Laureate Education Inc. (LAUR) shares fell 5.03% in pre-market trading following the release of its first-quarter financial results for 2026, which showed a significant widening of losses.
The education company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $21.6 million for Q1, widening 11% from the year-ago period. While revenue rose 15% to $272.6 million, driven by higher enrollments, profitability metrics deteriorated sharply. The operating loss widened by 108% to $27.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of $2.3 million from a profit a year earlier.
The company cited higher costs from growth initiatives and campus expansions, as well as a negative impact from academic calendar timing which reduced Q1 revenue and profitability, as key drivers for the increased losses. Despite raising its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, the weak quarterly bottom-line performance appears to have prompted the negative market reaction.