Revenue Performance - Service revenue for Q3 2025 was $261.1 million, an increase of $22.8 million, or 9.6%, compared to $238.3 million in Q3 2024, driven by a 7.9% increase in partner enrollments to 138,073[4] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, service revenue was $798.0 million, an increase of $57.6 million, or 7.8%, compared to $740.4 million in the same period in 2024[5] - The company expects service revenue for the full year 2025 to be between $1,103.0 million and $1,108.0 million, with an operating margin between 24.0% and 24.3%[12] - Service revenue for Q3 2025 was $261.1 million, an increase from $238.3 million in Q3 2024, representing a growth of approximately 9.5% year-over-year[21] Enrollment Figures - GCU enrollments increased to 132,486, a 7.7% rise from 123,000 in Q3 2024, while off-campus classroom and laboratory site enrollments rose by 17.4% to 6,912[4] - The liquidity position decreased by $47.6 million from December 31, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at $277.0 million[6] Income and Earnings - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $18.0 million, a decrease of $30.2 million, or 62.6%, from $48.2 million in Q3 2024, with an operating margin of 6.9% compared to 20.2% in the prior year[4] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $16.3 million, down $25.2 million, or 60.8%, from $41.5 million in Q3 2024, with diluted net income per share at $0.58 compared to $1.42[5] - Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $157.8 million, compared to $175.4 million for the same period in 2024, indicating a decrease of about 10%[21] - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $129,438,000, a decrease of 10.3% from $144,355,000 in 2024[26] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 was $0.58, compared to $1.42 in Q3 2024, a decrease of about 59%[21] - Non-GAAP diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $5.90, compared to $5.11 in 2024, representing an increase of 15.5%[33] Adjusted Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 increased by 14.4% to $75.9 million, up from $66.3 million in Q3 2024[5] - Adjusted operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $202.3 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 25.4%, compared to $181.7 million and 24.5% in the same period in 2024[5] - Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, increased to $245,280,000, up 9.7% from $223,441,000 in 2024[32] Cash and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $97.3 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $324.6 million as of December 31, 2024[24] - Cash flows provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $143,006,000, compared to $154,141,000 in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 7.2%[26] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $97,284,000, a significant decrease from $263,584,000 at the end of the same period in 2024[26] Liabilities and Reserves - Total current liabilities increased to $136.7 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $111.0 million as of December 31, 2024, representing an increase of approximately 22.2%[24] - The company reported a reserve for litigation settlement of $35.0 million in Q3 2025[21] - The company reported a reserve for litigation settlement of $35,000,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025[33] Assets - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were $1,032.8 million, up from $1,018.4 million as of December 31, 2024, showing a growth of approximately 1.4%[24] Guidance - The diluted EPS guidance for Q4 2025 is projected to be between $3.13 and $3.24, with a non-cash amortization impact of $0.06[8] - Full year 2025 diluted EPS guidance is between $9.02 and $9.13, accounting for a $1.36 impact from various costs including litigation reserves and lease terminations[9]

Core Insights - Grand Canyon Education, Inc. reported a service revenue of $261.1 million for Q3 2025, reflecting a 9.6% increase from $238.3 million in Q3 2024, primarily driven by a 7.9% rise in partner enrollments to 138,073 [2][4] - The company experienced a significant decrease in operating income, which fell to $18.0 million, a 62.6% decline compared to $48.2 million in the same quarter of the previous year, largely due to a $35.0 million reserve for litigation settlement [2][5] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $16.3 million, down 60.8% from $41.5 million in Q3 2024, with diluted net income per share decreasing to $0.58 from $1.42 [5][22] Financial Performance - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, service revenue reached $798.0 million, a 7.8% increase from $740.4 million in the same period of 2024, attributed to a 7.9% rise in partner enrollments [10][21] - Operating income for the nine months was $157.8 million, down 10.0% from $175.4 million in 2024, with an operating margin of 19.8% compared to 23.7% in the prior year [10][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 increased by 14.4% to $75.9 million from $66.3 million in Q3 2024, while for the nine months, it rose 9.8% to $245.3 million from $223.4 million [5][10] Enrollment and Operational Metrics - GCU enrollments increased to 132,486, a 7.7% rise from 2024, while off-campus classroom and laboratory site enrollments grew by 17.4% to 6,912 [2][4] - The company opened five new off-campus sites in 2025, bringing the total to 47, contributing positively to enrollment growth [2][4] - Revenue per student saw a slight decline due to contract modifications and a shift in student demographics towards those with lower net tuition rates [2][4] Tax and Income Details - Income tax expense for Q3 2025 was $5.4 million, a 50.4% decrease from $10.9 million in Q3 2024, with an effective tax rate of 24.9% compared to 20.8% in the previous year [5][10] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income was $129.4 million, down 10.3% from $144.4 million in 2024, with diluted net income per share at $4.60 compared to $4.91 [10][22] Liquidity and Capital Resources - The company's liquidity position decreased by $47.6 million from December 31, 2024, to September 30, 2025, primarily due to cash used for investing activities and share repurchases [7] - As of September 30, 2025, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $277.0 million, down from $324.6 million at the end of 2024 [7][23] Outlook - The company provided guidance for Q4 2025, projecting diluted EPS between $3.07 and $3.18, and for the full year 2025, diluted EPS is expected to be between $7.66 and $7.77 [8][11]

Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation PHOENIX, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOPE) announced today that it will report its 2025 third quarter results after market close on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results in more detail at 2:30 P.M. (4:30 P.M. ET) the same day. Live Conference Dial-In: Those interested in participating in the question-and-answer session should follow the conference dial-in instructions below. Par ...

Core Viewpoint - The article compares K12 (LRN) and Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - K12 has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), while Grand Canyon Education has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook for LRN [3] - The Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, suggesting that LRN has an improving earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - LRN has a forward P/E ratio of 16.83, compared to LOPE's forward P/E of 23.92, indicating that LRN may be undervalued [5] - LRN's PEG ratio is 0.84, while LOPE's PEG ratio is 1.59, further supporting LRN's valuation attractiveness [5] - LRN's P/B ratio is 4.36, compared to LOPE's P/B of 7.91, reinforcing LRN's superior valuation metrics [6] Group 3: Value Grades - LRN has a Value grade of B, while LOPE has a Value grade of C, indicating that LRN is viewed as the superior value option based on its solid earnings outlook and valuation figures [6]

Core Insights - Three stocks in the consumer discretionary sector are showing signs of being overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1][2] Company Summaries - **American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: APEI)**: - Analyst Luke Horton from Northland Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $38 to $46 - The stock gained approximately 24% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $38.32 - Current RSI value is 77.8, with shares closing at $38.05, reflecting a 1.9% increase [7] - **Grand Canyon Education Inc (NASDAQ: LOPE)**: - Reported better-than-expected second-quarter results on August 6 and raised FY25 guidance above estimates - The stock has increased around 24% over the past six months, with a 52-week high of $214.58 - Current RSI value is 73.4, with shares closing at $214.30, showing a 1.5% gain [8] - **ODP Corp (NASDAQ: ODP)**: - Announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Atlas Holdings on September 22 - The stock surged approximately 39% over the past month, achieving a 52-week high of $32.20 - Current RSI value is 74.7, with shares closing at $27.97, reflecting a 0.6% increase [8]

Core Insights - Three stocks in the consumer discretionary sector are showing signs of being overbought, which may concern momentum-focused investors [1][2] Company Summaries - **American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: APEI)**: - Analyst Luke Horton from Northland Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $38 to $46 - The stock gained approximately 24% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $38.32 - Current RSI value is 77.8, indicating overbought conditions - Recent price action shows shares gained 1.9% to close at $38.05 [7] - **Grand Canyon Education Inc (NASDAQ: LOPE)**: - Reported better-than-expected second-quarter financial results on August 6 and raised FY25 guidance above estimates - The stock has increased around 24% over the past six months, with a 52-week high of $214.58 - Current RSI value is 73.4, also indicating overbought conditions - Recent price action shows shares gained 1.5% to close at $214.30 [8] - **ODP Corp (NASDAQ: ODP)**: - Announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Atlas Holdings on September 22 - The stock gained approximately 39% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $32.20 - Current RSI value is 74.7, indicating overbought conditions - Recent price action shows shares gained 0.6% to close at $27.97 [8]

Core Viewpoint - Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are a strong predictor of near-term stock price movements [2][4]. - Rising earnings estimates for Grand Canyon Education suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for Grand Canyon Education - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Grand Canyon Education is expected to earn $9.07 per share, unchanged from the previous year [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Grand Canyon Education has increased by 3.7% [8].

Economic Overview - Wall Street resumed its rally following a 25 basis points rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with the Dow and Nasdaq reaching record highs, indicating regained investor confidence [1][3] - The Federal Reserve raised its GDP forecast for the year, reflecting a positive sentiment in the economy as inflation has eased substantially [1][6] Rate Cuts and Economic Impact - The Federal Reserve's recent rate cut to a range of 4-4.25% is aimed at addressing concerns over a struggling labor market and a slowing economy, with expectations of two more rate cuts this year [3][5][9] - Lower borrowing costs are anticipated to benefit the broader economy, particularly in consumer discretionary sectors [6][9] Consumer Discretionary Stocks - Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD) has an expected earnings growth rate of 5.2%, with a 4.9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 60 days [7] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is projected to have a 13.7% earnings growth rate, with a 3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [8] - Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) shows a strong expected earnings growth rate of 19.8%, with an 8.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [10] - Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) has an expected earnings growth rate of 21.5%, with a notable 14.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [11] - Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE) is expected to see a 12.8% earnings growth rate, with a 3.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12][13]

Company Overview - Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) is an education services company based in Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated in 1949, offering technology services, academic services, counseling services, and back-office services [4]. Investment Potential - Grand Canyon Education, Inc. is considered one of the best education stocks to buy currently, with Evergreen Capital Management LLC acquiring a new stake of 1,830 shares valued at approximately $317,000 [1]. - The company has raised its guidance for FY 2025 and continues to outperform Wall Street's estimates, with management anticipating new start growth in the mid- to high single digits for the second half of the year due to an increase in students preferring online college [2]. - The asset-light model of Grand Canyon Education is noteworthy, as the company engages in aggressive buybacks to enhance EPS and shareholder returns, achieving a return of 151.95% over three years compared to the S&P 500's 65.16% [3].

Core Insights - The Zacks Schools industry is experiencing a rebound driven by increased demand for career-focused programs in healthcare, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and IT, supported by a labor market that values job-ready skills and government initiatives promoting non-degree pathways [1][2] - Digital innovation is a key differentiator, with institutions investing in adaptive learning tools and scalable online platforms to enhance engagement and support flexible learning for working adults [1][8] - The sector is undergoing consolidation as larger players acquire smaller institutions to broaden offerings and improve scale, with recent legislative changes like "Workforce Pell" expanding market opportunities for accredited programs [6][12] Industry Overview - The Zacks Schools industry includes for-profit education companies offering undergraduate, graduate, and specialized programs in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and technology [3] - The industry is focused on providing career-oriented programs that align with labor market needs, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing and cybersecurity [3][5] Trends Influencing Growth - There is a rising demand for workforce-oriented programs, particularly among adult learners and career switchers, as the labor market increasingly values job-ready skills over traditional degrees [4] - The healthcare sector is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, prompting educational institutions to design rigorous programs that meet workforce needs [5] - Digital transformation is driving interest in IT boot camps and tech-aligned certifications, where for-profit providers have established a scalable presence [4] Financial Performance and Market Position - The Zacks Schools industry has lagged the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector but has outperformed the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, with a collective gain of 20.6% [16] - The industry's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is currently at 15.32X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.76X, indicating potential value opportunities [19] Company Highlights - Grand Canyon Education has seen a 10% increase in total online enrollment and a 42.1% stock surge over the past year, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 12.8% [25] - Laureate Education's stock has rallied 76.6% over the past year, with a projected earnings growth of 28.2% for 2025 [28] - Stride has experienced a 107.8% stock increase, with fiscal 2026 earnings expected to grow by 5.2% [32] - Lincoln Educational Services has surged 59.5% in stock price, with a projected earnings growth of 19.6% for 2025 [34] - Perdoceo Education's stock has risen 44.7%, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 10% [39]