| Factor | Score | Distribution | Value | Avg | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valuation | 88 | 10.4x | 17.8x | Top tier | |
Growth | 70 | 4.7% | 7.1% | Top tier | |
Quality | 78 | 16.9% | 4.5% | Top tier | |
Safety | 87 | — | 2.6x | Top tier | |
Capital Return | 29 | — | 2.12% | Bottom tier | |
Momentum | 31 | -52.9% | 2.9% | Bottom tier | |
Sentiment | 45 | 3 | 3 | Around median |
Estimates — analyst targets and a simplified DCF, not investment advice.
Ten ratios that matter, each compared against its sector median and average — so you can see whether a number is rich or cheap relative to peers in the same sector.
Stride, Inc. provides digital education programs across more than 30 geographies, serving students through two main tracks: Career Learning programs for middle and high school students, and General Education programs. Revenue generation depends on enrollment numbers, the mix of programs and states, government funding in each state, and enrollment timing; average revenue per enrolled student was $9.91 thousand in fiscal year 2026 versus $9.68 thousand in fiscal year 2025.
In fiscal year 2026, revenue reached $2.518 billion, an increase of 4.7%, while student enrollment grew 4.2% to approximately 244 thousand students. Career Learning generated revenue of $1.04 billion, up 19%, and its enrollment increased 14% to 110 thousand students, while General Education revenue declined 2% to $1.42 billion and enrollment decreased 2.5% to 134 thousand students; Career Learning was therefore the clear growth driver in the business mix.
According to the latest quarter available in EDGAR filings, fiscal year 2026 quarter 3 recorded revenue of $629.9 million and gross profit of $231.6 million, equivalent to a gross margin of approximately 36.8%, net income of $88.5 million, and earnings per share of $1.93. For fiscal year 2026, gross margin was 37.8%, down 140 basis points, while net income according to EDGAR was approximately $287.9 million, and the company recorded $498.4 million in adjusted operating income, $617.6 million in adjusted EBITDA, and $8.33 in adjusted earnings per share.
Automated analysis for informational purposes only — not investment advice.
The analyst consensus on LRN is Neutral, with an average price target of $107.8 and a very wide range between $45 and $185. The average target is approximately 35% below the 52-week range high of $166.93, while the highest target exceeds that high by approximately 11%, and the lowest target is approximately 26% below the range low of $60.61. This dispersion is consistent with a combination of Career Learning growth and strong liquidity on one hand, and margin pressure, difficult enrollment comparisons, and the loss of the Lone Star Online Academy contract on the other.
Figures in the text are as of 2026-08-31; the live price is shown at the top of the page.
Career Learning drove growth with revenue of $1.04 billion in fiscal year 2026, up 19% from fiscal year 2025. Enrollment in this business increased 14% to 110 thousand students, while General Education enrollment declined 2.5% to 134 thousand students. As a result, the total number of students served by Stride increased by approximately 4.2% to nearly 244 thousand students.
Revenue reached $2.518 billion in fiscal year 2026, an increase of 4.7%, and net income according to EDGAR was approximately $287.9 million. The company recorded $498.4 million in adjusted operating income and $617.6 million in adjusted EBITDA, increases of approximately 7% and 8.2%, respectively. Adjusted earnings per share were $8.33, but gross margin declined 140 basis points to 37.8%.
Management stated on August 4, 2026 that enrollment applications were slightly below the comparable period, while conversion and re-enrollment rates improved. Enrollment counts as of the census date face a more difficult comparison because the company restricted enrollment during fiscal year 2026, and therefore did not enter fiscal year 2027 with a carryover benefit similar to previous years. Stride did not provide formal financial guidance and said it would announce it with fiscal year 2027 quarter 1 results in October 2026.
Roscoe Independent School District decided not to renew the Lone Star Online Academy contract, and management acknowledged performance issues at the school. Stride is working to transfer affected families to other programs and confirmed the continued operation of multiple schools in Texas. Nevertheless, management explained that some contracts exiting and new contracts entering are part of the nature of the business, and that improving student outcomes is a priority for reducing this risk.
Stride ended fiscal year 2026 with approximately $1.034 billion in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Free cash flow was $355 million after capital expenditures of $78.8 million, although free cash flow declined by $17.8 million from the prior year. The company repurchased approximately $189 million of shares during fiscal year 2026, with approximately $311 million remaining under the authorization extending through October 31, 2027.
The average price target is $107.8, but the lowest target is $45 and the highest is $185, with the consensus rated Neutral. The highest target exceeds the 52-week range high of $166.93, while the lowest target is below the range low of $60.61. This variation reflects the strength of Career Learning growth and liquidity on one side, versus the margin decline, difficult enrollment comparisons, and contract renewal risks on the other.
