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PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. PWSC, a leader in cloud-based software for K-12 education, has announced two new AI-driven tools, PowerBuddy for College and Career and PowerBuddy for Custom AI. These tools aim to revolutionize the way students, families, and school districts access and manage information, potentially driving further growth for PWSC stock.
PWSC’s AI Tools to Transform College and Career Planning
PowerBuddy for College and Career helps students take control of their future planning by offering personalized guidance based on their unique needs. This AI assistant uses longitudinal student data to provide real-time responses about career paths, college options, scholarships, and more. With natural language interactions, students can easily access relevant information without wasting time sifting through resources.
The assistant is designed to reduce the burden on school counselors, who often manage far more students than recommended. By offering a self-service platform for students to explore postsecondary options, PowerBuddy allows counselors to focus on higher-impact areas of support.
PWSC’s AI Tools to Enhance School District Efficiency
PowerBuddy for Custom AI is designed to streamline how school districts interact with their communities. By providing real-time answers to district-specific queries — ranging from policy manuals to athletic schedules — this tool saves both time and effort for families and staff. The AI assistant ensures users receive approved, accurate information from the district’s knowledge base, reducing the need for manual searches.
Given that only 23% of educators feel partnerships with parents have strengthened since the pandemic, PowerBuddy’s ability to improve communication and accessibility could significantly impact school district adoption of PowerSchool’s software, boosting the company's growth trajectory and stock appeal.
Both PowerBuddy tools are built on PowerSchool’s Responsible AI principles, with a strong focus on privacy and security. The company’s commitment to secure, efficient, and personalized technology could strengthen PowerSchool’s foothold in the education technology space.
As districts and schools seek more efficient ways to manage operations and student support, these AI-driven innovations could drive higher adoption rates of PowerSchool’s offerings, positively impacting PWSC stock.
PWSC Stock Performance
Shares of this cloud-based education software provider have gained 8.5% in the past six months against the Zacks Schools industry’s 9.1% decline. The company has been benefiting from the continuous strength in the market demand for its suite of mission-critical products, along with its focus on operating leverage. Furthermore, its advanced AI solutions enhancements and opportunities in its market bode well for PWSC’s prospects.
Considering the estimate revision trend, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 and third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of PWSC have trended upward to 90 cents (from 63 cents) and 25 cents (from 18 cents) over the past 60 days, respectively. The estimated figures indicate 9.8% and 4.2% growth, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported levels. Such an uptrend depicts analysts’ optimism about the stock’s potential.
In June 2024, PowerSchool entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by one of the world’s leading private multi-asset alternative investment firms, Bain Capital. The transaction, valued at $5.6 billion, is expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Although PWSC is set to be acquired, it will continue to remain a standalone company with no interruptions in its business operations and customer service.
PWSC Zacks Rank
PowerSchool currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Key Picks
Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector:
Stride, Inc. LRN presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). LRN has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 40.3%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
LRN shares have gained 31.8% in the past six months. The consensus estimate for LRN’s fiscal 2025 sales and EPS implies a rise of 6.3% and 7.7%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. LOPE, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.2%, on average.
LOPE shares have gained 6.5% in the past six months. LOPE has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to $7.98 per share from $7.80 over the past 60 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 13.4% growth from a year ago.
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation LINC, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 249.4%, on average.
LRN shares have gained 24.5% in the past six months. LINC has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to 51 cents per share from 48 cents over the past 60 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 4.1% growth from a year ago.
Zacks Investment Research
Investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Is Crocs (CROX) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Discretionary sector should help us answer this question.
Crocs is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 277 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #10. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.
The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. Crocs is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CROX's full-year earnings has moved 1.2% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
Based on the latest available data, CROX has gained about 37.2% so far this year. At the same time, Consumer Discretionary stocks have gained an average of 2.7%. As we can see, Crocs is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.
One other Consumer Discretionary stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Grand Canyon Education (LOPE). The stock is up 5.3% year-to-date.
In Grand Canyon Education's case, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year increased 2.3% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Crocs belongs to the Textile - Apparel industry, a group that includes 20 individual stocks and currently sits at #162 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, stocks in this group have lost 26.9% this year, meaning that CROX is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.
In contrast, Grand Canyon Education falls under the Schools industry. Currently, this industry has 18 stocks and is ranked #56. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved -4.2%.
Investors with an interest in Consumer Discretionary stocks should continue to track Crocs and Grand Canyon Education. These stocks will be looking to continue their solid performance.
Zacks Investment Research
Flexsteel Industries, Inc. FLXS announced a hike of more than 13% in its quarterly cash dividend. The largest manufacturer, importer, and marketer of residential furniture products will pay out a quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share on Oct. 7, 2024, to shareholders on record as of Sept. 25.
The company currently has a dividend payout ratio of 28% and a dividend yield of 1.5%, based on the closing share price of $39.80 on Sept. 10. This marks the company’s 331st consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
With the recent move, FLXS is maintaining its commitment to increase stockholders’ returns. The dividend increase reflects FLXS’ sound and stable financial position and commitment to rewarding shareholders amid industry-wide challenges.
What’s Driving FLXS’ Growth?
Flexsteel has been paying cash dividends for decades. It has been consistently sharing its cash flows with shareholders and maintaining a strong financial position. The company ended fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 (ended June 30, 2024) with cash and cash equivalents of $4.8 million compared with $3.4 million at fiscal 2023-end. The company has sufficient funds to meet the short-term obligation of $7.52 million. Operating lease liabilities, net of the current portion, at June-end, was $58.1 million, down from $65 million at fiscal 2023-end.
Additionally, cash provided by operating activities was $31.9 million for fiscal 2024 compared with $23 million a year ago. This reflects improved levels of cash flow for the year.
Investors always prefer a return-generating stock. A high-dividend-yielding one is much coveted. It goes without saying that stockholders are always on the lookout for companies with a track record of consistent and incremental dividend payments.
Shares of the company have skyrocketed 111.1% so far this year compared with the industry‘s 23.4% growth. FLXS has effectively managed its operations. It has capitalized on sustained productivity and cost-saving measures, maintained pricing discipline, and actively managed its product portfolio to its advantage. The company is expected to benefit from its growth strategy and new product introductions.
Despite ongoing challenges in the industry, primarily stemming from changes in consumer spending preferences away from home furnishings, the company expects net sales growth of 5-10% year over year in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The same is expected to rise 2-6% in fiscal 2025. Read more: (Flexsteel Q4 Earnings and Sales Beat Estimates, Up Y/Y)
FLXS' Zacks Rank & Key Picks
FLXS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. LOPE, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has been benefiting from online, as well as hybrid enrollment growth. The online platform continues to perform well, attributed to the introduction of 148 new programs, many of which address current labor market needs such as healthcare and cybersecurity. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
LOPE has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to $7.98 per share from $7.80 over the past 60 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 13.4% growth from a year ago.
Stride, Inc. LRN, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, has been gaining from higher enrollment, expanding product offerings and Middle - High School learning growth. Consistent demand for online learning options has been benefiting Stride’s top line in recent times.
LRN has seen an upward estimate revision for fiscal 2025 earnings to $5.05 per share from $5.02 over the past 60 days. The company’s earnings for fiscal 2025 are expected to grow 7.7%.
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation LINC, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, has been gaining from transformational growth strategies, which align with rising public interest in alternative education pathways and employer demand for skilled labor amid a workforce skills gap. Strategic expansions, corporate partnerships, and the innovative Lincoln 10.0 platform are driving positive momentum.
LINC has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to 51 cents per share from 48 cents over the past 30 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 4.1% growth from a year ago.
Zacks Investment Research
Investors looking for stocks in the Schools sector might want to consider either K12 (LRN) or Grand Canyon Education (LOPE). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.
Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores work to identify stocks with specific traits.
K12 and Grand Canyon Education are both sporting a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) right now. This means that both companies have witnessed positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that both of these stocks have an improving earnings outlook. However, value investors will care about much more than just this.
Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.
The Value category of the Style Scores system identifies undervalued companies by looking at a number of key metrics. These include the long-favored P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that help us determine a company's fair value.
LRN currently has a forward P/E ratio of 15.47, while LOPE has a forward P/E of 17.27. We also note that LRN has a PEG ratio of 0.77. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. LOPE currently has a PEG ratio of 1.15.
Another notable valuation metric for LRN is its P/B ratio of 2.87. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, LOPE has a P/B of 5.40.
Based on these metrics and many more, LRN holds a Value grade of A, while LOPE has a Value grade of C.
Both LRN and LOPE are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that LRN is the superior value option right now.
Zacks Investment Research
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – September 10, 2024 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Grand Canyon Education, Inc. LOPE, Stride, Inc. LRN and Lincoln Educational Services Corp. LINC.
Industry: Schools
Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2333210/3-top-schools-stocks-ready-to-soar-with-industry-growth
The U.S. education industry has experienced multifaceted growth, driven by the rising popularity of e-books, the expansion of online learning, increasing demand for healthcare professionals, the launch of new technologies, the implementation of hybrid teaching platforms, and strategic acquisitions aimed at global reach. However, companies in the Zacks Schools industry are grappling with challenges such as increased advertising and marketing expenses and the costs associated with online education. Additionally, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant threat.
Despite these hurdles, players in the industry, such as Grand Canyon Education, Inc., Stride, Inc. and Lincoln Educational Services Corp., are expected to benefit from innovative product offerings, particularly those incorporating AI and game-based learning, alongside prudent cost management and a focus on profitability. For-profit education companies are also forming partnerships with corporations and community colleges to enhance workforce education.
Industry Description
The Zacks Schools industry comprises for-profit education companies that offer undergraduate, graduate and specialized programs in finance, accounting, analytics, marketing, healthcare, business and technology. They are engaged in offering career-oriented programs in the fields of business and management, nursing, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, project management, cybersecurity as well as criminal justice. The industry players also offer child-care services and career-oriented post-secondary courses. Some companies within the industry also provide yoga classes and yoga-related retail merchandise-integrated fitness classes, along with conducting workshops and teacher training programs.
3 Trends Shaping the Future of the School Industry
Rising Demand for Online Education & Healthcare Professionals: For-profit education stocks have been reaping the benefits of the rise in the virtual delivery of education. Many for-profit education companies have undertaken initiatives to reach students who aspire to complete their courses as planned with the help of various online education platforms. Also, classroom-type-education-providing companies are cashing in on the unprecedented surge in demand for online education. The industry players have been focusing on non-traditional education models and innovative teaching platforms to improve efficiency, enhance student experiences, and support expansion through new campuses and program replication.
Meanwhile, healthcare and global institutions have been making substantial contributions to the companies' financial success. The U.S. healthcare sector is presently grappling with a pronounced shortage of skilled professionals, which is posing a significant risk to the quality of care and further exacerbating health disparities across the country. The companies have designed their programs to be rigorous and well-suited to address the workforce needs of the healthcare industry. Industry stakeholders also anticipate a future where the demand for healthcare professionals will outstrip the available supply.
Cost-Saving Efforts, Increasing Use of Technology & Introduction of More Programs: To boost profitability, school companies are resorting to aggressive cost-cutting through significant layoffs, campus closings and consolidations. Developments such as switching to online education programs, increasing use of technology in education, more investments in education and the regular introduction of programs and specializations should boost student outcomes.
Tie-ups with different organizations to reduce exposure to Title IV funding, improve academic quality and retain students also bode well. Many for-profit education companies are investing in diversified platforms, non-degree programs and designing programs specifically aimed at meeting the educational needs of working adults in targeted professions.
Higher Rates & Generative AI Systems: The Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance, comprising a series of rate increases to combat inflation, made a slew of debt offerings, including new mortgages, credit cards and some student loans, more expensive. Although federal student loans are doled out at a fixed rate, private loans come with variable rates that have been edging up.
Importantly, generative AI systems have the remarkable ability to generate highly sophisticated textual outputs based on brief human prompts. Major tech companies are in fierce competition to create superior versions of this technology, and the rapid advancements in generative AI pose a potential threat to the new customer growth rate of educational companies. The emergence of AI could disrupt the traditional business models of the industry players.
Meanwhile, the industry is reeling under challenges like inflation and stagnant traditional campus enrollment growth, given the rising demand for online education platforms and remote learning options. Again, any general economic slowdown will reduce the number of jobs available to graduates and result in lower salaries offered in connection with the available employment, affecting the companies’ placements and persistence.
Additionally, the slowdown may compel students to default on their loans, which could increase institutions’ student loan cohort default rates, ultimately bumping up bad debt expenses. Higher default rates may also adversely impact the industry players’ eligibility to participate in some Title IV programs, affecting the companies’ operations and financial condition.
Increased competition, higher expenses for advertising and various programs and a shortage of skilled labor are concerning. Higher unemployment levels may prove detrimental to for-profit education companies.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects
The Zacks Schools industry is a 15-stock group within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #56, which places it in the top 22% of more than 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates impressive near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
The industry’s positioning in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a higher earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually gaining confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential. Since July 2024, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2024 have increased to $1.10 per share from $1.09 per share.
Before we present a few stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.
Industry Outperforms the Sector, Lags the S&P 500
The Zacks Schools industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector but lagged the Zacks S&P 500 Composite over the past year.
The stocks in this industry have collectively rallied 13.9% compared with the broader sector’s rise of 4.7%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has increased 19.9% in the said period.
Industry's Current Valuation
On the basis of the forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing for-profit education stocks, the industry is currently trading at 18.5X versus the S&P 500’s 20.7X and the sector’s 16.8X.
Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 88.7X, as low as 14.4X and at a median of 27.1X.
3 School Stocks to Buy Now
Below, we have discussed three stocks from the industry that currently have a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and have solid growth potential. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Stride: This is a Reston, VA-based technology-based education company. The company has been gaining from higher enrollment, expanding product offerings and Middle - High School learning growth. Consistent demand for online learning options has been benefiting Stride’s top line in recent times.
Investments focused on improving user experience, enhancing teacher tools and strengthening student engagement also bode well. Its businesses pursue strategic, disciplined acquisitions also drive growth. Stride's new tutoring service gained acceptance across multiple states. This, along with other innovative offerings, especially those involving AI and game-based learning, positions the company for further diversification and potential revenue growth in the near future.
Stride stock has gained 79.5% over the past year. LRN has seen an upward estimate revision for fiscal 2025 earnings to $5.05 per share from $5.02 over the past 60 days. The company’s earnings for fiscal 2025 are expected to grow 7.7%. The expected EPS growth rate for three to five years is 20%. Its earnings topped consensus estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 40.3%. It also has a favorable VGM Score of A, making it a potentially interesting investment opportunity.
Grand Canyon Education: This Phoenix, AZ-based company is an education services provider to colleges and universities in the United States and has developed key technological solutions, infrastructure and operational processes to deliver superior services in these areas on a large scale. The company has been benefiting from online, as well as hybrid enrollment growth.
The online platform continues to perform well, attributed to the introduction of 148 new programs, many of which address current labor market needs such as healthcare and cybersecurity. Again, the company is building 80 hybrid locations for healthcare-related programs, with plans to invest $240 million, allowing it to accommodate 50,000 students.
Despite the general decline in university enrollments nationwide, LOPE is expanding due to its innovative delivery models that cater to diverse student needs. It benefits from low tuition increases (averaging 1% annually since 2018) and affordable hybrid learning options.
Grand Canyon stock has gained 21.6% over the past year. LOPE has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to $7.98 per share from $7.80 over the past 60 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 13.4% growth from a year ago. Again, it carries an impressive VGM Score of B. Its earnings topped consensus estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 10.2%. Moreover, its three-to-five-year expected EPS growth rate is currently pegged at 15%.
Lincoln Educational Services: Based in Parsippany, NJ, this company provides various career-oriented post-secondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company has been gaining from transformational growth strategies, which align with rising public interest in alternative education pathways and employer demand for skilled labor amid a workforce skills gap. Strategic expansions, corporate partnerships, and the innovative Lincoln 10.0 platform are driving positive momentum. The company remains well-positioned for long-term growth, with a focus on addressing the nation’s growing demand for skilled trade professionals.
Lincoln stock has gained 33.4% over the past year. LINC has seen an upward estimate revision for 2024 earnings to 51 cents per share from 48 cents over the past 30 days. This company’s earnings for 2024 are expected to register 4.1% growth from a year ago. Again, it carries an impressive VGM Score of A. Its earnings topped consensus estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 249.4%. Moreover, its three-to-five-year expected EPS growth rate is currently pegged at 15%.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Zacks Investment Research
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (Nasdaq: LINC) (the “Company”), a national leader in specialized technical training for more than 75 years, today announced that Scott Shaw, President and CEO, will be participating at the 17th Annual Barrington Research Virtual Fall Investment Conference, being held on Thursday, September 12th, 2024. Investors should reach out to their Barrington sales representatives or contact mpolyviou@evcgroup.com to schedule a virtual one-on-one meeting with Lincoln’s management team.
Mr. Shaw will review the recent second quarter performance, with revenue growing 16.1%, student starts increasing 12.3% and adjusted EBITDA more than doubling compared to the year-ago second quarter. Mr. Shaw will also provide an overview of the Company, its growth drivers and how it is uniquely positioned to execute its long term business strategy to increase shareholder valuation.
“Our continued success is attracting new investors to the Lincoln Educational Services story, and we believe events like the Barrington conference allow us to reach a broader investor audience seeking new investment ideas,” commented Mr. Shaw. “We have a compelling story and the opportunity ahead of us is exciting, especially as we open new campuses and expand in-demand programs to other campuses to meet the growing demand for skilled and essential employees, which is necessary to fuel the U.S. economy.”
ABOUT LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education helping to provide solutions to America’s skills gap. Lincoln offers career-oriented programs to recent high school graduates and working adults in five principal areas of study: automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business and information technology, and hospitality services. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946 and currently operates 22 campuses in 13 states under Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln Culinary Institute, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. For more information, please go to www.lincolntech.edu.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSStatements in this press release and in oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation regarding Lincoln’s business that are not historical facts, including those made in a conference call, may be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the federal securities law. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies and projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings, or other aspects of the Company’s operating results. Such forward-looking statements include the Company’s current belief that it is taking appropriate steps regarding the pandemic and that student growth will continue. The Company cautions you that these statements concern current expectations about the Company’s future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, and other influences, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projects upon which the statements are based including, without limitation, impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other epidemics or pandemics; our failure to comply with the extensive regulatory framework applicable to our industry or our failure to obtain timely regulatory approvals in connection with acquisitions or a change of control of our Company; our success in updating and expanding the content of existing programs and developing new programs for our students in a cost-effective manner or on a timely basis; risks associated with changes in applicable federal laws and regulations; uncertainties regarding our ability to comply with federal laws and regulations, such as the 90/10 rule and prescribed cohort default rates; risks associated with the opening of new campuses; risks associated with integration of acquired schools; industry competition; our ability to execute our growth strategies; conditions and trends in our industry; general economic conditions; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Reports and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Lincoln undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof.
CONTACT: | EVC Group LLC |
Michael Polyviou, mpolyviou@evcgroup.com | |
732-933-2754 |
Today’s episode of Full Court Finance at Zacks dives into where the stock market stands heading into September and why the bulls are ready to remain in charge.
The episode then explores three soaring, highly ranked stocks—Stride , KB Home , and Blue Bird —that offer an impressive combination of value and growth upside to buy in September.
Is Stride Stock a Must Own for Long-Term Investors?
Stride’s (LRN) growing digital education services portfolio serves K–12 students and parents, adult learners, school districts, businesses, the military, and beyond. Stride is expanding as more people dive into digital education and reevaluate college amid skyrocketing costs.
Stride is gaining steam in its career learning segment, especially from its Middle-High School cohort. LRN is also capitalizing on the digitalization of the U.S. economy, offering courses to help people land jobs in healthcare, technology, and other growth areas.
Stride grew its revenue from $400 million in 2010 to $2 billion in its FY24 (period ended June 30), posting 11% sales growth last year and 58% EPS expansion. Stride posted another beat-and-raise quarter in early August, with its upward EPS revisions helping LRN land a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Stride is projected to expand its adjusted earnings by 8% in FY25 and 12% in FY26 on the back of roughly 7% revenue growth in both years.
The online education standout is not just a post-Covid success. Stride shares climbed 350% in the past decade, easily topping the S&P 500’s 190% and its highly-ranked Schools industry’s 23%. Stride stock has soared 95% in the past year and 35% YTD to trade near fresh highs.
Stride’s improving earnings outlook helps LRN trade at a 73% discount to its highs, 35% below its 10-year median, and 20% below its highly-ranked industry at 15.89X forward 12-month earnings. LRN also boasts a sturdy balance sheet that should support new growth efforts.
Why It’s Time to Buy and Hold KB Home Stock
KB Home (KBH) is one of the largest U.S. homebuilders operating in nearly 50 markets across desirable areas within Colorado, Arizona, Texas, California, Nevada, Washington, and beyond. KB Home is well-known for its customization options, energy efficiency, and must-have features. KB Home’s revenue soared 37% in 2021 and another 21% in 2022, before slipping 7% last year as the housing market cooled amid soaring prices and high mortgage rates.
KB Home crushed our Q2 EPS estimate in June and raised its outlook, citing resilient buyers. KBH said the “pace of monthly net orders per community was one of our highest second quarter levels in many years.” KB Home is projected to grow its revenue by 7% in FY24 and 8% next year to help boost its bottom line by 19% and 7%, respectively. KB Home’s improving earnings outlook helps it earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
KB Home’s long-term outlook remains impressive since Millennials drive the housing market, and Baby Boomers are finally retiring and moving. More importantly, home builders didn’t overbuild during the Covid boom and supply remains far below overall demand. On top of that, mortgage rates will come down once the Fed starts cutting rates.
KB Home stock has climbed 400% in the past 10 years to match its Building Products - Home Builders industry (top 8% of over 250 Zacks industries). KBH’s run includes a 65% surge to fresh highs in August. KB Home might face some near-term selling pressure that could take it back to its 21-day or 21-week moving averages.
Even though KBH is trading near its all-time highs, KB Home's valuation marks a 40% discount to its 10-year highs and 18% value compared to its industry at 9.4X forward 12-month earnings. On top of that, KB Home’s dividend yields 1.2% with a 13% payout ratio enabling KB Home to keep boosting its returns to shareholders.
Why Blue Bird is a Top-Ranked Under-the-Radar Stock to Buy
Blue Bird (BLBD) is a school bus power that’s been in business for roughly 100 years. Blue Bird has pushed forward into new areas of automotive technology, including alternative fuel and EV buses.
Blue Bird roared back in a big way after Covid crushed its business, posting 17% revenue growth in 2022 and 42% sales expansion in 2023. BLBD benefits directly from the U.S. government’s push to transition more public schools to EV buses and other non-fossil fuel offerings.
BLBD posted blowout Q3 FY24 earnings results in early August, citing increased demand for school buses and EV models. Blue Bird closed the quarter with a 5,200-unit backlog, helping it raise its earnings outlook significantly.
BLBD’s fiscal 2024 EPS estimate has climbed by 24% since its release, with its FY25 consensus 28% higher to help it earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Blue Bird is projected to expand its revenue by 18% in FY24 and another 12% in FY25. Meanwhile, it is expected to boost its adjusted earnings by 216% from $1.07 to $3.38 a share in FY24 before posting 10% EPS expansion next year.
Blue Bird shares have skyrocketed 150% in the last 12 months and 95% YTD. The stock has climbed 440% in the last 10 years, crushing the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector’s 8% climb and the S&P 500’s 190%. BLBD slipped from its recent peaks to trade 15% below its average Zacks price target. Blue Bird found support at its 21-week moving average and it surged on Thursday.
Blue Bird’s booming earnings outlook has it trading near its 10-year median and 85% below its highs at 14.3X forward 12-month earnings. Blue Bird also trades at a 9% discount to its sector despite blowing away the group over the past year and the last decade. Wall Street understands BLBD’s bull case, with six of the seven brokerage recommendations Zacks has at “Strong Buys.”
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