LAUR Laureate Education, Inc. - 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors

In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, you should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The risks identified below are not all encompassing but should be considered in establishing an opinion of our future operations. The situation continues to evolve, and additional impacts may arise of which we are not currently aware.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We operate a portfolio of degree-granting higher education institutions in Mexico and Peru and are subject to complex business, economic, legal, political, tax and foreign currency risks, which risks may be difficult to adequately address.

Our portfolio, which is composed of five institutions, operates in Mexico and Peru, each of which is subject to complex business, economic, legal, political, tax and foreign currency risks. We may have difficulty managing and administering our operations in multiple countries, and we may need to expend additional funds to, among other things, staff key management positions, obtain, upgrade and implement additional information technology infrastructure, and successfully implement relevant course and program offerings for each market, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Additional challenges associated with the conduct of our business overseas that may materially adversely affect our operating results include:

• our presence solely in Latin America presents risks relating to regional economic pressures;

• each of our institutions is subject to unique business risks and challenges, including competitive pressures and diverse pricing environments at the local level;

• difficulty maintaining quality standards consistent with our brands and with local accreditation requirements;

• potential economic and political instability in the countries in which we operate, including student unrest;

• changes in the political landscape in Mexico, Peru and/or the U.S., and subsequent changes to laws and regulatory regimes including new tariffs, trade restrictions and trade policies;

• fluctuations in exchange rates, possible currency devaluations, inflation and hyperinflation;

• compliance with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations;

• expropriation of assets by governments;

• lower levels of availability or use of the Internet, through which our online programs are delivered;

• limitations on the repatriation and investment of funds and foreign currency exchange restrictions; and

• acts of terrorism, public health risks or emergencies such as pandemics or epidemics, crime and natural disasters, particularly in areas in which we have significant operations.

Our success in operating our business will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks related to operating in multiple countries. Any failure by us to effectively manage the challenges associated with our operations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we cannot maintain student enrollments in our institutions and maintain tuition levels, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Our strategy for growth and profitability depends, in part, upon maintaining and, subsequently, increasing student enrollments in our institutions and maintaining tuition levels. Attrition rates are often due to factors outside our control. Students sometimes face financial, personal or family constraints that require them to drop out of school. They also are affected by economic and social factors prevalent in their countries. In some markets in which we operate, transfers between universities are not common and, as a result, we are less likely to fill spaces of students who drop out. In addition, our ability to attract and retain students may require us to discount tuition from published levels and may prevent us from increasing tuition levels at a rate consistent with inflation and increases in our costs. If we are unable to control the rate of student attrition, our overall enrollment levels are likely to decline, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to charge tuition rates that are both competitive and cover our rising expenses, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In addition, student enrollment may be negatively affected by our reputation and any negative publicity related to us.

Our success depends substantially on the value of the local brands of each of our institutions, each of which may be materially adversely affected by changes in current and prospective students’ perception of our reputation and the use of social media.

Each of our institutions has worked hard to establish the value of its individual brand. Brand value may be severely damaged, even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity. There has been a marked increase in use of social media platforms and other forms of online communications that allow individuals access to a broad audience of interested persons. We believe that students and prospective employers value readily available information about our institutions and often act on such information without further investigation or authentication, and without regard to its accuracy. In addition, some of our institutions use the Laureate name in promoting their institutions. Social media platforms and devices immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the content posted. Information concerning our Company and our institutions may be posted on such platforms and devices at any time. Information posted may be materially adverse to our interests, it may be inaccurate, and it may harm our performance, prospects and business.

Our reputation may be negatively influenced by the actions of other for-profit and private institutions.

Allegations against the post-secondary for-profit and private education sectors may affect general public perceptions of for-profit and private educational institutions, including our institutions and us, in a negative manner. Adverse media coverage regarding other for-profit or private educational institutions or regarding us directly or indirectly could damage our reputation, reduce student demand for our programs, materially adversely affect our revenues and operating profit or result in increased regulatory scrutiny.

Growing our online academic programs could be difficult for us.

The expansion of our existing online programs and the creation of new online academic programs may not be accepted by students or employers, or by government regulators or accreditation agencies. In addition, our efforts may be materially adversely affected by increased competition in the online education market and our competitors' increasing use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning or because of problems with the performance or reliability of our online program infrastructure.

Our success depends, in part, on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs in recruiting new students.

In order to maintain and increase our revenues and margins, we must continue to develop our admissions programs and attract new students in a cost-effective manner. The level of marketing and advertising and types of strategies used are affected by the specific geographic markets, regulatory compliance requirements and the specific nature of each institution and its students. The complexity of these marketing efforts contributes to their cost. If we are unable to advertise and market our institutions and programs successfully, our ability to attract and enroll new students could be materially adversely affected and, consequently, our financial performance could suffer. We use marketing tools such as online, radio, television and print media advertising to promote our institutions and programs. Our representatives also make presentations at upper secondary schools. In order to maintain our growth, we will need to attract a larger percentage of students in existing markets and increase our addressable market by adding locations in new markets and rolling out new academic programs. Any failure to accomplish these initiatives may have a material adverse effect on our future growth.

If we do not effectively manage our growth and business, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

We may not be able to maintain or accelerate the current growth rate, effectively manage expanding operations or building new campuses, expand capacity at current locations, or achieve planned growth on a timely or profitable basis. If any expansion initiative underperforms or does not proceed as planned, or our revenue growth is less than projected, the costs incurred for these additions and upgrades could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our institutions are subject to uncertain and varying laws and regulations, and any changes to these laws or regulations or their application to us may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Higher education is regulated to varying degrees and in different ways in each of the countries in which we operate an institution. In general, our institutions must have licenses, approvals, authorizations, or accreditations from various governmental authorities and accrediting bodies. These licenses, approvals, authorizations, and accreditations must be renewed periodically, usually after an evaluation of the institution by the relevant governmental authorities or accrediting bodies. These periodic evaluations could result in limitations, restrictions, conditions, or withdrawal of such licenses, approvals, authorizations or accreditations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Once licensed, approved, authorized or accredited, some of our institutions may need approvals for new campuses or to add new degree programs.

Additionally, our institutions are subject to requirements and limitations imposed by the governmental regulatory bodies of the various countries in which they are located. All of these regulations and their applicable interpretations are subject to change. Moreover, regulatory agencies may scrutinize our institutions because they are owned or controlled by a U.S.-based for-profit corporation. Changes in applicable regulations may cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The higher education market is very competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively.

Our institutions compete with traditional public and private colleges and universities and other proprietary institutions, including those that offer online professional-oriented programs. In each of the countries in which we operate a private institution, our primary competitors are public and other private universities, some of which are larger, more widely known and have more established reputations than our institutions. Some of our competitors in both the public and private sectors may have greater financial and other resources than we have and have operated in their markets for many years. Other competitors may include large, well-capitalized companies that may pursue a strategy similar to ours of expanding campuses, adding on-campus or online programs or acquiring or establishing for-profit institutions. Public institutions receive substantial government subsidies, and public and private not-for-profit institutions have access to government and foundation grants, tax-deductible contributions and other financial resources generally not available to for-profit institutions. Accordingly, public and private not-for-profit institutions may have instructional and support resources superior to those in the for-profit sector, and public institutions can offer substantially lower tuition prices or other advantages that we cannot match.

If our graduates are unable to obtain professional licenses or certifications required for employment in their chosen fields of study, our reputation may suffer and we may face declining enrollments and revenues or be subject to student litigation.

Certain of our students require or desire professional licenses or certifications after graduation to obtain employment in their chosen fields. Their success in obtaining such licensure depends on several factors, including the individual merits of the student, whether the institution and the program were approved by the relevant government or by a professional association, whether the program from which the student graduated meets all governmental requirements and whether the institution is accredited. If one or more governmental authorities refuses to recognize our graduates for professional licensure in the future based on factors relating to us or our programs, the potential growth of our programs would be negatively affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we could be exposed to litigation that would force us to incur legal and other expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business may be materially adversely affected if we are not able to maintain or improve the content of our existing academic programs or to develop new programs on a timely basis and in a cost-effective manner.

We continually seek to maintain and improve the content of our existing academic programs and develop new programs in order to meet changing market needs, including through the use of AI and machine learning. Revisions to our existing academic programs and the development of new programs may not be accepted by existing or prospective students or employers in all instances. If we cannot respond effectively to market changes, our business may be materially adversely affected. Even if we

are able to develop acceptable new programs, we may not be able to introduce these new programs as quickly as students or employers require or as quickly as our competitors are able to introduce competing programs. Our efforts to introduce a new academic program may be conditioned or delayed by requirements to obtain foreign, federal, state and accrediting agency approvals. The development of new programs and courses, both conventional and online, is subject to requirements and limitations imposed by the governmental regulatory bodies of the various countries in which our institutions are located. The imposition of restrictions on the initiation of new educational programs by regulatory agencies may delay such expansion plans. If we do not respond adequately to changes in market requirements, our ability to attract and retain students could be impaired and our financial results could suffer.

Establishing new academic programs or modifying existing academic programs also may require us to make investments in specialized personnel, technology and capital expenditures, increase marketing efforts and reallocate resources away from other uses. We may have limited experience with the subject matter of new programs and may need to modify our systems and strategy. If we are unable to increase the number of students, offer new programs in a cost-effective manner or otherwise effectively manage the operations of newly established academic programs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Failure to keep pace with changing market needs and technology could harm our ability to attract students.

The success of our institutions depends significantly on the willingness of prospective employers to hire our students upon graduation. Increasingly, employers demand that their employees possess appropriate technological and other appropriate skills, such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork. These skills can evolve rapidly in a changing economic and technological environment. Accordingly, it is important that our educational programs evolve in response to those economic and technological changes. The expansion of existing academic programs and the development of new programs may not be accepted by current or prospective students or by the employers of our graduates. Students and faculty increasingly rely on personal communication devices and expect that we will be able to adapt our information technology platforms and our educational delivery methods to support these devices and any new technologies that may develop. Even if our institutions are able to develop acceptable new programs and adapt to new technologies (such as AI and machine learning), our institutions may not be able to begin offering those new programs and technologies as quickly as required by prospective students and employers or as quickly as our competitors begin offering similar programs. If we are unable to adequately respond to changes in market requirements due to regulatory or financial constraints, unusually rapid technological changes or other factors, our ability to attract and retain students could be impaired, the rates at which our graduates obtain jobs involving their fields of study could suffer and our results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Our reported revenues and earnings may be negatively affected by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and currency exchange rates.

We report revenues, costs and earnings in U.S. dollars, while our institutions generally collect tuition in the local currency. Exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the local currency in the countries where we operate institutions are likely to fluctuate from period to period. In 2025, essentially all of our revenues originated outside the United States. We translate revenues and other results denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars for our consolidated financial statements. This translation is based on average exchange rates during a reporting period. While the Mexican peso and the Peruvian nuevo sol strengthened against the U.S. dollar by the end of 2025 compared to the beginning of the year, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against those currencies in the recent past. As the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar strengthens, our reported international revenues and earnings are reduced because foreign currencies translate into fewer U.S. dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2025, a hypothetical 10% adverse change in average annual foreign currency exchange rates would have decreased our revenue, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $170.2 million, $49.7 million and $57.3 million, respectively. For more information, see “Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exchange Risk.”

To the extent that foreign revenues and expense transactions are not denominated in the local currency and/or to the extent foreign earnings are reinvested in a currency other than their functional currency, we are also subject to the risk of transaction losses. We occasionally enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or other hedging arrangements to reduce the earnings impact of non-functional currency denominated non-trade receivables and debt and to protect the U.S. dollar value of our assets and future cash flows with respect to exchange rate fluctuations. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we may not be able to effectively manage currency transaction and/or translation risks. Therefore, volatility in currency exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Currency exchange rates and our reported revenues and earnings may also be negatively affected by inflation or hyperinflation. If a country in which we operate is designated as a highly inflationary economy in the future under GAAP, the U.S. dollar

would become the functional currency for our operations in that country. As a result, all gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the financial results of operations in such country and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses would be reflected in our earnings, which could result in volatility within our earnings, rather than as a component of our comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Hyperinflation in any of the countries in which we operate may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may have exposure to greater-than-anticipated tax liabilities.

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. The determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment, and there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. In addition, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws, regulations and accounting principles, could have a material adverse effect on our future income taxes. In the ordinary course, we do not record deferred tax liabilities for undistributed foreign earnings because our strategy is to reinvest these earnings outside the United States. As circumstances change and if some or all of these undistributed foreign earnings are remitted to the United States, we may be required to recognize deferred tax liabilities on any amounts that we are unable to repatriate in a tax-free manner.

We are subject to regular review and au dit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities of entities related to both our current operations and operations related to divested entities. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition. We are also subject to non-income based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-a dded, net worth, property and goods and services taxes, in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. We are under regular audit by tax authorities with respect to these non-income based taxes and may have exposure to additional non-income based tax liabilities.

We have also identified certain tax-related contingencies that we have assessed as being reasonably possible of loss, but not probable of loss, and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations if the outcomes are unfavorable.

Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially adversely affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

Connectivity constraints or technology system breaches and/or disruptions to our computer networks could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain students and subject us to liability, reputational damage or interrupt the operation of our business.

We rely upon our information technology systems and infrastructure to operate our business. We run the online operations of our institutions on different platforms, which are in various stages of development. We also periodically implement new or enhanced business processes, enterprise and information systems. Implementation of such systems requires the commitment of significant personnel, training and financial resources, and entails risks to our business operations. The performance and reliability of these online operations are critical to the reputation of our institutions and our ability to attract and retain students. Any computer system error or failure, delay or unsuccessful implementation of new or enhanced systems, or a sudden and significant increase in traffic on our institutions’ computer networks or those of our third-party providers, may result in the unavailability of these computer networks. In addition, any significant failure of our computer networks could disrupt our on-campus operations. Individual, sustained or repeated occurrences could significantly damage the reputation of our institutions’ operations and result in a loss of potential or existing students. Additionally, our computer systems (and those of our third-party providers) and operations of our institutions are vulnerable to interruption or malfunction due to events beyond our control, including cyber-attacks, natural disasters and other catastrophic events and network and telecommunications failures. Like other global companies, our computer systems are regularly subject to and will continue to be the target of computer viruses, malware or other malicious codes (including ransomware), unauthorized access, cyber-attacks or other computer-related penetrations (including through the use of AI). While we have experienced attacks and threats to our data and systems, to date, we are not aware that we have experienced a material cyber-security breach. However, over time, the sophistication of these threats continues to increase. The preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information and systems may be insufficient. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions to or malfunctions in operations. As a result, we may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of these security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by these incidents. Further, the disaster recovery plans and backup systems that we have in place may not be effective in addressing a natural disaster or catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or information technology and infrastructure systems. As a result of any of these events, we may not realize anticipated productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience interruptions in service and operational difficulties, which could result in quality issues, reputational harm and lost market

opportunities. Further, we may not be able to conduct normal business operations and may be required to incur significant expenses in order to resume normal business operations. As a result of these risks, our revenues and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Any breach, theft or loss of personal information that we collect or any violations of the privacy and information security laws and regulations to which we are subject could materially adversely affect our reputation and operations.

Possession and use of personal information in our operations subjects us to risks and costs that could harm our business. Our institutions collect, use and retain large amounts of personal information regarding our students and their families, including tax identification numbers, tax return information, personal and family financial data and credit card numbers. We also collect and maintain personal information of our employees in the ordinary course of our business. In addition, we collect and maintain other types of information, such as leads, that may include personal information of our business contacts in the ordinary course of our business. Our computer networks and the networks of certain of our vendors that hold and manage confidential information on our behalf may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer hackers, computer viruses, cyber-attacks and other security threats. Confidential information also may become available to third parties inadvertently when we integrate or convert computer networks into our network following an acquisition of an institution or in connection with upgrades from time to time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the information contained on our networks, such as students’ grades and financial or other personal information, our networks have been targeted in the past and may be a target in the future by hackers. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations. Although we use security and business controls to limit access and use of personal information, a third party may be able to circumvent those security and business controls, which could result in a breach of student or employee privacy. The preventative actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information may be insufficient. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate personal or proprietary information. See also “ Connectivity constraints or technology system breaches and/or disruptions to our computer networks could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain students and subject us to liability, reputational damage or interrupt the operation of our business ” above. In addition, errors in the storage, use or transmission of personal information could result in a breach of student or employee privacy. As a result, we may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of these security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by these breaches.

Furthermore, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations globally regarding privacy, data protection, and data security, including those related to the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personal data. Mexico and Peru have passed or are considering enhanced privacy and data security regulations, resulting in additional compliance burdens and uncertainty as to how some of these laws will be interpreted. We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, significant resources to comply with privacy laws and regulations.

A breach, theft or loss of personal information regarding our students and their families, our employees, or other persons that is held by us or our vendors, or a violation of the laws and regulations governing privacy in one or more of the countries in which we operate, could result in significant penalties or legal liability, reputational damage, and/or remediation and compliance costs, which could be substantial and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles make up a significant portion of our total assets, and if we determine that goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles become impaired in the future, net income and operating income in such years may be materially and adversely affected.

As of December 31, 2025, the net carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets totaled approximately $803 million. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Due to the revaluation of our assets at the time of the leveraged buyout transaction (LBO) and acquisitions we have completed historically, goodwill makes up a significant portion of our total assets. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we periodically review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment and any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to the results of operations. Future reviews of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles could result in reductions. Any reduction in net income and operating income resulting from the write down or impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles could adversely affect our financial results. If economic or industry conditions deteriorate or if market valuations decline, including with respect to our common stock, we may be required to impair goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles in future periods.

We are incorporating artificial intelligence technologies into our programs and processes which may present business, compliance and reputational risks.

Recent technological advances in AI and machine-learning technology both present opportunities and pose risks to us. We use AI technologies in our offerings and technological platforms, and we are making investments in expanding the use of AI throughout our business. Other higher education institutions and online educational programs, however, may incorporate AI into their products more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively. If we fail to keep pace with rapidly evolving technological developments in AI or other emerging technologies, our competitive position and business results may suffer.

While AI-powered applications may help provide more tailored or personalized student experiences, if the content, analyses or recommendations that AI applications assist in producing are, or are perceived to be, deficient, inaccurate or biased, our reputation, competitive position and business may be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, use of AI has recently become the source of significant media attention and political debate, particularly within the education industry with respect to issues such as plagiarism, cheating and academic integrity. The introduction of these technologies, particularly generative AI, into new or existing offerings may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities, including due to enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical and academic concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as well as other factors that could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial results. In addition, our personnel could, unbeknownst to us, improperly utilize AI and machine learning-technology while carrying out their responsibilities. The use of AI can lead to unintended consequences, including generating content that appears correct but is factually inaccurate, misleading or otherwise flawed, or that results in unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes, which could harm our reputation and business.

We experience seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations.

The institutions in our portfolio have a summer break, during which classes are generally not in session and minimal revenues are recognized. In addition to the timing of summer breaks, holidays such as Easter also have an impact on our academic calendar. Operating expenses, however, do not fully correlate to the enrollment and revenue cycles, as the institutions continue to incur expenses during summer breaks. Accordingly, our second and fourth quarters are stronger revenue quarters, as our institutions are in session for most of these respective quarters. Our first and third fiscal quarters are weaker revenue quarters because our institutions have summer breaks for some portion of one of these two quarters. Because a significant portion of our expenses do not vary proportionately with the fluctuations in our revenues, our results in a particular fiscal quarter may not indicate accurately the results we will achieve in a subsequent quarter or for the full fiscal year.

Protests and strikes may disrupt our ability to hold classes as well as our ability to attract and retain students, which could materially adversely affect our operations.

Political, social and economic developments in the countries in which we operate may cause protests and disturbances against conditions in those countries, including policies relating to the operation and funding of higher education institutions. These disturbances may involve protests in areas where our campuses are located or on our university campuses, including the occupation of university buildings and the disruption of classes. We are unable to predict whether students at our institutions will engage in various forms of protest in the future. Should we sustain student strikes, protests or occupations in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and on our overall financial condition. Further, we may need to make additional investments in security infrastructure and personnel on our campuses in order to prevent future protests from disrupting the ability of our institutions to hold classes. If we are required to make substantial additional investments in security, or if we are unable to identify security enhancements that would prevent future disruptions of classes, that could cause an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may need to pay overtime compensation to certain of our faculty and staff, which may increase our overall costs.

We may be unable to operate one or more of our institutions or suffer liability or loss due to a natural or other disaster, including as a result of the effects of climate change.

A number of our institutions in Mexico and Peru are located in areas that are prone to damage from natural or other disasters and major weather events, which may be substantial and may occur with higher frequency or severity or be less predictable in the future due to the effects of climate change. For example, in 2023, the weather phenomenon known as El Niño returned. Peru and its economy are particularly vulnerable to El Niño, which generally results in an increase in storms, flooding and mudslides. Depending upon the severity of El Niño events and their resulting impact on Peru and its economy, we may experience a range of disruptions, including reductions in enrollment, campus closures and flood-related damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a number of our institutions in

Mexico and Peru are located in areas that are prone to earthquake damage. For example, in 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Mexico, causing a temporary suspension of activities at several UVM and UNITEC campuses that lasted 12 days on average, and we incurred significant direct costs for repairs due to the earthquake. It is possible that one or more of our institutions would be unable to operate for an extended period of time in the event of a hurricane, earthquake, flood, landslide or other disaster that causes substantial damage to the area in which an institution is located. The failure of one or more of our institutions to operate for a substantial period of time could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In the event of a major natural or other disaster, we could also experience loss of life of students, faculty members and administrative staff, or liability for damages or injuries.

If we are unable to upgrade our campuses, they may become less attractive to parents and students, and we may fail to grow our business.

All of our institutions require periodic upgrades to remain attractive to parents and students. Upgrading the facilities at our institutions could be difficult for a number of reasons, including the following:

• our properties may not have the capacity or configuration to accommodate proposed renovations;

• construction and other costs may be prohibitive;

• we may fail to obtain regulatory approvals;

• it may be difficult and expensive to comply with local building and fire codes;

• we may be unable to finance construction and other costs; and

• we may not be able to negotiate reasonable terms with our landlords or developers or complete the work within acceptable timeframes.

Our failure to upgrade the facilities of our institutions could lead to lower enrollment and could cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to attract and retain the key talent needed for us to timely achieve our business objectives, our business and results of operations could be harmed.

Our success and ability to grow depend on the ability to hire and retain large numbers of talented people. The process of hiring employees with the combination of skills and attributes required to implement our business strategy can be difficult and time-consuming.

The marketplace for senior executive management candidates is very competitive. Unplanned or repeated turnover within the senior management ranks in the corporate team or in the regions in which we operate can lead to instability or weakness in oversight that creates the conditions for gaps in performance and non-compliance with our control environment or public company reporting requirements. Any one of these occurrences could adversely affect our stock price, results of operations, ability to timely report financial results, or business relationships and can make recruiting for future management positions more difficult. Competition for senior leadership may increase our overall compensation expenses, whether resulting from new hires or retention, which may negatively affect our profitability.

Our faculty members in particular are key to the success of our institutions. We face competition in attracting and retaining faculty members who possess the necessary experience and accreditation to teach at our institutions. It may be difficult to maintain consistency in the quality of our faculty and administrative staff. If we are unable to, or are perceived to be unable to, attract and retain experienced and qualified faculty, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Litigation and divestiture-related indemnification obligations may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, students, suppliers, competitors, minority partners, counterparties in transactions in which we purchase or sell assets or leased property, stockholders, government agencies or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation, some of which may take place in jurisdictions in which local parties may have certain advantages over foreign parties. The outcome of litigation, particularly

class action lawsuits, regulatory actions and intellectual property claims, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, or may assert criminal charges, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to these lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, certain of these lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. The cost to defend future litigation may be significant. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 3—Legal Proceedings.”

In the past, we have divested a number of businesses. As customary, we have contractually agreed to indemnify the buyers against certain liabilities and obligations related to the divestiture. If we incur costs associated with indemnification claims related to our divestitures, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We are subject to anti-corruption laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), as well as trade compliance and economic sanctions laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to civil and criminal penalties, harm our reputation and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of numerous jurisdictions. These laws and regulations place restrictions on our operations and business practices. In particular, we are subject to the FCPA, which generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage, along with various other anti-corruption laws. As a result of doing business in foreign countries and with foreign partners, we are exposed to a heightened risk of violating anti-corruption laws. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure that we, our employees and other intermediaries comply with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws to which we are subject, such policies or procedures may not work effectively all of the time or protect us against liability under the FCPA or other laws for actions taken by our employees and other intermediaries with respect to our business or any businesses that we may acquire. We cannot assure you that all of our local partners will comply with these laws, in which case we could be held liable for actions taken inside or outside of the United States, even though our partners may not be subject to these laws. Any development of new partnerships and joint venture relationships worldwide would increase the risk of FCPA violations in the future.

Violations of anti-corruption laws, export control laws and regulations, and economic sanctions laws and regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment. If we fail to comply with the FCPA or other laws governing the conduct of international operations, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws, export control laws and regulations, and economic sanctions laws and regulations by the United States or foreign authorities could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

As a public company, we are required, among other things, to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The process of designing and implementing effective internal controls and disclosure controls is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environment and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company.

We cannot assure you that the measures that we have taken, and that we continue to take, will be sufficient to prevent material weaknesses from occurring. If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be adversely affected and may result in a restatement of our annual or interim financial statements, which could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, any of which could diminish investor confidence in us and cause a decline in the price of our common stock.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

Our debt agreements contain, and future debt agreements may contain, restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 7, 2019, as amended in September 2023 (and as may be further amended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), which governs our multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), contains various covenants that may limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

• pay dividends and make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments;

• incur additional indebtedness, issue disqualified stock or issue certain preferred shares;

• sell assets;

• enter into transactions with affiliates;

• create certain liens or encumbrances;

• preserve our corporate existence;

• merge, consolidate, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

• designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

While the Credit Agreement provide s for quarterly compliance with the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, as of December 31, 2025, we were not required to comply with this covenant.

We rely on funds from our operating subsidiaries to meet our debt service and other obligations.

We conduct all of our operations through certain of our subsidiaries, and we have no significant assets other than cash of approximately $21 million as of December 31, 2025 held at corporate entities and the capital stock or other control rights of our subsidiaries. As a result, we rely on our operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make distributions or other payments to their parent companies. In addition, we rely on intercompany loan repayments and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to meet any existing or future debt service and other obligations, a substantial portion of which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The ability of our operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make distributions or other payments to their parent companies or directly to us will depend on their respective operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, regulatory requirements, agreements entered into by those operating subsidiaries and the covenants of any existing or future outstanding indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may incur. Further, because most of our income is generated by our operating subsidiaries in non-U.S. dollar denominated currencies, our ability to service our U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations may be affected by any strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the functional currencies of our operating subsidiaries.

Disruptions of the credit and equity markets worldwide may impede or prevent our access to the capital markets for additional funding to conduct our business and may affect the availability or cost of borrowing under our existing credit facility.

The credit and equity markets of both mature and developing economies have historically experienced extraordinary volatility, asset erosion and uncertainty, leading to governmental intervention in the banking sector in the United States and abroad. If these market disruptions occur in the future, we may not be able to access the capital markets to obtain funding needed to refinance our existing indebtedness or conduct our business. In addition, changes in the capital or other legal requirements applicable to commercial lenders may affect the availability or increase the cost of borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility. If we are unable to obtain needed capital on terms acceptable to us, we may need to limit our growth initiatives or take other actions that materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Relating to Investing in Our Common Stock

As a public benefit corporation, our focus on a specific public benefit purpose and producing a positive effect for society may negatively influence our financial performance.

As a public benefit corporation, we may take actions that we believe will benefit our students and the surrounding communities, even if those actions do not maximize our short- or medium-term financial results. While we believe that this designation and obligation will benefit the Company given the importance to our long-term success of our commitment to education, it could cause our Board of Directors to make decisions and take actions not in keeping with the short-term or more narrow interests of our stockholders. Any longer-term benefits may not materialize within the timeframe we expect or at all and may have an immediate negative effect. For example:

• we may choose to revise our policies in ways that we believe will be beneficial to our students and their communities in the long term, even though the changes may be costly in the short- or medium-term;

• we may take actions, such as modernizing campuses to provide students with the latest technology, even though these actions may be more costly than other alternatives;

• in exiting a market that is not meeting our goals, we may choose to “teach out” the existing student body over several years rather than lose an institution; even though this could be substantially more expensive;

• we may be influenced to pursue programs and services to demonstrate our commitment to our students and communities even though there is no immediate return to our stockholders; or

• in responding to a possible proposal to acquire the Company and/or any business unit, our Board of Directors may be influenced by the interests of our employees, students, teachers and others whose interests may be different from the interests of our stockholders.

We may be unable or slow to realize the long-term benefits we expect from actions taken to benefit our students and communities in which we operate, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

The amount and frequency of our share repurchases and dividends are affected by a number of factors and may fluctuate.

Although historically we have announced special cash dividend payments and we have currently adopted a share repurchase program, we are not obligated to pay cash dividends or to repurchase a specified number or dollar value of shares under our share repurchase program or at all. The level of dividends and amount, timing, and purchases under our share repurchase program, if any, are influenced by many factors and may fluctuate based on our operating results, cash flows, and priorities for the use of cash, the market price of our common stock, and, with respect to share repurchases, our possession of potentially material nonpublic information. In addition, we cannot guarantee that our share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that it will enhance long-term shareholder value.

The trading price of our common stock is subject to volatility. Additionally, if we do not maintain adequate or favorable coverage of our common stock by securities analysts, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

The trading price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate and is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our operating performance. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Additionally, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade their evaluations of our stock or publish unfavorable commentary about us or our industry, the price of our common stock could decline. We may be unable to maintain adequate research coverage, and if one or more analysts cease coverage of us, we could lose visibility in the market for our common stock, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

The provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requiring exclusive venue in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for certain types of lawsuits may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our

directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine will have to be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware unless we otherwise consent in writing to an alternative form. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described above. We believe that this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies. This choice of forum provision, however, may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The choice of forum provision in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for actions brought under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Risks Relating to Peruvian Nonresident Capital Gains Tax

Sale of our common stock may trigger taxes payable in Peru.

Stockholders who sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of Company shares may be subject to Peruvian tax at a rate of 30% on their gain realized in such transaction determined under certain Peruvian valuation rules regardless of whether the transaction is taxable for non-Peruvian purposes. In determining the amount of such gain subject to such tax, the gain is first multiplied by the percentage of the Company’s value that is represented by its Peruvian business determined under certain Peruvian valuation rules (the “Peru Ratio”). This tax applies if the value of stock determined under certain Peruvian valuation rules (calculated in PEN) transferred multiplied by the Peru Ratio exceeds approximately $65 million applying the PEN/USD exchange rate at December 31, 2025 (the “Threshold”). The Threshold is calculated in PEN and changes with currency exchange rates. For purposes of determining whether the Threshold has been exceeded by any holder, all transfers made by such holder over any 12-month period are aggregated. For purposes of determining whether any tax is owed, the holder must have their basis “certified” by the Peruvian tax authorities in advance of such transaction. If the holder exceeds the Threshold and does not obtain a tax basis certificate before the transaction, the holder’s tax basis in the shares will be considered zero for Peruvian tax purposes. We advise current and future holders, who currently have or intend to own or trade in significant volumes of our common stock, to seek the advice of their own advisors with knowledge of the matters described above.

Direct or indirect transfer of company common shares may result in Peruvian tax liability to the Company.

In the event that a direct or indirect sale, exchange, or other disposition of Company shares occurs and any resulting Peruvian tax is not paid, the Company’s Peruvian subsidiaries may be jointly and severally liable for such tax. Joint and several liability may be imposed if during any of the 12 months preceding the transaction, inter alia , the transferor of Company shares held an indirect or direct interest of more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares. If such a transaction were to occur and the Peruvian tax authorities sought to collect the Peruvian capital gains taxes from the Company’s Peruvian subsidiaries that were not paid by such transferor, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations with the audited historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Item 1A. Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 2 of this Form 10-K.

Introduction

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is provided to assist readers of the financial statements in understanding the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of Laureate Education, Inc. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K are presented in U.S. dollars (USD) rounded to the nearest thousand, with the amounts in the MD&A rounded to the nearest tenth of a million. Therefore, discrepancies in the tables between totals and the sums of the amounts listed may occur due to such rounding. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:

• Overview;

• Results of Operations;

• Liquidity and Capital Resources;

• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates; and

• Recently Issued Accounting Standards.

Overview

Our Business

We operate a portfolio of degree-granting higher education institutions in Mexico and Peru. Collectively, we have approximately 497,700 students enrolled at five institutions in these two countries. We believe that the higher education markets in Mexico and Peru present an attractive long-term opportunity, primarily because of the large and growing imbalance between the supply and demand for affordable, quality higher education in those markets. We believe that the combination of the projected growth in the middle class, limited government resources dedicated to higher education, and a clear value proposition demonstrated by the higher earnings potential afforded by higher education, creates substantial opportunities for high-quality private institutions to meet this growing and unmet demand. By offering high-quality, outcome-focused education, we believe that we enable students to prosper and thrive in the dynamic and evolving knowledge economy. We have two reportable segments as described below. We group our institutions by geography in Mexico and Peru for reporting purposes.

Our Segments

Our segments generate revenues by providing an education that emphasizes profession-oriented fields of study with undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Our educational offerings utilize campus-based, online and hybrid (a combination of online and in-classroom) courses and programs to deliver their curriculum. The Mexico and Peru markets are characterized by what we believe is a significant imbalance between supply and demand. The demand for higher education is large and growing and is fueled by several demographic and economic factors, including a growing middle class, global growth in services and technology-related industries and recognition of the significant personal and economic benefits gained by graduates of higher education institutions. The target demographics are primarily 18- to 24-year-olds in the countries in which we compete. We compete with other private higher education institutions on the basis of price, educational quality, reputation and location. We believe that we compare favorably with competitors because of our focus on quality, professional-oriented curriculum and the competitive advantages provided by our in-country networks. There are a number of private and public institutions in both of the countries in which we operate, and it is difficult to predict how the markets will evolve and how many competitors there will be in the future. We expect competition to increase as the Mexican and Peruvian markets mature. Essentially all of our revenues were generated from private pay sources as there are no material government-sponsored loan programs in Mexico or Peru. Specifics related to both of our reportable segments are discussed below:

• Private education providers in Mexico constitute approximately 39% of the total higher-education market. The private sector plays a meaningful role in higher education, bridging supply and demand imbalances created by a lack of capacity at public universities. Laureate owns two nationally licensed institutions and is present throughout the country with a footprint of over 30 campuses.

• In Peru, private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand and constitute approximately 76% of the total higher-education market. Laureate owns three institutions in Peru, with a footprint of 20 campuses.

Corporate is a non-operating business unit whose purpose is to support operations. Its departments are responsible for establishing operational policies and internal control standards, implementing strategic initiatives, and monitoring compliance with policies and controls throughout our operations. Our Corporate segment provides financial, human resource, information techn olog y, insurance, le gal an d tax compliance services. The Corporate segment also contains the eliminations of inter-segment revenues and expenses.

The following information for our reportable segments is presented as of December 31, 2025:

Institutions

Enrollment

2025 Revenues (in millions) (1)

% Contribution to 2025 YTD Revenues

Mexico

Peru

Total (1)

(1) Amounts related to Corporate totaled $0.1 million and are not separately presented.

Challenges

Our operations are outside of the United States and are subject to complex business, economic, legal, regulatory, political, tax and foreign currency risks, which may be difficult to adequately address. As a result, we face risks that are inherent in international operations, including: fluctuations in exchange rates, possible currency devaluations, inflation and hyper-inflation;

price controls and foreign currency exchange restrictions; potential economic and political instability in both countries in which we operate; expropriation of assets by local governments; key political elections and changes in government policies; subsequent changes to laws and regulatory regimes; multiple and possibly overlapping and conflicting tax laws; and compliance with a wide variety of foreign laws. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We operate a portfolio of degree-granting higher education institutions in Mexico and Peru and are subject to complex business, economic, legal, political, tax and foreign currency risks, which risks may be difficult to adequately address.” We plan to grow our operations organically by: 1) adding new programs and course offerings; 2) expanding target student demographics; and 3) increasing capacity at existing and new campus locations. Our success in growing our business will depend on the ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks related to operating in various countries. See “Item IA—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—If we do not effectively manage our growth and business, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.”

Regulatory Environment and Other Matters

Our business is subject to varying laws and regulations based on the requirements of local jurisdictions. These laws and regulations are subject to updates and changes. We cannot predict the form of the rules that ultimately may be adopted in the future or what effects they might have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We will continue to develop and implement necessary changes that enable us to comply with such laws and regulations. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Our institutions are subject to uncertain and varying laws and regulations, and any changes to these laws or regulations or their application to us may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations,” and “Item 1—Business—Industry Regulation,” for a detailed discussion of our different regulatory environments and Note 16, Legal and Regulatory Matters, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Key Business Metric

Enrollment

Enrollment is our lead revenue indicator and represents our most important non-financial metric. We define “enrollment” as the number of students registered in a course on the last day of the enrollment reporting period. New enrollments provide an indication of future revenue trends. Total enrollment is a function of continuing student enrollments, new student enrollments and enrollments from acquisitions, offset by graduations, attrition and enrollment decreases due to dispositions. Attrition is defined as a student leaving the institution before completion of the program. To minimize attrition, we have implemented programs that involve assisting students in remedial education, mentoring, counseling and student financing.

Each of our institutions has an enrollment cycle that varies by geographic region and academic program. Each institution has a “Primary Intake” period during each academic year in which the majority of the enrollment occurs. Each institution also has a smaller “Secondary Intake” period. Our Peruvian institutions have their Primary Intake during the first calendar quarter and a Secondary Intake during the third calendar quarter. Institutions in our Mexico segment have their Primary Intake during the third calendar quarter and a Secondary Intake during the first calendar quarter. Our institutions in Peru are generally out of session in January, February and July, while institutions in Mexico are generally out of session in May through July. Revenues are recognized when classes are in session.

Principal Components of Income Statement

Revenues

The majority of our revenue is derived from tuition revenue from enrolled students. The amount of tuition generated in a given period depends on the price per credit hour and the total credit hours or price per program taken by the enrolled student population. The price per credit hour varies by program, by market and by degree level. Additionally, varying levels of discounts and scholarships are offered depending on market-specific dynamics and individual achievements of our students. Revenues are recognized net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds and waivers. In addition to tuition revenues, we generate other revenues from student fees, short courses, and other education-related activities. These other revenues are less material to our overall financial results and have a tendency to trend with tuition revenues. The main drivers of changes in revenues between periods are student enrollment and price. We continually monitor market conditions and carefully adjust our tuition rates to meet local demand levels. We proactively seek the best price and content combinations to remain competitive in all the markets in which we operate.

Direct Costs

Our direct costs include labor and operating costs associated with the delivery of services to our students, including the cost of wages, payroll taxes and benefits, depreciation and amortization, rent, utilities, bad debt expenses, and marketing and promotional costs to grow future enrollments. In general, a significant portion of our direct costs tend to be variable in nature and trend with enrollment, and management continues to monitor and improve the efficiency of instructional delivery.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of costs associated with corporate departments, including executive management, finance, legal, business development and other departments that do not provide direct operational services.

Factors Affecting Comparability

Foreign Exchange

While the USD is our reporting currency, our institutions are located in Mexico and Peru and operate in other functional currencies, namely the Mexican peso and Peruvian nuevo sol. We monitor the impact of foreign currency movements and the correlation between the local currency and the USD. Our revenues and expenses are generally denominated in local currency. The principal foreign exchange exposure is the risk related to the translation of revenues and expenses incurred in each country from the local currency into USD. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Our reported revenues and earnings may be negatively affected by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and currency exchange rates.” In order to provide a framework for assessing how our business performed excluding the effects of foreign currency fluctuations, we present organic constant currency in our segment results, which is calculated using the change from prior-year average foreign exchange rates to current-year average foreign exchange rates, as applied to local-currency operating results for the current year, and then excludes the impact of any acquisitions and divestitures.

Seasonality

Our institutions have a summer break during which classes are generally not in session and minimal revenues are recognized. In addition to the timing of summer breaks, holidays such as Easter also have an impact on our academic calendar. Operating expenses, however, do not fully correlate to the enrollment and revenue cycles, as the institutions continue to incur expenses during summer breaks. Given the geographic diversity of our institutions and differences in timing of summer breaks, our second and fourth quarters are stronger revenue quarters as the majority of our institutions are in session for most of these respective quarters. Our first and third fiscal quarters are weaker revenue quarters because our institutions have summer breaks for some portion of one of these two quarters. However, our primary enrollment intakes occur during the first and third quarters. Due to this seasonality, revenues and profits in any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results in subsequent quarters and may not be correlated to new enrollment in any one quarter. Additionally, seasonality may be affected due to other events that could change the academic calendar at our institutions. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We experience seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations.”

Income Tax Expense

Our consolidated income tax provision is derived based on the combined impact of federal, state and foreign income taxes. Our tax rate fluctuates from period to period due to changes in the mix of earnings between our tax-paying entities and our loss-making entities for which it is not ‘more likely than not’ that a tax benefit will be realized on the loss. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We may have exposure to greater-than-anticipated tax liabilities.”

Many countries have enacted legislation and adopted policies to implement the global minimum tax resulting from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. Significant details and guidance around compliance with the global minimum tax are still pending. For countries that have enacted the global minimum tax, such taxes generally became effective for the Company beginning in 2024, with filing requirements expected to begin in 2026. Income tax expense could be adversely affected as the legislation becomes effective in countries in which we do business. We continue to monitor pending legislation and implementation by individual countries in which we operate, and we do not expect the global minimum tax provisions to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Results of Operations

The following discussion of the results of our operations is organized as follows:

• Summary Comparison of Consolidated Results;

• Non-GAAP Financial Measure; and

• Segment Results.

Summary Comparison of Consolidated Results

Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023

% Change

Better/(Worse)

(in millions)

Revenues

Direct costs

General and administrative expenses

Loss on impairment of assets

Operating income

Interest expense, net of interest income

Other non-operating (expense) income

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

Income tax expense

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

Income from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.

nm - percentage changes not meaningful

Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Revenues increased by $135.3 million to $1,701.9 million for 2025 from $1,566.6 million for 2024. The increase was attributable to: (1) higher average total organic enrollment at our institutions, which increased revenues by $92.4 million compared to 2024; (2) the effect of changes in tuition rates and enrollments in programs at varying price points (“product mix”), pricing and timing, which increased revenues by $40.5 million compared to 2024; and (3) the net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which increased revenues by $2.5 million. This net effect was the result of an increase in revenues of $45.4 million caused by the strengthening of the Peruvian nuevo sol against the USD compared to 2024, almost entirely offset by a decrease in revenues of $42.9 million caused by the weakening of the Mexican peso against the USD compared to 2024. These increases were partially offset by changes in Other Corporate and Eliminations which accounted for a decrease in revenues of $0.1 million.

Direct costs and general and administrative expenses combined increased by $78.2 million to $1,270.9 million for 2025 from $1,192.7 million for 2024. This increase in direct costs was driven by the effect of operational changes, which increased direct costs by $85.4 million compared to 2024, mostly attributable to the effect of higher enrollments at our institutions. This increase was partially offset by the net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates which decreased costs by $6.4 million. This net effect was the result of a decrease in costs of $33.3 million caused by the weakening of the Mexican peso against the USD compared to 2024, partially offset by an increase in costs of $26.9 million caused by the strengthening of the Peruvian nuevo sol against the USD compared to 2024. Additionally, other Corporate expenses decreased by $0.8 million.

Operating income increased by $57.1 million to $431.1 million for 2025 from $374.0 million for 2024. This increase was primarily a result of higher operating income at our Mexico and Peru segments as compared to 2024.

Interest expense, net of interest income decreased by $6.4 million to $3.6 million for 2025 from $10.0 million for 2024. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower average debt balances compared to 2024.

Other non-operating (expense) income changed by $77.1 million to an expense of $(26.6) million for 2025 from income of $50.5 million for 2024. This change in other non-operating (expense) income was primarily attributable to a loss on foreign currency exchange for 2025 compared to a gain for 2024 for a change of $85.2 million, mainly related to intercompany loan arrangements. This change was partially offset by: (1) an increase in other income of $6.8 million compared to 2024 due to the settlement of an insurance claim for business interruption events that occurred in 2019 and early 2020 at an operation that we have subsequently divested; and (2) a $1.3 million change in loss on disposal of subsidiaries attributable to the release of accumulated foreign currency translation balances upon the liquidation of certain subsidiaries in 2024.

Income tax expense decreased by $1.7 million to $117.3 million for 2025 from $119.0 million for 2024. The decrease is the net effect of a higher year-over-year discrete tax benefit recorded in 2025 related to the release of a legacy tax liability, mostly offset by higher taxable income during 2025 as compared to 2024, particularly in Peru.

Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Revenues increased by $82.3 million to $1,566.6 million for 2024 from $1,484.3 million for 2023. This increase was attributable to higher average total organic enrollment at our institutions, which increased revenues by $73.6 million compared to 2023. In addition, the effect of changes in product mix, pricing and timing increased revenues by $34.8 million compared to 2023. These increases in revenues were partially offset by the effect of a net change in foreign currency exchange rates, which decreased revenues by $26.3 million, mainly driven by the weakening of the Mexican peso against the USD compared to 2023. Other Corporate and Eliminations changes accounted for an increase in revenues of $0.2 million.

Direct costs and general and administrative expenses combined increased by $50.3 million to $1,192.7 million for 2024 from $1,142.4 million for 2023. This increase in direct costs was driven by the effect of operational changes, which increased direct costs by $76.9 million compared to 2023, mostly attributable to the effect of higher enrollments at our institutions. This increase was partially offset by the effect of a net change in foreign currency exchange rates which decreased costs by $21.4 million. Additionally, other Corporate expenses decreased by $5.2 million.

Operating income increased by $35.2 million to $374.0 million for 2024 from $338.8 million for 2023. This increase was a result of higher operating income at our Mexico segment, combined with lower operating costs at Corporate. This increase was partially offset by lower operating income at our Peru segment, due in part to higher bad debt expense compared to 2023.

Interest expense, net of interest income decreased by $1.9 million to $10.0 million for 2024 from $11.9 million for 2023. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to lower average debt balances compared to 2023.

Other non-operating income (expense) changed by $123.0 million to an income of $50.5 million for 2024 from an expense of $(72.5) million for 2023. This change in other non-operating income was attributable to a gain on foreign currency exchange for 2024 compared to a loss for 2023 for a change of $126.4 million, mainly related to intercompany loan arrangements. Additionally, other income was higher by $1.5 million compared to 2023. These increases in non-operating income were partially offset by a loss on disposal of subsidiaries for 2024 compared to a gain for 2023 for a change of $4.9 million, primarily attributable to the release of accumulated foreign currency translation balances upon the liquidation of certain subsidiaries.

Income tax expense decreased by $18.6 million to $119.0 million for 2024 from $137.6 million for 2023. This decrease was primarily attributable to a discrete tax benefit of approximately $37.9 million that was recorded during 2024 related to an entity restructuring, partially offset by a tax benefit recorded in 2023 of approximately $11.5 million for the release of valuation allowances in Mexico.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax changed by $10.5 million to income of $0.7 million for 2024 compared to a loss of $(9.8) million for 2023. This change was primarily attributable to the year-over-year effect of a reserve recorded in 2023 related to an indemnification claim received, as well as changes in estimates during 2023 regarding the realizability of certain receivables from previous divestitures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), before (income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, equity in net (income) loss of affiliates, net of tax, income tax expense (benefit), (gain) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, net, foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net, other (income) expense, net, interest expense, interest income, and loss on debt extinguishment, plus depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and loss on impairment of assets. Adjusted EBITDA is used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by our management and Board of Directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to prepare and approve our annual budget and to develop short- and long-term operational plans. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a key financial measure used by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors and our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the payment of incentive compensation to our executive officers and other members of our management team. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and Board of Directors.

The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA and reconciles Net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2025 , 2024 and 2023:

% Change

Better/(Worse)

(in millions)

Net income

Plus:

Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Income from continuing operations

Plus:

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

Income tax expense

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates

Plus:

Loss (gain) on disposal of subsidiaries, net

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net

Other (income) expense, net

Interest expense

Interest income

Operating income

Plus:

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

Plus:

Share-based compensation expense (a)

Loss on impairment of assets (b)

Adjusted EBITDA

nm - percentage changes not meaningful

(a) Represents non-cash, share-based compensation expense pursuant to the provisions of ASC 718, “Stock Compensation.”

(b) Represents non-cash charges related to impairments of long-lived assets.

Comparison of Share-based Compensation Expense for the for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024

Share-based compensation expense increased by $5.5 million to $13.3 million for 2025 from $7.8 million for 2024, which was primarily driven by executive retention awards of restricted stock units that were granted in May 2024 and January 2025 as well as increased expense related to performance-based awards.

Comparison of Depreciation and Amortization for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024

Depreciation and amortization increased by $6.3 million to $74.5 million for 2025 from $68.2 million for 2024, which was primarily attributable to equipment purchases and campus improvements in Mexico that resulted in a higher depreciable asset base compared to 2024.

Comparison of Depreciation and Amortization for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $1.4 million to $68.2 million for 2024 from $69.6 million for 2023, which was primarily driven by the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2023.

Segment Results

We have two reportable segments: Mexico and Peru, as discussed in Overview. For purposes of the following comparison of results discussion, “ segment direct costs ” represent direct costs incurred by the segment as they are included in Adjusted EBITDA, such that depreciation and amortization expense, loss on impairment of assets and share-based compensation expense have been excluded. Organic enrollment is based on average total enrollment for the period. For a further description of our segments, see Overview.

The following tables, derived from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, present selected financial information of our reportable segments:

(in millions)

% Change

Better/(Worse)

For the year ended December 31,

Revenues:

Mexico

Peru

Corporate

Consolidated Total Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA:

Mexico

Peru

Corporate

Consolidated Total Adjusted EBITDA

nm - percentage change not meaningful

Mexico

Financial Overview

Comparison of Mexico Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

(in millions)

Revenues

Direct Costs

Adjusted EBITDA

December 31, 2024

Organic enrollment (1)

Product mix, pricing and timing (1)

Organic constant currency

Foreign exchange

December 31, 2025

(1) Organic enrollment and product mix, pricing and timing are not separable for the calculation of direct costs and therefore are combined and defined as Organic constant currency for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Revenues increased by $36.2 million, a 4% increase from 2024.

• On an organic constant currency basis, revenue increased by 9% compared to 2024.

• Revenues from our Mexico segment represented 52% of our consolidated total revenues for 2025 compared to 54% for 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $22.9 million, an 11% increase from 2024.

• On an organic constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% compared to 2024, primarily driven by revenue growth and productivity gains.

Comparison of Mexico Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

(in millions)

Revenues

Direct Costs

Adjusted EBITDA

December 31, 2023

Organic enrollment (1)

Product mix, pricing and timing (1)

Organic constant currency

Foreign exchange

December 31, 2024

(1) Organic enrollment and product mix, pricing and timing are not separable for the calculation of direct costs and therefore are combined and defined as Organic constant currency for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Revenues increased by $58.6 million, a 7% increase from 2023.

• On an organic constant currency basis, revenue increased by 10% compared to 2023.

• Revenues from our Mexico segment represented 54% of our consolidated total revenues for 2024 compared to 53% for 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $29.5 million, a 17% increase from 2023.

• On an organic constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 19% compared to 2023, primarily driven by higher revenues.

Peru

Financial Overview

Comparison of Peru Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

(in millions)

Revenues

Direct Costs

Adjusted EBITDA

December 31, 2024

Organic enrollment (1)

Product mix, pricing and timing (1)

Organic constant currency

Foreign exchange

December 31, 2025

(1) Organic enrollment and product mix, pricing and timing are not separable for the calculation of direct costs and therefore are combined and defined as Organic constant currency for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Revenues increased by $99.2 million, a 14% increase from 2024.

• On an organic constant currency basis, revenue increased by 7% compared to 2024.

• Revenues from our Peru segment represented 48% of our consolidated total revenues for 2025 compared to 46% for 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $45.2 million, a 16% increase from 2024.

• On an organic constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 9% compared to 2024, primarily driven by higher revenues.

Comparison of Peru Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

(in millions)

Revenues

Direct Costs

Adjusted EBITDA

December 31, 2023

Organic enrollment (1)

Product mix, pricing and timing (1)

Organic constant currency

Foreign exchange

December 31, 2024

(1) Organic enrollment and product mix, pricing and timing are not separable for the calculation of direct costs and therefore are combined and defined as Organic constant currency for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Revenues increased by $23.5 million, a 3% increase from 2023.

• On an organic constant currency basis, revenue increased by 4% compared to 2023.

• Revenues from our Peru segment represented 46% of our consolidated total revenues for 2024 compared to 47% for 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $3.5 million, a 1% decrease from 2023.

• On an organic constant currency basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% compared to 2023, primarily due to higher marketing and bad debt expenses.

C orporate

Corporate revenues primarily represent miscellaneous other revenues, net of the elimination of intersegment revenues.

Operating results for Corporate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

% Change

Better/(Worse)

(in millions)

Revenues

Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA

nm - percentage change not meaningful

Comparison of Corporate Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.7 million, a 2% increase from 2024, mainly driven by a decrease in operating expenses.

Comparison of Corporate Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $5.4 million, a 12% increase from 2023, mainly driven by a decrease in labor costs and other professional fees.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Sources

We anticipate that cash flow from operations and available cash will be sufficient to meet our current operating requirements and manage our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of this report.

Our primary source of cash is revenue from tuition charged to students in connection with our various education program offerings. Essentially all of our revenues are generated from private pay sources as there are no material government-sponsored loan programs in Mexico or Peru. We anticipate generating sufficient cash flow from operations in the countries in which we operate to satisfy the working capital and financing needs of our organic growth plans for each country. If our educational

institutions within one country were unable to maintain sufficient liquidity, we would consider using internal cash resources or reasonable short-term working capital facilities to accommodate any short- to medium-term shortfalls.

As of December 31, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents were $146.7 million. Our cash accounts are maintained with high-quality financial institutions. The Company also maintains a revolving credit facility (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions as a source of liquidity. The Senior Secured Credit Facility, pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”, as amended by the First Amendment, dated as of July 20, 2020, the Second Amendment, dated as of December 23, 2022, and, as further amended by the Third Amendment, dated as of September 18, 2023, the “ Amended Credit Agreement ”), provides for borrowings of $155.0 million of revolving credit loans maturing in September 2028 (the “ Revolving Credit Facility ”) . As a subfacility under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Amended Credit Agreement provides for letter of credit commitments in the aggregate amount of $10.0 million. From time to time, we draw down on the Revolving Credit Facility , and, in accordance with the terms of the credit agreement, any proceeds drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had no outstanding balance borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition to the Revolving Credit Facility, our subsidiaries had approximately $64.7 million of available borrowing capacity under lines of credit and short-term borrowing arrangements as of December 31, 2025.

If certain conditions are satisfied, the Amended Credit Agreement also provides for incremental revolving and term loan facilities, at the request of the Company and subject to lender approval, not to exceed (i) the greater of (a) $172.5 million and (b) 50% of the Company's Consolidated EBITDA, plus (ii) additional amounts so long as both immediately before and after giving effect to such incremental facilities the Company’s Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement, on a pro forma basis, does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00 , plus, (iii) the aggregate amounts of any voluntary repayments of term loans, if any, and aggregate amount of voluntary repayments of revolving credit facilities that are accompanied by a corresponding termination or reduction of revolving credit commitments.

Liquidity Restrictions

Our liquidity is affected by restricted cash balances, which total ed $5.4 million and $6.5 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Restricted cash consists of cash equivalents held as assets for a supplemental employment retention agreement for a former executive.

Indefinite Reinvestment of Historical Foreign Earnings

We earn a significant portion of our income from subsidiaries located in countries outside the United States. As of December 31, 2025, $130.4 million of our total $146.7 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2024, $80.1 million of our total $91.4 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. As part of our business strategies, we have determined that the undistributed historical earnings of our foreign operations for which we have not already recorded taxes will be deemed indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.

Liquidity Requirements

Our liquidity requirements include: funding for debt service (including finance leases); operating lease obligations; payments of deferred compensation; working capital; operating expenses; capital expenditures; stock repurchases; business development activities; and payments of other third-party obligations.

Debt

As of December 31, 2025, our debt obligations consisted of lines of credit and short-term borrowing arrangements of subsidiaries and notes payable, which totaled $65.6 million. In addition, our finance lease obligations were $63.5 million.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there was no balance outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Other Debt

Other debt includes lines of credit and short-term borrowing arrangements of subsidiaries and notes payable, the significant components of which are described below.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the aggregate outstanding balances on our lines of credit were $43.3 million and $30.0 million, respectively.

One of our subsidiaries in Mexico holds an unsecured term loan which was scheduled to mature in June 2024. During the second quarter of 2024, we entered into a loan modification, which extended the maturity of the loan to June 2029. The loan carries a variable interest rate, plus an applicable margin, which is established based on the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement (8.85% as of December 31, 2025). Under the loan modification agreement, the current quarterly payments on the loan total MXN $4.3 million ($0.2 million at December 31, 2025) and increase over the remaining term of the loan to MXN $23.4 million ($1.3 million at December 31, 2025), with a balloon payment of MXN 170.0 million ($9.5 million at December 31, 2025) due at maturity. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the outstanding balance of this loan was $22.3 million and $20.8 million, respectively.

Covenants

The Amended Credit Agreement provides that, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company shall not permit its Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement , to exceed 3 as of the last day of each quarter commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and thereafter. The Amended Credit Agreement also provides that if less than 25% of the Revolving Credit Facility is utilized as of that date, then such financial covenant shall not apply. As of December 31, 2025, this condition was satisfied and, therefore, we were not subject to the leverage ratio. In addition, indebtedness at some of our locations contain financial maintenance covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2025.

Leases

We conduct a significant portion of our operations from leased facilities, including many of our higher education facilities and other office locations. As discussed in Note 9, Leases, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, we have significant operating lease liabilities recorded related to our leased facilities, which will require future cash payments. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the present value of operating lease liabilities was $387.8 million and $327.1 million, respectively. Based on the operating leases outstanding at December 31, 2025, $98.8 million of minimum lease payments will be required during 2026. In addition, we had finance lease obligations of $63.5 million and $48.4 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures primarily consist of purchases of property and equipment. Our capital expenditure program is a component of our liquidity and capital management strategy. This program includes discretionary spending, which we can adjust in response to economic and other changes in our business environment, to grow our network through the following: (1) capacity expansion at institutions to support enrollment growth; (2) new programs and campuses for institutions in our existing markets; and (3) information technology to increase efficiency and controls. Our non-discretionary spending includes the maintenance of existing facilities. We typically fund our capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and external financing. In the event that we are unable to obtain the necessary funding for capital expenditures, our long-term growth strategy could be significantly affected. We believe that our internal sources of cash and our ability to obtain additional third-party financing, subject to market conditions, will be sufficient to fund our investing activities.

Our total capital expenditures, excluding receipts from the sale of subsidiaries and property and equipment, were $103.0 million, $71.9 million and $56.5 million during 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The 43% increase in capital expenditures for 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by the purchase of land and construction costs for new campuses in Peru as well as an increase in equipment purchases and campus improvements in Mexico. The 27% increase in capital expenditures for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the purchase of a parcel of land and a new campus construction project that began in 2024, combined with higher spending in Mexico for campus consolidation related to the implementation of a real estate optimization plan.

Stock Repurchase Program

On September 13, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a new stock repurchase program to acquire up to $100 million of the Company’s common stock . On October 30, 2025, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a $150 million increase to the authorization for the Company’s stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2025, the dollar value of shares yet to be repurchased under this stock repurchase program was $30.9 million . On February 19, 2026, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved an additional $150 million increase to the existing authorization for the Company’s stock repurchase program. After giving effect to this new authorization and taking into account the cumulative repurchases through December 31, 2025, the Company may repurchase up to $180.9 million of its common stock under its stock repurchase program, which has no fixed expiration date.

The Company intends to finance the repurchases with free cash flow, excess cash and liquidity on-hand, including available capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility. The Company’s proposed repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act. Repurchases may be effected pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act. The Company’s Board of Directors will review the share repurchase program periodically and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size or suspend or discontinue the program.

Cash Flows

In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the changes in operating assets and liabilities are presented excluding the effects of exchange rate changes and reclassifications, as these effects do not represent operating cash flows. Accordingly, the amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows do not agree with the changes of the operating assets and liabilities as presented in the consolidated balance sheets. The effects of exchange rate changes on cash are presented separately in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for each of the past three fiscal years:

(in millions)

Cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

Change in cash included in current assets held for sale

Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

Comparison of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $133.5 million to $366.2 million for 2025, compared to $232.7 million for 2024. This increase in operating cash flows was attributable to: (1) higher operating income combined with the net effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flows by $94.5 million compared to 2024; (2) lower cash paid for taxes of $31.4 million, from $194.8 million in 2024 to $163.4 million in 2025, which was primarily driven by taxes paid during 2024 as a result of the distribution of certain intercompany loans; and (3) lower cash paid for interest of $7.6 million, from $16.6 million in 2024 to $9.0 million in 2025, mostly due to lower average debt balances in 2025 compared to 2024.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities increased by $45.1 million to $(102.6) million for 2025 from $(57.5) million for 2024. This increase in investing cash outflows was primarily attributable to: (1) higher capital expenditures of $31.1 million compared to 2024, mainly driven by the purchase of land and construction costs for new campuses in 2025, and (2) a $17.7 million decrease in receipts from the sale of property and equipment in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily related to the sale of certain real estate in the United States and Mexico during 2024. This increase was partially offset by a $3.7 million year-over-year change in

investing cash flows due to run-out activity from previously sold discontinued operations, primarily related to a payment made in 2024 to settle an indemnification claim in connection with the 2021 sale of the Walden Group.

Financing activities

Cash used in financing activities increased by $55.6 million to $(222.5) million for 2025 from $(166.9) million for 2024. This increase in financing cash outflows was primarily attributable to an increase in common stock repurchases of $113.1 million during 2025. This increase was partially offset by $57.5 million of lower net payments of long-term debt during 2025 as compared to 2024.

Comparison of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $18.1 million to $232.7 million for 2024, compared to $250.8 million for 2023. This decrease in operating cash inflows was attributable to an increase in cash paid for taxes of $23.5 million, from $171.3 million in 2023 to $194.8 million in 2024, which was primarily driven by taxes paid during 2024 as a result of the distribution of certain intercompany loans. This decrease in operating cash inflows was partially offset by lower cash paid for interest of $3.7 million, from $20.3 million in 2023 to $16.6 million in 2024, attributable to lower average debt balances in 2024 compared to 2023. In addition, higher operating income combined with the net effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flows by $1.7 million compared to 2023.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities increased by $5.6 million to $(57.5) million for 2024 from $(51.9) million in 2023. This increase in investing cash outflows was primarily attributable to higher capital expenditures of $15.4 million compared to 2023, mainly driven by the purchase of land and construction costs for a new campus in 2024. In addition, the year-over-year change in cash flows related to run-out activity from previously sold discontinued operations decreased investing cash flows by $7.9 million to a cash outflow of $(3.6) million for 2024 from a cash inflow of $4.3 million for 2023, which was primarily driven by a payment in 2024 to settle an indemnification claim in connection with the 2021 sale of the Walden Group, combined with the year-over-year effect of the collection of an earnout receivable in 2023 related to the 2021 sale of our Brazilian operations. These increases in investing cash outflows were partially offset by higher cash proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $17.7 million, which was primarily related to the sale of certain real estate in the United States and Mexico during 2024.

Financing activities

Cash used in financing activities decreased by $35.0 million to $(166.9) million for 2024 from $(201.9) million for 2023. This decrease in financing cash outflows was primarily attributable to lower payments of special dividends and distributions of $110.8 million, from $112.5 million in 2023 to $1.7 million in 2024. Additionally, net payments of long-term debt during 2024 as compared to 2023 were lower by $29.3 million. These decreases in financing cash outflows were partially offset by payments for common stock repurchases of $102.1 million during 2024. Other items accounted for the remaining difference of $3.0 million.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our critical accounting policies require the most significant judgments and estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. As a result, these accounting policies and estimates could materially affect our financial statements and are critical to the understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. Management has discussed the selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

We perform annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill and tradenames, as of October 1st each year. We also evaluate these assets on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the assets may be impaired. We have not made material changes to the methodology used to assess impairment loss on indefinite-lived tradenames during the past three fiscal years. If the estimates and related assumptions used in assessing the recoverability of our goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames decline, we may be required to record impairment charges for those assets. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from those estimates. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.

Goodwill

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU requires entities to calculate goodwill impairment as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

Under this guidance, the Company continues to have the option of first performing a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment (i.e., step zero) in order to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. A reporting unit is defined as a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management of the segment. Based on the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required.

If we do not perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit or determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative fair value-based test is performed. We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit, and, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit is less than the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, then there is no goodwill impairment. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then goodwill is impaired and the difference between the reporting unit's carrying amount and its fair value is recognized as a loss on impairment of assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We completed our annual impairment testing, and no impairments of goodwill were identified.

Our valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit has historically utilized a weighted combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market multiples analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis relies on historical data and internal estimates, which are developed as a part of our long-range plan process, and includes an estimate of terminal value based on these expected cash flows using the generally accepted Gordon Dividend Growth formula, which derives a valuation using an assumed perpetual annuity based on the reporting unit’s residual cash flows. The discount rate is based on the generally accepted Weighted Average Cost of Capital methodology, and is derived using a cost of equity based on the generally accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model and a cost of debt based on the typical rate paid by market participants. The market multiples analysis utilizes multiples of business enterprise value to revenues, operating income and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of comparable publicly traded companies and multiples based on fair value transactions where public information is available. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of each reporting unit include: (1) the revenue and profitability growth rates and (2) the discount rate.

If we perform a quantitative impairment test, we also evaluate the sensitivity of a change in assumptions related to goodwill impairment, assessing whether a 10% reduction in our estimates of revenue or a 1% increase in our estimated discount rates would result in impairment of goodwill.

We completed our initial public offering (IPO) on February 6, 2017 at an initial public offering price that was below the expected range, and since then our stock price at times has traded below the initial public offering price. While our market capitalization is currently in excess of the carrying value of our stockholders’ equity, a significant decline in our stock price for an extended period of time could be considered an impairment indicator that would cause us to perform an interim impairment test that could result in additional impairments of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include acquired indefinite-lived tradenames. Indefinite-lived tradenames are evaluated annually as of October 1st each year for impairment as well as on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset may be impaired. The Company has the option of first performing a qualitative

impairment test to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Based on the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. If required, the quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived tradenames generally requires a new determination of the fair value of the intangible asset using the relief-from-royalty method. This method estimates the amount of royalty expense that we would expect to incur if the assets were licensed from a third party. We use publicly available information in determining certain assumptions to assist us in estimating fair value using market participant assumptions. If the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, the intangible asset is adjusted to its new estimated fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of indefinite-lived tradenames include: (1) the revenue growth rates; (2) the discount rates; and (3) the estimated royalty rates.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of such assets may warrant revision or that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable.

Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to:

• a significant deterioration of operating results;

• a change in regulatory environment;

• a change in business plans; or

• an adverse change in anticipated cash flows.

If an impairment indicator is present, we evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by the discounted cash flow method. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows is the rate commensurate with a similar investment of similar risk. We use judgment in determining whether a triggering event has occurred and in estimating future cash flows and fair value. Changes in our judgments could result in impairments in future periods.

Income Taxes

We record the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that we have recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. We exercise judgment in assessing future profitability and the likely future tax consequences of these events.

Deferred Taxes

Estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on current tax laws, rates and interpretations, and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations about future outcomes. We develop estimates of future profitability based upon historical data and experience, industry projections, forecasts of general economic conditions, and our own expectations. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents management’s best estimate of future events that can be appropriately reflected in our accounting estimates. Changes in existing tax laws and rates, their related interpretations, as well as the uncertainty generated by the current economic environment, may impact the amounts of deferred tax liabilities or the valuations of deferred tax assets.

Tax Contingencies

We are subject to regular review and audit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities. We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold for tax positions, under which we must conclude that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained in order for us to continue to recognize the benefit. This assumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority and that full knowledge of all relevant information is available. In determining the provision for income taxes, judgment is used, reflecting estimates and assumptions, in applying the more-likely-than-not threshold. A change in the assessment of the outcome of a tax review or audit could materially adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.

See Note 12, Income Taxes, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for details of our deferred taxes and tax contingencies.

Indefinite Reinvestment of Historical Foreign Earnings

We earn substantially all of our income from subsidiaries located in countries outside the United States. Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized for undistributed historical foreign earnings that would be subject to tax because management believes that the historical retained earnings will be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States under the Company's planned tax-neutral methods. Our assertion that earnings from our foreign operations will be indefinitely reinvested is supported by projected working capital and long-term capital plans in each foreign subsidiary location in which the earnings are generated. Additionally, we believe that we have the ability to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings based on our domestic operation's cash repatriation strategies, projected cash flows, projected working capital and liquidity, and the expected availability of capital within the debt or equity markets. If our expectations change based on future developments, such that some or all of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries may be remitted to the United States in the foreseeable future, we will be required to recognize deferred tax expense and liabilities on any amounts that we are unable to repatriate in a tax-free manner.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues primarily consist of tuition revenues from enrolled students. We also generate other revenues from student fees, short courses, and other education-related activities. These other revenues are less material to our overall financial results and have a tendency to trend with tuition revenues. 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. These revenues are recognized net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds and waivers. For further description, see also Note 3, Revenue, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Receivables are deemed to be uncollectible when they have been outstanding for two years, or earlier when collection efforts have ceased, at which time they are written off. Prior to that, we record an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our receivables to their net realizable value. Our allowance estimation methodology is based on the age of the receivables, the status of past-due amounts, historical collection trends, current economic conditions and student enrollment status. In the event that current collection trends differ from historical trends, an adjustment is made to the allowance account and bad debt expense.

Share-Based Compensation

We have granted performance-based restricted stock units for which the vesting is based on our annual performance metrics. For interim periods, we use our year-to-date actual results, financial forecasts, and other available information to estimate the probability of the award vesting based on the performance metrics. The related compensation expense recognized is affected by our estimates of the vesting probability of these performance awards. See Note 11, Share-based Compensation and Equity, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further discussion of these arrangements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for recently issued accounting standards.