Stride(US:LRN) ZACKS·2026-02-10 15:45Core Insights - Stride, Inc. (LRN) is overcoming recent platform disruptions, with management reporting significant resolution of core technical issues and improvements in customer support metrics and user feedback [1][4] - The company has experienced a 10% year-over-year revenue growth to $1.25 billion in the first half of fiscal 2026, with adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA increasing by 23.8% and 21.3%, respectively [2] - Total enrollments reached 248,300, marking an 8.6% increase, while withdrawal rates have returned to historical norms [2] - Stride has reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of $2.48-$2.56 billion and raised adjusted operating income expectations to $485-$505 million, indicating confidence in its operational stability [3] Financial Performance - Stride's revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2026 grew to $1.25 billion, with adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA rising by 23.8% and 21.3% respectively [2] - The company expects adjusted operating income for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of $485-$505 million, an increase from previous expectations [3] - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 have improved, indicating year-over-year growth of 3.2% and 10.7% respectively [12] Competitive Landscape - Stride competes with major online education players like Coursera and Udemy, with a focus on career-oriented digital learning [5] - Coursera offers a wide range of university-backed degrees and emphasizes AI-driven personalized learning, while Udemy provides a flexible marketplace for professional development [6][7] - Stride's platform is positioned uniquely amid strong market trends towards skills-based education [5] Stock Performance - Stride's stock has increased by 31.4% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Schools industry and the broader market [8] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.82, indicating a discount compared to industry peers [11]