share-based compensation expenses have material limitations as an analytical metric and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, it may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider gross billings and EBITDA as a substitute for, or superior to, their respective most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 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,” “confident” and similar statements. Sunlands 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 report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Sunlands' beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: Sunlands' goals and strategies; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and services; its ability to retain and increase student enrollments; its ability to offer new courses and educational content; its ability to improve teaching quality and students’ learning results; its ability to improve sales and marketing efficiency and effectiveness; its ability to engage, train and retain new faculty members; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to maintain and improve technology infrastructure necessary to operate its business; competition in the online education industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Sunlands’ corporate structure, business and industry; and general economic and business condition in China Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Sunlands' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Sunlands does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media enquiries, please contact:
Sunlands Technology Group
Investor Relations
Email: sl-ir@sunlands.com
SOURCE: Sunlands Technology Group

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
		As of December 31,		As of September 30,
		2023		2024		2024
		RMB		RMB		US$
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		763,800		535,887		76,363
Restricted cash		2,578		16		2
Short-term investments		142,084		257,939		36,756
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		109,018		106,462		15,171
Deferred costs, current		14,274		4,798		684
Total current assets		1,031,754		905,102		128,976
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net		786,670		765,366		109,064
Intangible assets, net		975		854		122
Right-of-use assets		135,820		111,787		15,930
Deferred costs, non-current		68,773		61,091		8,705
Long-term investments		61,354		48,944		6,974
Deferred tax assets		-		23,397		3,334
Other non-current assets		33,160		237,427		33,833
Total non-current assets		1,086,752		1,248,866		177,962
TOTAL ASSETS		2,118,506		2,153,968		306,938

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2023			2024			2024
		RMB			RMB			US$
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		409,691			420,751			59,957
Deferred revenue, current		553,812			359,900			51,285
Lease liabilities, current portion		8,019			8,355			1,191
Long-term debt, current portion		38,654			38,654			5,508
Total current liabilities		1,010,176			827,660			117,941
Non-current liabilities
Deferred revenue, non-current		560,111			560,693			79,898
Lease liabilities, non-current portion		157,269			134,811			19,210
Deferred tax liabilities		3,742			2,678			382
Other non-current liabilities		6,994			7,937			1,131
Long-term debt		104,665			75,674			10,783
Total non-current liabilities		832,781			781,793			111,404
TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,842,957			1,609,453			229,345
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Class A ordinary shares (par value of US$0.00005, 796,062,195 shares
authorized; 3,131,807 and 3,131,807 shares issued as of December 31, 2023
and September 30, 2024, respectively; 2,702,523 and 2,625,41 shares
outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively)		1			1			-
Class B ordinary shares (par value of US$0.00005, 826,389 shares
authorized; 826,389 and 826,389 shares issued and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively)		-			-			-
Class C ordinary shares (par value of US$0.00005, 203,111,416 shares
authorized; 3,332,062 and 3,332,062 shares issued and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively)		1			1			-
Treasury stock		-			-			-
Accumulated deficit		(2,171,284	)		(1,887,008	)		(268,896	)
Additional paid-in capital		2,305,042			2,297,007			327,321
Accumulated other comprehensive income		143,276			136,001			19,380
Total Sunlands Technology Group shareholders’ equity		277,036			546,002			77,805
Non-controlling interest		(1,487	)		(1,487	)		(212	)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		275,549			544,515			77,593
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		2,118,506			2,153,968			306,938

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2023			2024			2024
		RMB			RMB			US$
Net revenues		524,631			491,264			70,005
Cost of revenues		(64,131	)		(82,093	)		(11,698	)
Gross profit		460,500			409,171			58,307
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses		(294,969	)		(303,047	)		(43,184	)
Product development expenses		(8,415	)		(5,849	)		(833	)
General and administrative expenses		(35,092	)		(34,472	)		(4,912	)
Total operating expenses		(338,476	)		(343,368	)		(48,929	)
Income from operations		122,024			65,803			9,378
Interest income		7,625			7,810			1,113
Interest expense		(1,877	)		(1,415	)		(202	)
Other income, net		8,601			10,443			1,488
Impairment loss on long-term investments		(61	)		-			-
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries		-			(588	)		(84	)
Income before income tax benefit
and (loss)/gain from equity method investments		136,312			82,053			11,693
Income tax benefit		1,119			6,506			927
(Loss)/gain from equity method investments		(5,791	)		730			104
Net income		131,640			89,289			12,724
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest		-			-			-
Net income attributable to Sunlands Technology Group		131,640			89,289			12,724
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of
Sunlands Technology Group:
Basic and diluted		19.13			13.08			1.86
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income
per ordinary share:
Basic and diluted		6,880,188			6,828,784			6,828,784

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amounts in thousands)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2023		2024			2024
		RMB		RMB			US$
Net income		131,640		89,289			12,724
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax effect of nil:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments		3,358		(20,526	)		(2,925	)
Total comprehensive income		134,998		68,763			9,799
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		-		-			-
Comprehensive income attributable to Sunlands Technology Group		134,998		68,763			9,799

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Amounts in thousands)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2023			2024
		RMB			RMB
Net revenues		524,631			491,264
Less: other revenues		(43,808	)		(84,838	)
Add: tax and surcharges		16,921			23,931
Add: ending deferred revenue		1,277,040			920,593
Add: deferred revenue in connection with disposal of subsidiaries		-			3,423
Add: ending refund liability		101,591			119,618
Less: beginning deferred revenue		(1,379,073	)		(986,938	)
Less: beginning refund liability		(107,319	)		(126,797	)
Gross billings (non-GAAP)		389,983			360,256
Net income		131,640			89,289
Add: income tax benefit		(1,119	)		(6,506	)
Add: depreciation and amortization		7,664			7,355
Add: interest expense		1,877			1,415
Less: interest income		(7,625	)		(7,810	)
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		132,437			83,743

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2023			2024			2024
		RMB			RMB			US$
Net revenues		1,617,860			1,506,727			214,707
Cost of revenues		(191,777	)		(235,883	)		(33,613	)
Gross profit		1,426,083			1,270,844			181,094
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses		(836,352	)		(902,065	)		(128,543	)
Product development expenses		(26,087	)		(20,516	)		(2,924	)
General and administrative expenses		(107,817	)		(100,853	)		(14,371	)
Total operating expenses		(970,256	)		(1,023,434	)		(145,838	)
Income from operations		455,827			247,410			35,256
Interest income		21,747			27,675			3,944
Interest expense		(6,047	)		(4,535	)		(646	)
Other income, net		25,570			19,238			2,741
Impairment loss on long-term investments		(61	)		-			-
Gain/(loss) on disposal of subsidiaries		247			(838	)		(119	)
Income before income tax (expenses)/benefit
and loss from equity method investments		497,283			288,950			41,176
Income tax (expenses)/benefit		(5,208	)		6,975			994
Loss from equity method investments		(6,445	)		(11,649	)		(1,660	)
Net income		485,630			284,276			40,510
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest		1			-			-
Net income attributable to Sunlands Technology Group		485,629			284,276			40,510
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of
Sunlands Technology Group:
Basic and diluted		70.29			41.52			5.92
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income
per ordinary share:
Basic and diluted		6,909,141			6,846,146			6,846,146

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amounts in thousands)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2023		2024			2024
		RMB		RMB			US$
Net income		485,630		284,276			40,510
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax effect of nil:
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments		30,634		(7,275	)		(1,037	)
Total comprehensive income		516,264		277,001			39,473
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		1		-			-
Comprehensive income attributable to Sunlands Technology Group		516,263		277,001			39,473

SUNLANDS TECHNOLOGY GROUP RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Amounts in thousands)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2023			2024
		RMB			RMB
Net revenues		1,617,860			1,506,727
Less: other revenues		(128,032	)		(205,806	)
Add: tax and surcharges		44,695			56,040
Add: ending deferred revenue		1,277,040			920,593
Add: deferred revenue in connection with disposal of subsidiaries		-			3,423
Add: ending refund liability		101,591			119,618
Less: beginning deferred revenue		(1,690,946	)		(1,113,923	)
Less: beginning refund liability		(133,066	)		(143,744	)
Gross billings (non-GAAP)		1,089,142			1,142,928
Net income		485,630			284,276
Add: income tax expenses/(benefit)		5,208			(6,975	)
Add: depreciation and amortization		22,931			22,148
Add: interest expense		6,047			4,535
Less: interest income		(21,747	)		(27,675	)
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		498,069			276,309