Stadio reports strong full-year revenue growth as demand higher education rises

Stadio, an investment holding company, has reported a significant increase in full-year revenue up to 29 percent to R815 million. The group's Earnings per share also rose by 9 percent. This positive financial performance comes at a time when the education sector is facing challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stadio's CEO, Chris van der Merwe, emphasized the importance of remaining calm and proactive in the face of uncertainties caused by the virus. The company has been focused on teaching students preventive measures to avoid the disease. Despite the external environment, Stadio has managed to thrive, with an increase in student numbers by 7%. The company attributes its success to the growing demand for higher education in South Africa. While public universities can only accommodate a fraction of the total number of students graduating from grade 12, Stadio's expansion strategy aims to widen access and bridge this gap. One of the key drivers of Stadio's success has been the need for additional campus infrastructure to cater to the increasing number of learners. The company's growth in learner numbers has resulted in a substantial increase in EBIDAR by 40% and a turnover surge from R633 million to R850 million. The company's proactive approach and focus on creating multi-faculty campuses have set the stage for further growth. By acquiring new brands and developing multi-faculty campuses, Stadio is strategically positioning itself to meet the growing demands of prospective students. Stadio's CEO highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government in addressing the challenges faced by the education sector. While the state subsidizes students attending public universities, there is a need for private institutions like Stadio to complement these efforts and expand access to quality education. The company's commitment to assisting and supplementing the state's efforts underscores its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Looking ahead, Stadio is focused on the future with the development of two multi-faculty campuses that will offer a diverse range of qualifications. The company's expansion plans reflect its commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the education sector. As Chris van der Merwe transitions to a new role, Stadio remains poised for continued growth under the leadership of Chris Foster, the incoming CEO. Stadio's dedication to providing quality education and driving positive change in the South African education landscape remains unwavering. In a rapidly changing environment, Stadio's resilience and strategic vision position the company as a key player in the higher education sector. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in the market, Stadio continues to drive growth and make a meaningful impact on the future of education in South Africa.