Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of confirming the sustainability of stock trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting that price movements should be supported by strong fundamentals and positive earnings estimates [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Legacy Education Inc. (LGCY) has shown a solid price increase of 21.1% over the past 12 weeks, indicating investor confidence in its potential upside [4]. - The stock has experienced a significant price increase of 40.8% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - LGCY is currently trading at 81% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - LGCY holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, which are critical for near-term price movements [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The article suggests that investors can utilize the "Recent Price Strength" screen to identify stocks like LGCY that are on an uptrend supported by strong fundamentals [3]. - There are over 45 Zacks Premium Screens available for investors to find stocks that align with their personal investing styles [8].

ATA Creativity Global NASDAQ: AACG 2025 FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS CALL May 16, 2025 Speakers: Kevin Ma, Chairman & CEO Ruobai Sima, CFO Jun Zhang, President P A G E 1 Safe Harbor Statement This presentation was developed by ATA Creativity Global ("ACG" or the "Company") and is intended to be used solely in connection with ACG's earnings call for the first quarter (Q1 2025) ended March 31, 2025. This presentation is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Company's sec ...

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying stocks that can fulfill this potential is challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2][9] Group 2: Earnings Growth - The historical EPS growth rate for Lincoln Educational Services is 10.3%, but projected EPS growth for this year is expected to be 28.6%, surpassing the industry average of 23.8% [4][3] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - The year-over-year cash flow growth for Lincoln Educational Services is currently at 41%, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 22.9%, compared to the industry average of 9.2% [6] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Lincoln Educational Services, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 5.9% over the past month [7]

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) shows a significantly improving earnings outlook, making it a potentially solid investment choice as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][3]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding the company's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, the earnings estimate is $0.06 per share, unchanged from the previous year, with a 5.88% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 30 days [6][8]. - The full-year earnings estimate is projected at $0.72 per share, representing a 28.57% increase from the prior year [7]. Zacks Rank and Performance - Lincoln Educational Services has received a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in raising earnings estimates, which historically correlates with stock performance [9]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. Stock Performance - The stock has gained 20.9% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects [10].

While "the trend is your friend" when it comes to short-term investing or trading, timing entries into the trend is a key determinant of success. And increasing the odds of success by making sure the sustainability of a trend isn't easy.Often, the direction of a stock's price movement reverses quickly after taking a position in it, making investors incur a short-term capital loss. So, it's important to ensure that there are enough factors -- such as sound fundamentals, positive earnings estimate revisions, ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, revenue increased by approximately 58% year over year to nearly RMB 1.5 billion, exceeding guidance [9] - Operating profit reached RMB 34.8 million, with net income of RMB 124 million, and non-GAAP net income of RMB 137.3 million, reflecting a net margin of 9.2% [10][30] - Deferred revenue amounted to over RMB 1.4 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 44% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Learning services contributed over 95% of net revenues, with non-academic tutoring services accounting for more than 85% of total revenues, showing over 80% year-over-year growth [21] - Gross billings from non-academic tutoring services jumped nearly 90% year over year, with new enrollments achieving triple-digit growth [22] - Traditional learning services maintained healthy growth with revenue increasing over 35% year over year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The educational services for college students and adults contributed 10% of total revenues, with net operating cash inflow increasing by over eightfold year over year [25] - The retention rate for programming courses exceeded 90%, indicating strong user satisfaction and engagement [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on AI integration into educational products, enhancing user experience and learning outcomes [11][15] - A new share repurchase program of up to USD 100 million was approved, reflecting management's confidence in stable operations and profit growth [17][32] - The company aims to drive educational innovations through AI, creating a more intelligent and scalable educational ecosystem [15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining profitable growth and leveraging resources for future investments [18] - The company anticipates industry-leading growth rates in 2025, driven by product innovation and customer acquisition strategies [46] - The macroeconomic environment is acknowledged as weak, but education demand remains resilient, with a shift towards comprehensive development in children's education [50][52] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately RMB 460 million worth of shares, representing 9% of total outstanding shares as of March 31, 2025 [11][32] - The operating cash outflow was RMB 477.2 million, attributed to annual bonuses and increased labor costs, but expected to improve significantly in subsequent quarters [30][59] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers behind margin expansion and provide full-year guidance? - Management explained that margin improvement is linked to higher customer acquisition efficiency and operating leverage, with expectations for significant profitability improvements throughout 2025 [39][47] Question: Have there been any changes in K-12 demand compared to last year? - Management noted an increasing demand for comprehensive development in children, with parents investing more in skills beyond traditional academics, and a growing acceptance of technology-driven educational solutions [50][52] Question: Why was the operating cash flow negative this quarter? - The increase in operating cash outflow was primarily due to annual bonuses and higher labor costs, but management expects a substantial net operating cash inflow for 2025, supporting future growth initiatives [58][60]

Core Insights - American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and total revenues exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][2] - The performance was primarily driven by contributions from Rasmussen University (RU), American Public University System (APUS), and Hondros College of Nursing (HCN), while the Graduate School (GSUSA) segment experienced a revenue decline [1][2] Financial Performance - APEI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached 41 cents, significantly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents by 173.3%, compared to a loss of six cents per share in the same quarter last year [3] - Total revenues amounted to $164.6 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $162 million by 1.6% and growing 6.6% year over year, supported by net course registration growth and tuition increases [4] - Total costs and expenses rose 2% year over year to $152.3 million, driven by a 3.5% increase in instructional costs and an 8.5% rise in selling and promotional expenses [4] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24% year over year to $21.2 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13%, expanding 200 basis points from 11% [5] Segment Performance - APUS reported revenues of $83.9 million, a 4.1% increase from $80.7 million year over year, driven by net course registrations and tuition increases [6] - RU's revenues grew 11.5% year over year to $59.3 million, attributed to enrollment growth and tuition hikes, with total student enrollment increasing 7.4% to 14,500 [7][8] - HCN's revenues rose 7.5% year over year to $17.7 million, supported by student enrollment growth, although it reported a negative EBITDA margin of 1% [8][9] - GSUSA's revenues declined 11.9% year over year to $3.7 million, with a negative EBITDA margin of 57% [10] Cash and Debt Position - As of March 31, 2025, APEI had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $187.5 million, up from $158.9 million at the end of 2024 [11] - Net long-term debt slightly increased to $93.7 million from $93.4 million at the end of 2024 [11] Guidance and Outlook - For Q2 2025, APEI expects total revenues to increase by 4-5% year over year to $160-$162 million, with a projected loss per share between 13 cents and four cents [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 is anticipated to be between $11.5 million and $14 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6% to 28% [12] - The company revised its 2025 guidance, expecting total revenues to grow 4-6% year over year to $650-$660 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $77 million and $87 million [14]

Core Insights - Adtalem Global Education Inc. (ATGE) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth [1][3] - The company's performance was driven by increased enrollment and higher tuition rates across all reportable segments, supported by strategic investments to enhance student experience [1][2] Earnings & Revenue Discussion - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.92, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.63 by 17.8%, and increased from $1.50 in the prior year [3] - Revenues totaled $466.1 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $444 million by 4.9% and growing 12.9% year over year [3] - Total student enrollment rose 9.8% year over year to 94,223 students, compared to a predicted enrollment of 88,056 [3] Operating Performance - Adjusted operating income increased 17.4% year over year to $105.4 million, with an adjusted operating margin expanding 80 basis points to 22.6% [4] - Adjusted EBITDA was $127.8 million, up 19.3% from the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 150 basis points to 27.4% [4] Segment Performance - Chamberlain segment revenues increased 13.1% year over year to $192.6 million, with total student enrollment rising 6.8% to 40,564 students [5] - Walden segment generated revenues of $178.4 million, up 18.5% year over year, with total student enrollment increasing 13.5% to 48,526 students [7] - Medical and Veterinary segment revenues increased 3.6% to $95 million, with total student enrollment slightly up by 1.2% to 5,133 students [8] Liquidity & Cash Flow - As of March 31, 2025, Adtalem had cash and cash equivalents of $219 million, with long-term debt reduced to $552.2 million from $648.7 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [10] - For the first nine months of fiscal 2025, cash provided by operating activities totaled $273.8 million, up from $227.1 million in the prior year [11] Fiscal 2025 Guidance - Adtalem raised its fiscal 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $1,760-$1,775 million, up from the previous estimate of $1,730-$1,760 million, and adjusted earnings guidance to $6.40-$6.60 per share from $6.10-$6.30 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 12.9% to $466.1 million, driven by enrollment growth across all segments [13] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 19.3% to $127.8 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.4%, expanding by 150 basis points year over year [13][14] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $73.3 million, a 23.4% increase compared to the previous year, leading to adjusted earnings per share of $1.92, up 28% [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chamberlain University reported revenue of $192.6 million, a 13.1% increase, with enrollment up 6.8% [14][15] - Walden University achieved revenue of $178.4 million, an 18.5% increase, with total student enrollment up 13.5% [16] - The Medical and Veterinary segment saw revenue of $95 million, a 3.6% increase, with enrollment up 1.2% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total enrollment across Adtalem institutions climbed to over 94,000 students, marking a 9.8% year-over-year increase [5] - The medical schools achieved a first-time residency attainment rate of over 95%, with significant placements in medically underserved areas [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand program capacity and invest in innovation to meet growing demand in healthcare education [10] - A new $150 million share repurchase program was announced, reflecting confidence in the strategic outlook [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the favorable environment for career-oriented education, emphasizing high return on investment for students [28] - The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $1.76 billion to $1.775 billion, anticipating adjusted EPS of $6.4 to $6.6 [9][19] Other Important Information - The company completed a $300 million share repurchase program, returning $763 million to shareholders since February 2022 [18] - The balance sheet remains strong, with $219 million in cash and a low adjusted EBITDA net leverage of 0.8 times [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do the 2026 targets stand in light of recent performance? - Management noted that the targets set at Investor Day were reasonable and they have outperformed expectations, with plans to recalibrate long-term growth targets [24][25] Question: What is the impact of recent legislative changes on student enrollment? - Management indicated no observed hesitancy among students regarding enrollment, citing strong demand for their programs [33] Question: Can you provide insight into margin degradation in the Medical and Veterinary segment? - Management explained that margin changes were due to one-time costs and investments for future growth, with confidence in long-term margin expansion [34][35] Question: What are the primary limitations on scaling up capacity? - Management identified opportunities for growth in existing programs and potential geographic expansion, with various strategies to increase capacity [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 12.9% to $466.1 million, driven by enrollment growth across all segments [14] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 19.3% to $127.8 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.4%, expanding by 150 basis points year over year [14][15] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $73.3 million, a 23.4% increase compared to the previous year, with adjusted earnings per share rising by 28% to $1.92 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chamberlain University reported revenue of $192.6 million, up 13.1%, with enrollment increasing by 6.8% [16] - Walden University achieved an 18.5% revenue increase to $178.4 million, with total student enrollment up 13.5% [18] - The Medical and Veterinary segment saw revenue growth of 3.6% to $95 million, with a slight enrollment increase of 1.2% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total enrollment across Adtalem institutions climbed to over 94,000 students, marking a 9.8% year-over-year increase [7] - The medical schools achieved a 95% first-time residency attainment rate, with over 615 students placed in healthcare facilities [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding program capacity and investing in innovation to meet growing demand in healthcare education [11] - A new $150 million share repurchase program was announced, reflecting confidence in the strategic outlook [10] - The company aims to balance growth investments with profitability, anticipating adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of more than 150 basis points for fiscal year 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the positive environment for career-oriented education, emphasizing high return on investment for students [29] - The company is monitoring legislative developments closely but sees no current impact on student enrollment behavior due to potential funding pressures [33] Other Important Information - The company completed a $300 million share repurchase program, returning $763 million to shareholders since February 2022 [20] - Free cash flow for the trailing twelve months was $287 million, indicating strong operational performance [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do the 2023 Investor Day targets for FY 2026 stand? - Management acknowledged that targets set were reasonable and expressed satisfaction with outperforming them [25][26] Question: What are the implications of recent legislative proposals on student loans? - Management believes the proposals are generally positive for the industry, as their programs offer high return on investment [28][29] Question: Is there any hesitancy among students regarding enrollment due to funding pressures? - Management reported no signs of hesitancy among prospective or current students regarding financing their education [33] Question: What is the outlook for margin expansion in the Medical and Veterinary segment? - Management indicated confidence in long-term margin expansion despite short-term margin degradation due to investments [34][35] Question: What are the primary limitations on scaling up capacity? - Management identified opportunities for growth in existing programs and potential geographic expansion as key areas for scaling [50]