Udemy, Inc.(UDMY), the leading onlin e learning platform, has released its condensed consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2023. The company reported a net loss of $16.8 million, but this was accompanied by robust revenue growth, with total revenue reaching $184.7 million for the quarter, marking a 16% increase from the same period in the previous year. In this article, we delve into Udemy's financial performance in Q3 2023, exploring the factors that contributed to both its net loss and revenue growth.
Revenue Growth Outpaces Cost of Revenue
Udemy's Q3 2023 revenue stood at $184.7 million, a substantial increase from the $158.4 million in the same quarter of the previous year. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased demand for online learning and a wider range of courses offered by the platform.
However, to achieve this revenue growth, Udemy also experienced a rise in the cost of revenue, which reached $77.3 million in Q3 2023, compared to $69.1 million in the same period in 2022. Despite this increase in costs, the company's gross profit for the quarter reached $107.5 million, reflecting a healthy 20% gross profit margin.
The company's operating expenses, including sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative costs, totaled $128.9 million for the quarter. This figure, while slightly reduced from the previous year's $132.6 million, remains a significant portion of the company's total revenue.
Notably, Udemy reported restructuring charges of $10.3 million in the quarter, related to strategic adjustments made during the period. These charges contributed to the overall loss from operations, which amounted to $21.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. This loss represents a notable improvement compared to a loss of $43.3 million during the same period in 2022, indicating the company's progress in managing its operational expenses.
Udemy's financial report also highlights other sources of income and expenses, such as interest income, interest expense, and other income and expenses. Notably, the company earned $5.5 million in interest income, primarily from its investments, during Q3 2023, compared to $1.6 million in the previous year. However, it incurred an interest expense of $124,000.
The combination of these various income and expense components resulted in total other income (expense) of $5.5 million, a significant improvement from a net expense of $2.9 million during the same period in 2022.
Despite this, Udemy reported a net loss before taxes of $16.0 million in Q3 2023, marking an improvement from a loss of $46.2 million in the previous year. After accounting for income tax provisions, the company reported a net loss of $16.8 million for the quarter, compared to a net loss of $46.7 million in the same period in 2022.
Earnings Per Share and Stock-Based Compensation
Udemy's net loss per share, both basic and diluted, was $0.11 for Q3 2023, compared to $0.33 in the same quarter of the previous year. This decrease in loss per share can be attributed to the company's ongoing efforts to manage its expenses and improve its financial performance.
The financial statement also includes stock-based compensation expenses, which amounted to $23.5 million for the quarter, with the highest portion allocated to sales and marketing expenses.
Udemy's balance sheet as of September 30, 2023, shows current assets of $621.7 million, with significant portions in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. The company's total assets stand at $736.5 million.
On the liability side, the company reported current liabilities of $386.5 million, primarily in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenue. Total liabilities, including non-current obligations, reached $390.7 million.
In terms of cash flow, Udemy generated $5.3 million from its operating activities in the first nine months of 2023. The company also invested $3.9 million in various activities, including marketable securities, property and equipment, and software costs. On the financing side, Udemy secured $13.0 million in net proceeds, primarily from the exercise of stock options.
Udemy, Inc. continues to see strong revenue growth, reflecting the increased demand for online education. While the company reported a net loss in the third quarter of 2023, it managed to reduce its loss compared to the same period in the previous year. With a solid balance sheet and ongoing efforts to manage expenses, Udemy remains well-positioned in the competitive online learning market, aiming for sustained growth in the future.