Chegg (CHGG) 10-Q2024 Q3 Quarterly report

Unless the context requires otherwise, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “Chegg” refer to Chegg, Inc. and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations and results of operations are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “project,” “endeavor,” “expect,” “plan to,” “if,” “future,” “likely,” “potentially,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and we undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Chegg, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Chegg”), headquartered in Santa Clara, California, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in July 2005. Chegg provides individualized learning support to students as they pursue their educational journeys. Available on demand 24/7 and powered by over a decade of learning insights, the Chegg platform offers students AI-powered academic support thoughtfully designed for education coupled with access to a vast network of subject matter experts who ensure quality. No matter the goal, level, or style, Chegg helps millions of students around the world learn with confidence by helping them build essential academic, life, and job skills to achieve success.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Chegg, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2024, our results of operations, results of comprehensive (loss) income and stockholders' equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Our results of operations, results of comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

We have a single operating and reportable segment and operating unit structure. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto that are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the Annual Report on Form 10-K) filed with the SEC.

There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We base our estimates on historical experience, knowledge of current business conditions, and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions we may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial position and results of operations. There have been no material changes in our use of estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the use of estimates disclosed in Part II, Item 8 “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In order to conform with current period presentation, $3.6 million of impairment of intangible assets has been reclassified from general and administrative expense to impairment expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as well as from impairment of intangible asset to impairment expense on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. These changes in presentation do not affect previously reported results.

Aside from the addition of impairment expense as a component within our operating expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of operations, there have been no other changes to the components on our consolidated statements of operations described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In November 2024, our board of directors approved a $300.0 million increase to our existing securities repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of our common stock and/or convertible notes, through open market purchases, block trades, and/or privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans, in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, volume, and nature of the repurchases will be determined by management based on the capital needs of the business, market conditions, applicable legal requirements, alternative investment opportunities, and other factors. After the November 2024 increase, we had $303.7 million remaining under the securities repurchase program, which has no expiration date and will continue until otherwise suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason by our board of directors.

In July 2024, we entered into an amendment related to our office in India that primarily modifies our existing lease payments, increases the square footage, and extends the lease term, resulting in the recording of $9.0 million of right of use assets in exchange for lease liabilities.

The aggregate future minimum lease payments and reconciliation to operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2024, are as follows (in thousands):

In November 2024, we exercised our termination option related to our office in New York that reduces the lease term through November 2025, resulting in a decrease to our future minimum lease payments of approximately $3.8 million. This reduction in minimum lease payments is not reflected in the table above. We expect this decrease to reduce both right of use assets and long-term operating lease liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The accounting for the event is in process as of the issuance date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and therefore we are unable to make any additional disclosures.

We did not adopt any accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 that had a material impact on our financial statements.

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The majority of our revenues are recognized over time as services are performed, with certain revenues being recognized at a point in time.

The following tables present our total net revenues for the periods shown disaggregated for our Subscription Services and Skills and Other product lines (in thousands, except percentages):

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recognized revenues of $33.3 million and $52.3 million, respectively, that were included in our deferred revenue balance at the beginning of each respective reporting period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized revenues of $36.6 million and $53.0 million, respectively, that were included in our deferred revenue balance at the beginning of each respective reporting period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recognized revenues of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized an immaterial amount of revenues from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

The following table presents our accounts receivable, net, contract assets and deferred revenue balances (in thousands, except percentages):

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 our accounts receivable, net balance decreased by $7.7 million, or 24%, primarily due to lower bookings from Chegg Skills and seasonality of our business. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our contract assets balance decreased by $1.6 million, or 18%, primarily due to cash collections from our Chegg Skills service. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our deferred revenue balance decreased by $11.0 million, or 20%, primarily due to lower bookings from Chegg Skills and seasonality of our business.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

The following table presents potential weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding that were excluded from the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share because including them would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

The following tables present our cash and cash equivalents, and investments’ fair value level classification, adjusted cost, unrealized gain, unrealized loss and fair value as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2024, we determined that the unrealized losses on our investments were not driven by credit related factors. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we did not recognize any losses on our investments due to credit related factors and our realized gains and losses on investments were not significant.

The following table presents our cash equivalents and investments' adjusted cost and fair value by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands):

Investments not due at a single maturity date in the preceding table consisted of money market funds.

In May 2023, we entered into a $15.0 million commitment to invest in Sound Ventures AI Fund, L.P. (Sound Ventures), a limited partnership that invests in artificial intelligence companies, for an approximate 6% ownership. We accounted for our investment under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of our investment was $11.7 million. On January 1, 2024, we sold our investment for a total cash consideration of $15.5 million, resulting in a gain of $3.8 million. The cash payment received was included within cash flows from investing activities on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and the gain was included within other income, net on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In July 2022, we completed an investment of $6.0 million in Knack Technologies, Inc. (Knack), a privately held U.S. based peer-to-peer tutoring platform for higher education institutions. We do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over Knack's operating and financial policies and have elected to account for our investment at cost as it does not have a readily determinable fair value. We did not record any impairment expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, as there were no significant identified events or changes in circumstances that would be considered an indicator for impairment. There were no observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investments of the same issuer during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

We report our financial instruments at fair value with the exception of the notes (defined below). The estimated fair value of the notes was determined based on the trading price of the notes as of the last day of trading for the period. We consider the fair value of the notes to be a Level 2 measurement due to the limited trading activity. The estimated fair value of the 2026 notes as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $186.4 million and $202.9 million, respectively. The estimated fair value of the 2025 notes as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $343.7 million and $329.5 million, respectively. For further information on the notes, refer to Note 7, “Convertible Senior Notes.”

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

Depreciation and content amortization expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $18.2 million and $50.0 million, respectively. Depreciation and content amortization expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $50.8 million and $90.3 million, respectively, which included $34.2 million of accelerated depreciation of certain abandoned content and software assets.

In connection with the June 2024 restructuring, we announced that we will no longer offer Chegg Skills directly to customers. As a result, we wrote-off and accelerated depreciation over shortened useful lives for certain content assets of $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which were classified as cost of revenues on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For further information on the June 2024 restructuring, see “Note 11, Restructuring and Other Related Charges.”

In connection with the intangibles asset impairment analysis performed in June 2024, we also recorded an impairment expense of $10.0 million related to property and equipment, consisting of $6.6 million of content assets and $3.4 million of software assets, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which were classified as impairment expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For further information on the impairment analysis, see “Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.”

Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or when certain events or indicators of impairment occur between annual impairment tests. In September 2024 and June 2024, in consideration of the sustained decline in our stock price, industry developments, and our financial performance, we evaluated our current operating performance. Accordingly, we determined that there were indicators of impairment and a quantitative assessment was necessary. In the quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of our reporting unit utilizing an income approach, based on the present value of future discounted cash flows, which is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Significant estimates used to determine fair value include the weighted average cost of capital, growth rates, and amount and timing of expected future cash flows. As a result of the quantitative assessment, we determined that goodwill was impaired as the fair value of our reporting unit was less than the carrying value. As such, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded impairment expense of $195.7 million and $635.4 million, respectively, equal to the excess of the carrying value of our reporting unit over the estimated fair value, limited to the remaining balance of goodwill, which was classified as impairment expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents our goodwill balances (in thousands):

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, amortization expense related to our intangible assets totaled $1.4 million and $8.9 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, amortization expense related to our intangible assets totaled $6.1 million and $18.7 million, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, we did not recognize any impairment charges on our intangible assets and during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recognized a $31.9 million impairment charge on our intangible assets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a $3.6 million impairment charge on our indefinite-lived intangible asset.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to our intangible assets as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands):

In August 2020, we issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due in 2026 (2026 notes). In March/April 2019, we issued $800 million in aggregate principal amount of 0.125% convertible senior notes due in 2025 (2025 notes, together with the 2026 notes, the notes). The 2026 notes bear no interest and will mature on September 1, 2026, unless repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The 2025 notes bear interest of 0.125% per year which is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on

Each $1,000 principal amount of the 2026 notes will initially be convertible into 9.2978 shares of our common stock. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $107.55 per share, which is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Each $1,000 principal amount of the 2025 notes will initially be convertible into 19.3956 shares of our common stock. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $51.56 per share, which is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding June 1, 2026 for the 2026 notes and December 15, 2024 for the 2025 notes, the notes are convertible at the option of holders only upon satisfaction of certain circumstances. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the circumstances allowing holders of the 2026 notes and 2025 notes to convert were not met.

On or after June 1, 2026 for the 2026 notes and December 15, 2024 for the 2025 notes until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the respective maturity dates, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the circumstances. As of September 30, 2024, the 2025 notes were classified as a current liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as they will be convertible at the option of the holder at any time beginning December 15, 2024 and will mature on March 15, 2025, both of which are within the next twelve months.

The following table presents the net carrying amount of the notes (in thousands):

The following table presents the total interest expense recognized related to the notes (in thousands):

Concurrently with the offering of the 2026 notes and 2025 notes, we used $103.4 million and $97.2 million, respectively, of the net proceeds to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions which are expected to reduce or offset potential dilution to holders of our common stock upon conversion of the notes or offset the potential cash payments we would be required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes. The capped call transactions automatically exercise upon conversion of the notes and as of September 30, 2024, cover 9,297,800 and 6,961,352 shares of our common stock for the 2026 notes and 2025 notes, respectively. These are intended to effectively increase the overall conversion price from $107.55 to $156.44 per share for the 2026 notes and $51.56 to $79.32 per share for the 2025 notes. The effective increase in conversion price as a result of the capped call transactions serves to reduce potential dilution to holders of our common stock and/or offset the cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes. As these transactions meet certain accounting criteria, they are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital on our

We may from time to time be subject to certain legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights; employment claims; and general contract or other claims. We may also, from time to time, be subject to various legal or government claims, demands, disputes, investigations, or requests for information. Such matters may include, but not be limited to, claims, disputes, or investigations related to warranty, refund, breach of contract, employment, intellectual property, government regulation, or compliance or other matters.

On March 1, 2023, Plaintiff Shiva Stein, derivatively on behalf of Chegg, filed a stockholder derivative complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (Case No. 2023-0244-NAC) asserting breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and waste of corporate asset claims against members of Chegg’s Board and certain Chegg officers. The matter is stayed. The Company disputes these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

On February 14, 2023, Plaintiff Brian Stansell, individually and on behalf of other similarly situated stockholders of Chegg, filed a putative class action complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (Case No. 2023-0180) on behalf of all Chegg stockholders who were eligible to vote at Chegg's 2022 Annual Stockholders' Meeting, asserting breach of fiduciary duty claims against the members of Chegg's Board. The Court dismissed this matter pursuant to the Company's motion to dismiss and the matter is concluded.

On December 22, 2022, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMC) asserted a demand for repayment by the Company of certain investment proceeds received by the Company in its capacity as an investor in TAPD, Inc. (more commonly known as “Frank”). JPMC seeks such repayment pursuant to certain provisions in the existing Support Agreement between JPMC and the Company that was entered into in connection with JPMC's acquisition of Frank. JPMC has alleged fraud on the part of certain former Frank executives regarding the quantity and quality of its customer accounts. The Company is not at fault, however is pursuing a settlement agreement with JPMC.

On November 9, 2022, Plaintiff Joshua Keller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a putative class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 22-cv-06986) on behalf of individuals whose data was allegedly impacted by past data breaches. On August 15, 2023, the Company received an order granting its motion to compel arbitration, and the case was stayed and administratively closed pending the conclusion of arbitration. The parties have since resolved this matter, and the related settlement amount did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

On March 30, 2022, Joseph Robinson, derivatively on behalf of Chegg, filed a shareholder derivative complaint against Chegg and certain of its current and former directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging violations of securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties. On February 22, 2023, Plaintiff filed an Amended Shareholder Derivative Complaint. This matter has been consolidated with Choi, below, and both matters are stayed. The Company disputes these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

On January 12, 2022, Rak Joon Choi, derivatively on behalf of Chegg, filed a shareholder derivative complaint against Chegg and certain of its current and former directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging violations of securities laws, breaches of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets. On February 22, 2023, Plaintiff filed an Amended Shareholder Derivative Complaint. This matter has been consolidated with Robinson, above, and both matters are stayed. The Company disputes these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

On December 22, 2021, Steven Leventhal, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a purported securities fraud class action on behalf of all purchasers of Chegg common stock between May 5, 2020 and November 1, 2021, inclusive, against Chegg and certain of its current and former officers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 5:21-cv-09953), alleging that Chegg and several of its officers made materially false and misleading statements in violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the Exchange Act). On September 7, 2022, KBC Asset Management and The Pompano Beach Police & Firefighters Retirement System were appointed as lead plaintiff in the case. On December 8, 2022, Plaintiff filed his Amended Complaint seeking unspecified compensatory damages, costs, and expenses, including counsel and expert fees. On September 26, 2024, the parties participated in an in-person mediation and reached a settlement in principle to pay $55.0 million wherein the Company denies

On September 13, 2021, Pearson Education, Inc. (Pearson) filed a complaint captioned Pearson Education, Inc. v. Chegg, Inc. (Pearson Complaint) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against the Company (Case 2:21-cv-16866), alleging infringement of Pearson’s registered copyrights and exclusive rights under copyright in violation of the United States Copyright Act. Pearson is seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees. The Company filed its answer to the Pearson Complaint on November 19, 2021. Pearson’s June 29, 2022 Motion for Leave to File Amended Complaint seeking to add Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group, LLC d/b/a Macmillan Learning as a plaintiff was denied. Pearson filed an Amended Complaint on May 10, 2023, and the Company filed an amended answer on June 7, 2023. The Company disputes these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

On June 18, 2020, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding certain alleged deceptive or unfair acts or practices related to consumer privacy and/or data security. On October 31, 2022, the FTC published the parties’ agreed-upon consent order regarding Chegg’s privacy and data security practices. On January 27, 2023, the FTC finalized its order ("Final Order") requiring Chegg to implement a comprehensive information security program, limit the data the Company can collect and retain, offer users multi factor authentication to secure their accounts, and allow users to request access to and delete their data. No monetary penalties or fines were included in the Final Order. We continue to work with the FTC on the implementation of and compliance with the Final Order.

We record a contingent liability for loss contingencies related to legal matters when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. Additionally, we record an insurance loss recovery up to the recognized loss contingency when realization is probable. Related to the above matters, as of September 30, 2024, the net impact of contingent liabilities less the related insurance loss recovery is $12.1 million. For those matters upon which management has sufficient insurance coverage, the Company has recorded contingent liabilities within accrued liabilities and the loss recovery from insurance within other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As a result of ongoing legal related expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company updated its estimate that $5.1 million that was previously recorded as insurance loss recovery was deemed to no longer be probable and has been recorded as an expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations as recovery would be in excess of insurance coverage limits. We are not aware of any other pending legal matters or claims, individually or in the aggregate, which are expected to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Our analysis of whether a claim will proceed to litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, nor can the results of litigation be predicted with certainty. Nevertheless, defending any of these actions, regardless of the outcome, may be costly, time consuming, distract management personnel and have a negative effect on our business. In the ordinary course of business and for certain of the above matters, we are actively pursuing all avenues and strategies to resolve these matters, including available legal remedies, remediation and settlement negotiations with the parties. An adverse outcome in any of these actions, including a judgment or settlement, may cause a material adverse effect on our future business, operating results or financial condition.