Core Insights - Coursera Inc (NYSE:COUR) is identified as one of the best small-cap stocks with significant upside potential according to Reddit investors [1][2] - The company is expected to benefit from increased engagement on its platform as individuals seek to upskill amid labor market concerns and AI-related job risks [2] Company Performance - In 2025, AI skills are projected to become essential, with demand accelerating [2] - Coursera is experiencing a rise in enrollments, with 14 enrollments per minute for its generative AI courses, up from 8 enrollments per minute the previous year [2] - Generative AI is noted as the most in-demand skill in Coursera's history [2] Strategic Partnerships - Coursera has announced a content partnership with Anthropic, a leading AI research company, to enhance its offerings [2] - The partnership aims to help learners and institutions apply the latest advancements in AI safely and effectively [2]

Core Insights - The online education sector is experiencing a significant shift towards digital alternatives, with companies like Stride, Inc. and Coursera, Inc. benefiting from this trend [1][21]. Stride, Inc. (LRN) - Stride is focusing on strategic investments across its programs, particularly in career platforms and AI integration [2]. - The company has seen record enrollment growth, with a 20.4% year-over-year increase in fiscal 2025, driven by a 32.5% increase in Career Learning and a 13.2% increase in General Education [3][9]. - Stride's K12 Tutoring services are gaining traction, with partnerships like the one with Lake Forest School District enhancing its growth prospects [5]. - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Stride's in-house strategies and favorable market shifts are mitigating risks [6]. - Stride's trailing 12-month Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 25.5%, indicating strong efficiency in generating shareholder returns [20]. Coursera, Inc. (COUR) - Coursera is heavily investing in AI-powered features to enhance learner engagement, with over 925 generative AI courses and enrollments exceeding 10 million [7][11]. - The company has introduced new job-specific generative AI courses in collaboration with major tech firms, aligning with market trends [8]. - Coursera's revenues grew by 8% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, driven by an 18% increase in Registered Learners and a 15% increase in Paid Enterprise Customers [11]. - However, Coursera faces challenges such as lower retention rates among paid learners and budgetary constraints affecting corporate spending [12]. Comparative Analysis - Stride's stock is currently trading at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to Coursera, suggesting a more attractive entry point for investors [14]. - Stride's earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 indicate year-over-year growth of 8.8% and 10.2%, respectively, while Coursera's estimates reflect growth of 14.7% and 16.5% [18][20]. - Stride's consistent earnings momentum and favorable ROE position it as a better investment option compared to Coursera, which is rated as a hold [22][24].