ATA Creativity Global (NASDAQ: AACG)

ATA Creativity Global is an international educational services provider specializing in creative arts-related programs for students in China seeking overseas art education. The company focuses on cultivating and enhancing students’ creativity through tailored training, counseling, and research-based learning services. Operating primarily in the portfolio training market, ATA Creativity Global prepares students for applications to art universities and colleges abroad by offering structured programs in various artistic disciplines. The company also extends its services to include overseas study counseling, in-school art classes, and junior art education, positioning itself as a comprehensive provider of international art education solutions.

ATA Creativity Global generates revenue through a diversified portfolio of educational services. Its primary income source is portfolio training services, which accounted for 70.1% of total net revenues in 2025. These services include customized training programs designed to help students develop professional art portfolios required for overseas university applications. Additional revenue streams include research-based learning services (7.3% of revenues), overseas study counseling (13.4%), and other educational services such as in-school art classes and junior art education (9.2%). The company serves students primarily through its network of 19 training centers across 18 major cities in China, delivering both offline and online instruction.

The company operates through the following segments:

• Portfolio Training Services: This segment provides structured and customized training programs to help students create professional art portfolios for overseas university applications. The services include fundamental courses to build basic artistic skills, creativity courses to develop observational and thematic artwork, and professional courses to guide students through portfolio composition. The company offers training in nine specializations, including architectural design, visual communication, industrial design, film and drama, digital arts, music, fine arts, art theory, and fashion and jewelry. Programs are delivered through one-on-one instruction or small-sized classes, with durations ranging from one to three years, depending on student needs.

• Research-Based Learning Services: This segment offers academic and experiential learning programs, including overseas and domestic educational travel, workshops, and themed research projects. Services target students interested in art and aim to broaden their horizons, enrich their experiences, and enhance their practical skills. Programs include summer and winter camps at reputable art schools, online certificate courses, and field trips to cultural sites. The company partners with overseas institutions such as the University of the Arts London and Ivy League universities to provide immersive learning experiences.

• Overseas Study Counseling Services: This segment provides art-related counseling to students applying for overseas art programs. Services include background development planning, university and program selection guidance, paper writing assistance, interview simulation, and application preparation. The company leverages its expertise in portfolio training to offer tailored advice, ensuring students meet the academic and practical requirements of their target institutions.

• Other Educational Services: This segment encompasses in-school art classes and junior art education programs. The company partners with international and domestic schools to deliver art courses, fostering early interest in creative disciplines. It also collaborates with universities to offer joint art education programs, facilitating connections between students and overseas institutions.

ATA Creativity Global is a leading player in China’s portfolio training market, distinguished by its geographic coverage, product breadth, and student enrollment. The company competes with domestic and international art training institutions, as well as smaller organized players and individual studios. Its competitive advantages include a strong brand reputation, high admission rates to prestigious art institutions, a qualified faculty of over 1,100 teachers, and a comprehensive service offering. The company’s ability to attract and retain prominent instructors, combined with its nationwide training center network, further strengthens its market position. However, the industry remains highly competitive, with rivals potentially offering lower prices, more attractive training environments, or broader recognition.

ATA Creativity Global primarily serves high school and undergraduate students in China who intend to pursue overseas art studies. Its portfolio training, research-based learning, and overseas study counseling services are tailored to students aiming for undergraduate or graduate programs abroad. The company also targets younger students through in-school art classes and junior art education programs, cultivating early interest in creative disciplines. While specific customer names are not disclosed, the company’s student base includes attendees from private bilingual high schools, international classes of public high schools, and domestic universities. In 2025, the company enrolled 4,127 students, with over half participating in portfolio training programs.