New Oriental Education announces cash dividend, share repurchase program

New Oriental Education (EDU) announced that to implement its three-year shareholder return plan adopted in July for the fiscal year 2026, its board of directors has approved an ordinary cash dividend and a share repurchase program. The ordinary cash dividend of 12c per common share, or $1.20 per ADS, will be distributed in U.S. dollars in two installments: the first installment, 6c per common share, or 60c per ADS, will be paid to holders of common shares and ADSs of record as of the close of business on November 18, Beijing/Hong Kong Time and New York Time, respectively; and the second installment, 6c per common share, or 60c per ADS, will be paid to holders of common shares and ADSs of a record date to be further determined by the board of directors of the company in due course. The payment date for the first installment is expected to be on or around December 2 and December 5 for holders of common shares and holders of ADSs, respectively. The payment date for the second installment is expected to be around six months after the payment date of the first installment. Further details regarding the record date and payment date for the second installment will be announced by the company in due course. The aggregate amount of the cash dividend to be paid in two installments is expected to be approximately $190M. For holders of common shares, in order to qualify for the first installment of the dividend, all valid documents for the transfer of shares accompanied by the relevant share certificates must be lodged for registration with the company’s Hong Kong branch share registrar. Pursuant to the share repurchase program, the company may repurchase up to $300M of its ADSs or common shares over the next 12 months. The company expects to fund the repurchases out of its existing cash balance.