Shares of Perdoceo Education Corporation (PRDO) are soaring 12.04% in pre-market trading on Friday, following the release of the company's impressive first-quarter 2025 financial results. The education provider significantly outperformed analyst expectations, demonstrating robust growth and operational efficiency.

Perdoceo reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.70 for the quarter ended March 31, surpassing the analyst forecast of $0.66 and marking a substantial increase from $0.60 in the same quarter last year. Revenue also exceeded expectations, climbing 26.6% to $213 million, compared to the anticipated $208 million. The company's net income for the quarter reached $43.69 million, underlining its strong financial performance. Key factors contributing to this success include near multi-year highs in student retention and engagement levels, as well as the positive impact of the St. Augustine acquisition, which added $39.2 million to the first-quarter revenue.

Looking ahead, Perdoceo's management expressed optimism for the full year 2025, projecting adjusted operating income between $220 million and $235 million, up from $188.9 million in 2024. Additionally, adjusted earnings per share are expected to range from $2.40 to $2.56. Despite some challenges, including a slight decrease in AIU System enrollments and ongoing regulatory uncertainties, investors appear encouraged by Perdoceo's overall growth trajectory. The company's commitment to shareholder value is evident, as it returned approximately $34.4 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases in the first quarter.