IDP Education announces record performance for the 2019 financial year

IDP Education Limited (ASX: IEL) today announced record results for the 2019 financial year (FY19). 

For the twelve months to 30 June 2019, the company reported total revenue of $598 million, an increase of 23 per cent compared to FY18. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was $115 million, representing an increase of 29 per cent compared to FY18. 

Andrew Barkla, IDP Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said the year’s financial performance reflected IDP’s focus on its customers and the delivery of its vision. 

“IDP’s solid growth continued this year as we delivered quality services for students, education institutions and English language test takers around the world,” Mr Barkla said. 

“FY19 saw us progress to the next phase in realising our vision to build a global platform and connected community to guide customers along their journey to achieve their lifelong goals."

• Record full year revenue and earnings with growth in each of the company’s core product categories 

• Student Placement volumes increased by 25 per cent 

• Student Placement network expanded in Nepal, Pakistan, India and Canada 

• Twelve per cent increase in English Language Testing (IELTS) volumes across the network 

• The significant growth of Student Placement and IELTS volumes in India contributed to overall record business performance 

• Computer-delivered IELTS now available at 124 IDP test centres around the world

• Hotcourses Group successfully integrated into IDP as a rebranded B2B division, IDP Connect 

• Strong cash generation which resulted in a balance sheet with only $4.4m of net debt 

“In Student Placement, our improved digital capability contributed to us delivering double-digit volume growth this year,” Mr Barkla said.    IDP’s English Language Testing stream (IELTS) also had a positive year, building on its position as the world’s most trusted English language test for study, work and migration.   

“The roll-out of computer-delivered IELTS and the expansion of our network to Ireland, Poland, Chile and Peru assisted IDP to deliver a record 1.28 million IELTS tests, an increase of 12 per cent on last year,” Mr Barkla said.    IDP’s Board of Directors has declared a final dividend of 7.5 cents per share which is expected to be 45 per cent franked. The record date for the dividend will be 10 September 2019, with payment to be made on 26 September 2019. 

Looking to FY20, Mr Barkla said the company’s focus remains on growing the capabilities of its people and improving the IELTS customer experience. 

“After significant technology infrastructure investment, we are now focused on building the skills, processes and capabilities of our global teams,” Mr Barkla said. 

“We are empowering teams to use data to make smarter decisions with our customers, so we can realise the full potential of our digital transformation. 

“As we celebrate our 50th year of pioneering international education, we are excited by the opportunities ahead of us to help more customers achieve their study, work and migration goals.”

Investors & Analysts 

Craig Mackey  IDP Education Limited  +61 3 9612 4400 

Media 

Rhys Ryan  Porter Novelli  +61 427 227 719

The material in this announcement has been prepared by IDP Education Limited (ASX: IEL) ABN 59 117 676 463 (“IDP Education") and is general background information about IDP Education’s activities current as at the date of this announcement. The information is given in summary form and does not purport to be complete. In particular you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements regarding our belief, intent or expectations with respect to IDP Education’s businesses, market conditions and/or results of operations, as although due care has been used in the preparation of such statements, actual results may vary in a material manner. Information in this announcement, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors or potential investors in relation to holding, purchasing or selling securities. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to these matters, any relevant offer document and in particular, you should seek independent financial advice.

IDP Education uses certain measures to manage and report on its business that are not recognised under Australian Accounting Standards. These measures are collectively referred to as non-IFRS financial measures. Although IDP Education believes that these measures provide useful information about the financial performance of IDP Education, they should be considered as supplemental to the measures calculated in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and not as a replacement for them. Because these non-IFRS financial measures are not based on Australian Accounting Standards, they do not have standard definitions, and the way IDP Education calculates these measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these non-IFRS financial measures.

IDP is a leader in global education services. As an Australian ASX-listed company, IDP operates in more than 50 countries and its websites attract 100 million visits a year. 

IDP specialises in combining human expertise with a leading digital platform to help people get accepted into their ideal course, take an English language test or learn English in our schools.  

IDP’s teams are side by side with our customers every day, at every step from course search through to starting their dream course or career.  

IDP’s data insights are relied upon by organisations around the world to help ensure policies are informed by the diverse needs, challenges and motivations of students.  

Most of all, we are proud of our people. It is our trusted people and processes which help our customers turn their study or English goals into a launchpad for their career.