K12 (LRN) reported $631.26 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 7.5%. EPS of $2.50 for the same period compares to $2.03 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +0.62% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $627.36 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $2.33, the EPS surprise was +7.14%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street exp ...

Core Viewpoint - Stride (NYSE: LRN) stock is currently undervalued, expanding, and generating cash, making it an attractive investment opportunity for market participants [2]. Company Performance - LRN is trading at a significant discount compared to its highs over the past 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, primarily due to platform implementation challenges in mid-2025, which resulted in 10,000-15,000 fewer enrollments and increased expenses [3]. - Despite recent challenges, LRN has shown strong demand, with Career Learning enrollments increasing by 20% in Q1 FY26 [4]. - The company maintains a robust balance sheet with $749.6 million in cash and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32 [4]. - Revenue expectations for fiscal 2026 are projected between $2.48 billion and $2.555 billion, indicating resilience in the face of challenges [4]. Financial Metrics - LRN offers a cash flow yield of 10.4% and has experienced a revenue surge of 17.3% over the last twelve months, suggesting continued growth in cash reserves [8]. - The stock is currently priced at 55% less than its 3-month peak, 59% below its 1-year high, and 59% below its 2-year peak, reflecting a significant valuation discount [8]. Investment Considerations - The company has a market cap exceeding $2 billion, positive revenue growth, and a high free cash flow yield, making it a compelling investment option [9]. - Historical performance indicates average returns of 25.7% and 57.9% for the 6-month and 12-month periods, respectively, with a win rate of over 70% for both durations [9].

Core Insights - Stride Inc. has seen a drastic decline in market value, dropping nearly 50% shortly after reporting quarterly results that exceeded earnings expectations, with an adjusted EPS of $1.52 and revenue of $620.9 million, reflecting a nearly 13% year-over-year growth [2] - The company's full-year revenue forecast of $2.48 billion to $2.55 billion fell short of Wall Street's expectations of approximately $2.67 billion, causing investor concern [2][3] - Operational missteps in technology rollout may have resulted in a loss of 10,000–15,000 student enrollments, impacting the company's scale and retention [2] Revenue Growth and Enrollment - The revised guidance indicates a slowdown in revenue growth from approximately 18% last year to an expected 9–10% this year, raising concerns among growth investors [3] - Despite an 11% increase in overall enrollment and Career Learning segment growth exceeding 30%, skepticism remains regarding Stride's ability to maintain profitability if growth momentum declines [3] Financial Metrics and Valuation - Stride is currently trading at around 12–13 times forward earnings, significantly lower than competitors like Chegg or Coursera, which have valuations exceeding 20 times [4] - This low valuation reflects market doubt but also presents potential investment opportunities if management can stabilize enrollments and achieve long-term growth targets of 10% annual revenue growth and 20% profit growth [4]

Core Insights - Stride, Inc. reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and both metrics showing year-over-year growth [1][4][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.52, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23 by 23.6%, compared to $1.09 in the same quarter last year [4][8] - Revenues totaled $620.9 million, beating the consensus estimate of $615 million by 1% and increasing by 12.7% year over year [5][8] - Total enrollment rose 11.3% year over year, reaching a record 247,700 students, indicating growing demand for alternative education options [5][8] - Average revenue per student increased by 3.7% from the previous year to $2,388 [5] Segment Performance - General Education segment revenues were $363.1 million, up 10.2% from the prior year, with enrollments growing 5.2% to 137,700 students [6] - Career Learning segment revenues for Middle-High School reached $241.5 million, up over 21% year over year, while Adult School revenues were $16.3 million, down from $22.8 million in the prior year [6] Operational Metrics - Stride's gross margin for the fiscal first quarter was 39%, a decrease of 20 basis points from the previous year [9] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses totaled $173.1 million, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase [9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108.4 million, compared to $83.9 million in the prior-year quarter [10] Balance Sheet - As of September 30, 2025, Stride's cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities amounted to $749.6 million, down from $1,011.4 million reported on June 30, 2025 [11] - Capital expenditures were $21.7 million as of September 30, 2025, an increase from $14.8 million a year earlier [12] Future Guidance - For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Stride expects revenues between $620 million and $640 million, with capital expenditures projected at $15 million to $18 million [13][14] - For the full fiscal year 2026, the company anticipates revenues in the range of $2.48 billion to $2.555 billion, with capital expenditures expected to be between $70 million and $80 million [15][16]

FY2025 Performance Highlights - Revenue reached $24053 million, a year-over-year increase of 18%[11] - Adjusted Operating Income was $4662 million, up 59% year-over-year[11] - Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $5710 million, reflecting a 46% year-over-year growth[11] - Adjusted EPS stood at $810[11] Q4 FY2025 Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $6536 million, a 22% increase year-over-year[11] - Adjusted Operating Income for the quarter reached $1306 million, up 49% year-over-year[11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1584 million, a 41% increase year-over-year[11] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $229[11] Enrollment Trends - Total revenues increased by 179% to $24053 million[18] - Average enrollment increased by 204% to 2340K[18] - General Education average enrollments increased 161K, up 13% year-over-year[19] - Career Learning average enrollments increased 236K, up 33% year-over-year[19] Balance Sheet - Cash, Cash Equivalents & Marketable Securities totaled $10114 million[20] - Total Debt Obligations were $5032 million[20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 was $613.4 million, an increase of 17.8% year-over-year [12] - Adjusted operating income was $141.7 million, up 47% [16] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $168.3 million, up 40% [16] - Gross margins improved to 40.6%, up 190 basis points from last year [15] - Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $2.20 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from career learning, middle, and high school programs grew to $223.9 million, up 33% [12] - General education revenue was $370.8 million, up 13% [12] - Enrollment in career learning programs increased by 34% to 98,700 [12] - Average enrollments rose 14% from last year to 141,500 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enrollment was up over 21% from last year, setting the company up for continued growth [11] - Demand for full-time online programs remains strong, with 27% of parents considering such options [6] - Application volumes have grown significantly, almost doubling compared to two years ago and quadrupling compared to four years ago [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its core capabilities to deliver innovative, outcomes-driven solutions for over 50 million students [9] - Focus on building an enduring business for the next 25 years while celebrating its 25th anniversary [8] - Plans to invest in tutoring and socialization opportunities for students in online programs [61][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in finishing the year with more enrollments than started, marking the third consecutive year of growth [11] - The macro environment remains favorable, with strong demand trends supporting future growth [6] - Management noted a generally favorable funding environment for FY 2026 [14] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $2.37 to $2.385 billion, up from $2.32 to $2.355 billion [18] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $15.8 million, slightly down from $16.3 million [17] - Free cash flow was $37.3 million, down from $52.2 million due to timing of cash receipts [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strong enrollment growth in Career Learning program - Management acknowledged ongoing tests to develop a separate funnel for career learning but noted challenges in cracking the code [20][22] Question: Improving socialization opportunities for online students - Management discussed initiatives like the K-12 zone and geographic pods to enhance socialization for students [24][26] Question: Marketing strategy and spend - Management indicated that marketing strategies will remain consistent, focusing on testing and optimizing media placements without significantly increasing spend [34][38] Question: Impact of federal policies on demand - Management expressed confidence that the current administration's focus on choice will positively impact demand, particularly at the state level [41] Question: Growth in Career Learning and missed opportunities in lower grades - Management highlighted strong growth in middle and high school but acknowledged the need to improve communication and offerings in lower grades [46][47] Question: Constraints on enrollment due to school policies - Management confirmed that some schools have closed enrollment windows, impacting the ability to meet demand [50][51] Question: Future gross margin expansion - Management indicated that while gross margins are currently strong, they do not expect significant increases beyond current levels [59][60]

Financial Performance - Q3 FY25 revenue reached $613.4 million, an 18% year-over-year increase[9] - Adjusted Operating Income for Q3 FY25 was $141.7 million, a 47% year-over-year increase[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 FY25 was $168.3 million, a 40% year-over-year increase[9] - Revenue for the first nine months of FY25 reached $1751.7 million, a 16% year-over-year increase[9] - Adjusted Operating Income for the first nine months of FY25 was $335.7 million, a 63% year-over-year increase[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of FY25 was $412.6 million, a 48% year-over-year increase[9] Enrollment Trends - Average Q3 enrollments reached 240200, up 21.1% from the prior year[7] - General Education enrollments increased by 16900, up 14% year-over-year[17] - Career Learning enrollments increased by 24900, up 34% year-over-year[17] Guidance and Targets - The company increased its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $2370 billion to $2385 billion[18] - The company increased its full-year Adjusted Operating Income guidance to a range of $455 million to $465 million[18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 was $613.4 million, an increase of 17.8% year-over-year [12] - Adjusted operating income was $141.7 million, up 47% [17] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $168.3 million, up 40% [17] - Gross margins improved to 40.6%, up 190 basis points from last year [15] - Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $2.20 [17] - Free cash flow was $37.3 million, down from $52.2 million due to timing of cash receipts [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from career learning, middle and high school programs grew to $223.9 million, up 33% [12] - General education revenue was $370.8 million, up 13% [12] - Enrollment in career learning programs increased by 34% to 98,700 [12] - Average enrollments rose 14% from last year to 141,500 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand for full-time online programs remains strong, with 27% of parents considering such options [5] - Application volumes have grown significantly, nearly doubling compared to two years ago and quadrupling compared to four years ago [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its core capabilities to deliver innovative, outcomes-driven solutions for over 50 million students [9] - Focus on building an enduring business for the next 25 years while celebrating its 25th anniversary [8] - Plans to invest in tutoring and socialization opportunities for students in online programs [26][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in finishing the fiscal year with more enrollments than started, marking the third consecutive year of growth [11] - The macro environment remains favorable, with strong demand trends supporting future growth [5][10] - Management noted that less than 5% of overall revenues come from federal sources, indicating limited impact from federal funding changes [14] Other Important Information - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $2.37 to $2.385 billion, up from previous guidance [18] - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to remain between $60 and $65 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strong enrollment growth in Career Learning program - Management acknowledged ongoing tests to develop a separate enrollment funnel for career learning but noted challenges in cracking the code [21][23] Question: Improving socialization opportunities for online students - Management highlighted initiatives like the K-12 zone and geographic pods to enhance socialization for students [25][27] Question: Marketing strategy and spend - Management indicated that marketing strategies will remain consistent, focusing on testing and optimizing without significantly increasing spend [33][37] Question: Impact of federal policies on demand - Management expressed confidence that the current administration's focus on choice will positively impact demand, particularly at the state level [40][41] Question: Growth in middle and high school areas - Management noted strong growth in these areas but emphasized the need to improve communication and offerings for lower grades [45][46] Question: Enrollment constraints due to closed windows - Management confirmed that demand continues to grow, but enrollment windows often close during this period, limiting capacity to meet demand [48][50] Question: Impact of uncertainty on demand - Management indicated that local uncertainties, such as school safety and district-level volatility, have positively influenced demand [55] Question: Future gross margin expansion - Management expects continued efficiency improvements but does not anticipate significant increases in gross margins beyond current levels [57][58]