Core Insights - The partnership between Heritage Valley Health System School of Nursing and Sophia Learning aims to address the critical healthcare workforce shortage in the U.S. by enabling more efficient completion of nursing degrees through online general education courses [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration allows students to complete pre-approved online college-level general education courses, which can be transferred to the Heritage Valley School of Nursing, thus streamlining the path to obtaining a nursing degree [1][3] - Sophia Learning's self-paced courses can be completed in approximately one third of the time compared to traditional semester-long courses, providing flexibility for students [3] Group 2: Workforce Challenges - The U.S. is projected to face a shortage of nearly 700,000 critical healthcare workers, including physicians and nurses, by 2037 [2] - A recent Harris Poll indicates that 55% of healthcare workers are considering job changes within the next year, with 48% citing lack of career advancement and educational opportunities as primary reasons for their potential departure [4] Group 3: Educational Impact - The partnership aims to make nursing education more affordable and accessible, thereby strengthening the nursing pipeline and addressing the nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals [5] - Sophia Learning has saved students over $1 billion in tuition, completed more than 1 million courses, and awarded over 2.9 million transfer credits, highlighting its impact on education accessibility [6]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores offer a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify securities with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores - Stocks are rated from A to F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with A being the highest score indicating a better chance of outperforming the market [3] - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [3] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's future prospects, analyzing earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks with sustainable growth [4] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, using metrics like weekly price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive rating that highlights stocks with strong value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - With over 800 top-rated stocks available, investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [9] Stock Highlight: Adtalem Global Education - Adtalem Global Education Inc. is a prominent provider of healthcare education and workforce solutions, operating in three reportable segments [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A, Adtalem is positioned as a potential growth investment [11] - The company forecasts a year-over-year earnings growth of 17.7% for the current fiscal year, supported by upward revisions in earnings estimates [12] - Adtalem has an average earnings surprise of +17.4%, making it a strong candidate for investors seeking growth opportunities [12]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools to help investors make informed decisions and invest confidently in the stock market [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to assist investors in selecting stocks with high potential to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected earnings and sales for sustainable growth [5] - The Momentum Score capitalizes on price trends, using recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts to identify high-momentum stocks [6] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to highlight stocks with attractive value, strong growth potential, and positive momentum [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [8][10] - To optimize returns, investors should target stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, while also considering earnings estimate revisions [10][11] Company Spotlight: Adtalem Global Education - Adtalem Global Education Inc. is recognized as a leading provider of healthcare education and workforce solutions, operating in three reportable segments since Q1 of fiscal 2022 [12] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, making it a strong candidate for growth investors [12] - Adtalem is projected to achieve year-over-year earnings growth of 16.6% for the current fiscal year, with a recent upward revision in earnings estimates and an average earnings surprise of +17.4% [13]

Core Insights - Adtalem Global Education has partnered with Google Cloud to launch a comprehensive AI credentials program tailored for healthcare professionals, addressing the urgent need for AI adoption in medical education [1][4] - The program aims to equip students and practicing clinicians with hands-on experience in AI tools, enhancing their clinical decision-making and patient care [3][6] Industry Context - Despite significant investments in AI technologies by healthcare organizations, only 28% of physicians and 36% of nurses feel adequately prepared to utilize AI effectively, highlighting a critical AI readiness gap [2] - This gap prevents healthcare systems from fully leveraging their technology investments, particularly during times of workforce shortages and capacity constraints [2] Program Details - The AI credentials program is set to launch in 2026 and will be available across all Adtalem institutions, which collectively serve over 91,000 students [4] - Coursework will cover AI applications in clinical practice, ethical considerations, patient safety protocols, and practical experience with healthcare-specific AI tools [4][6] Strategic Goals - The partnership aims to position Adtalem as the preferred clinical workforce partner for healthcare providers, combining its educational expertise with Google Cloud's AI technologies [6] - The initiative is designed to prepare healthcare professionals to use AI responsibly, thereby improving patient outcomes while maintaining a human-centered approach to care [6]

Core Points - Jennifer Allen, a graduate of Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie, has been awarded "Graduate of the Year" by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas (CCST) for her academic excellence and professional dedication [1][3][4] - This recognition highlights the importance of oral healthcare and the role of dental hygienists in communities [3] - Allen graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received the Colgate STAR Award, showcasing her commitment to education despite personal challenges [4][5] Company and Industry Summary - Concorde Career Colleges operates 17 campuses across eight states, focusing on preparing students for careers in healthcare and dental professions [9] - The institution employs a blended education model that combines online coursework with in-person lab classes and clinical settings [9] - This is the third consecutive year that a Concorde campus or individual has been recognized at the CCST annual awards, indicating a strong reputation within the industry [8]

Core Insights - Concorde Career Colleges is relocating its Aurora campus to Denver as part of Universal Technical Institute's North Star strategy to address the skilled workforce gap in America [1][2] - The new Denver campus will occupy 60,000 square feet and is expected to enhance the learning experience with expanded programming and facilities [1][3] Company Overview - Concorde Career Colleges operates 17 campuses across eight states and focuses on preparing healthcare and dental professionals through a blended education model [5] - The institution is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE) [5] Industry Context - There is a significant demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Colorado, with projected job growth rates of 13% for dental hygienists and practical nurses, and 17% for radiologic technologists from 2022 to 2032 [3][4] - The relocation to a larger facility is aimed at meeting local employer needs and enhancing student outcomes in high-demand healthcare fields [2][3]

Market Overview - The broader market has improved significantly as fears over geopolitical tensions and slowing economic growth ease, shifting sentiment back to "risk-on" [1] - Selective small-cap stocks are seen as offering exceptional upside opportunities, particularly those with strong growth forecasts and favorable valuations [1] The ONE Group Hospitality (STKS) - The ONE Group Hospitality operates upscale restaurant brands and is benefiting from a renewed appetite for in-person dining, indicating a shift away from "peak takeout" [4] - The company has transitioned from negative to positive earnings, with current year earnings projections rising from a loss of -$0.31 to a gain of $0.51, and next year's forecast increasing from -$0.08 to $0.69 [5] - STKS has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and trades at a forward earnings multiple of 9.3x, with expected EPS growth of 20% annually over the next three to five years [5] - The stock chart shows a promising technical setup, having built a solid base and formed a bullish continuation pattern, with key support at $4.70 and resistance at $5.13 [6] Legacy Education Inc. (LGCY) - Legacy Education Inc. operates in healthcare education and workforce development, focusing on training for high-demand medical roles, making it somewhat recession-resistant [8] - The company has strong momentum, holding a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and trading at a forward earnings multiple of 17.1x, with sales expected to rise by 37.9% this year and another 16.9% in 2026 [9] - Following a recent breakout to new record highs, LGCY is forming a technical bull flag, with a potential confirmation above the $11 level [10] Investment Outlook - Both The ONE Group Hospitality and Legacy Education Inc. are highlighted as compelling investment opportunities, supported by strong earnings growth forecasts, reasonable valuations, and improving technical setups [13] - These small-cap stocks are positioned to be early leaders in a broader small-cap resurgence, making them worthy of close attention for investors seeking growth stories with breakout potential [14]

Core Insights - The partnership between Concorde Career Colleges and Marquis Companies aims to address the demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Oregon through a forgivable student loan program for employees [1][2][4] Company Initiatives - Marquis employees can apply for a $12,000 forgivable student loan to attend the nursing program at Concorde's Portland campus, with $4,000 forgiven for each year of service post-licensure [2][6] - The "Peak Pathways Career Development" program was developed to support and upskill loyal employees, enhancing retention and reducing recruitment costs [5][7] Industry Context - The demand for skilled practical nurses in the Portland Tri-County area is projected to grow by 9.8% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the national average [6] - The competition for LPNs has decreased for senior living facilities, but the need for qualified nurses remains high [6] Program Outcomes - Thirteen employees have graduated from the program, with an additional twelve currently enrolled, indicating a successful implementation of the partnership [6] - The next phase involves increasing the cohort size to enhance support and relationship-building among employees [8][9]

Core Insights - Wolters Kluwer Health has acquired IntelliLearn Pty Ltd., enhancing its offerings in online courseware solutions for nursing education in Australia and the U.S. [1][2] - The acquisition will integrate IntelliLearn into Wolters Kluwer's Health, Learning, Research & Practice (HLRP) business, which is a leader in nursing education and practice solutions [1][2]. Company Overview - Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in information solutions, software, and services across various sectors including healthcare, tax, accounting, and legal [4]. - The company reported annual revenues of €5.9 billion for 2024 and operates in over 40 countries, employing approximately 21,900 people [5]. Acquisition Details - IntelliLearn, founded in 2010 and based in Adelaide, Australia, provides cloud-based solutions used by educational institutions in multiple countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S. [2]. - The acquisition is expected to yield a return on invested capital (ROIC) above the weighted after-tax cost of capital (WACC) within three to five years and will have an immaterial impact on Wolters Kluwer's adjusted earnings [2].

Company Overview - Adtalem Global Education Inc. is a leading healthcare education provider and workforce solutions innovator, offering a wide array of programs across medical and healthcare services [12]. Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Adtalem has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, indicating a solid position in the market [12]. - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 26% over the past four weeks [13]. - One analyst has revised their earnings estimate upwards for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.12 to $6.32 per share [13]. - Adtalem boasts an average earnings surprise of 18.4%, highlighting its potential for positive performance [13]. Investment Considerations - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Adtalem should be on investors' short list for potential investment opportunities [13].