Download PDF

1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

Stride, Inc., a technology-based education service company, provides proprietary and third-party online curriculum, software systems, and educational services to facilitate individualized learning for students primarily in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) in the United States and internationally.Its technology-based products and services enable clients to attract, enroll, educate, track progress, and support students.The company offers integrated package of systems, services, products, and professional expertise to support a virtual or blended public school; individual online courses and supplemental educational products; and products and services for the general education market focused on subjects, including math, English, science, and history for kindergarten through twelfth grade students.


It also provides career learning products and services that are focused on developing skills to enter in industries, including information technology, health care, and business; and focused post-secondary career learning programs, which include skills training for software engineering, healthcare, and medical fields to adult learners under Galvanize, Tech Elevator, and MedCerts brand names, as well as provides staffing and talent development services to employers.Stride, Inc.serves public and private schools, school districts, charter boards, consumers, employers, and government agencies.


The company was formerly known as K12 Inc.and changed its name to Stride, Inc.in December 2020.


Stride, Inc.was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

Show Full description

1.b. Last Insights on LRN

Stride, Inc.'s recent performance was negatively impacted by conservative FY26 guidance, which led to a significant stock price decline. Despite surpassing earnings expectations with an adjusted EPS of $1.52 and 13% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by Career Learning segment expansion, investor sentiment turned sour. Technical issues and allegations of potential securities law violations by law firms Hagens Berman and Schall Law Firm have added to the stock's downward pressure, with the latter launching investigations into Stride's practices.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Stride's Q1 FY2026 Earnings: A Mixed Bag

Stride's financial performance in the first quarter of FY2026 was a mixed bag, with revenue coming in at $620.9 million, up 13% from the same period last year, and adjusted operating income increasing by 39% to $81.1 million. The company's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $1.52, beating estimates of $1.23. The revenue growth was driven by a strong demand for Stride's products and services, with the count date enrollment increasing by 11.3% year-over-year to 247,700 students. However, the company fell short of internal enrollment expectations due to strategic decisions that will pay dividends in the long term.

Publication Date: Nov -01

📋 Highlights
  • Revenue Growth:: Q1 2026 revenue reached $620.9M, a 13% increase YoY, with adjusted operating income rising 39% to $81.1M.
  • Enrollment Impact:: Platform issues caused 10,000–15,000 student withdrawals, reducing count date enrollment to 247,700 (11.3% YoY growth, but 4% below potential).
  • Guidance Update:: Full-year 2026 revenue guidance set at $2.48B–$2.555B, with adjusted operating income of $475M–$500M, reflecting margin pressure from platform rollout costs.
  • Platform Challenges:: Tech upgrades disrupted customer experience, delaying progress and increasing exit rates, but expected to deliver long-term benefits.
  • Competitive Position:: Stride outpaces its largest competitor in raw growth, maintaining confidence in strong demand despite market competition.

Operational Challenges

The company's operational performance was impacted by the rollout of its new learning and technology platforms, which caused some disruption and higher withdrawal rates. According to James Rhyu, CEO, the implementation took longer than expected and encountered more problems during the rollout, affecting the customer experience. The company estimates that it lost around 10,000 to 15,000 students due to these issues, mainly between mid-August and September 30.

Guidance and Outlook

Stride's guidance for the second quarter of 2026 includes revenue of $620 million to $640 million, adjusted operating income of $135 million to $145 million, and capital expenditures of $15 million to $18 million. For the full year, the company expects revenue of $2.480 billion to $2.555 billion, adjusted operating income of $475 million to $500 million, and capital expenditure of $70 million to $80 million. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 6.7%, which is slightly above the company's long-term outlook.

Valuation

Stride's current valuation metrics suggest that the market has a positive outlook on the company. The stock's P/E Ratio is 9.34, P/B Ratio is 1.93, and P/S Ratio is 1.21. The company's Return on Equity (ROE) is 22.0%, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is 13.58%. These metrics indicate that Stride is generating strong returns on its investments, and the market is pricing in a reasonable valuation multiple.

Competitive Landscape

Stride's competitive position remains strong, with the company outpacing its largest competitor in raw growth numbers. James Rhyu stated that while competitors are doing well, Stride welcomes healthy competition and believes that demand remains strong. The company's focus on upgrading its platforms and improving customer experience will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.

3. NewsRoom

Card image cap

Contact Levi & Korsinsky by January 12, 2026 Deadline to Join Class Action Against Stride, Inc.(LRN)

Dec -04

Card image cap

INVESTOR ALERT: The Stride, Inc. Securities Fraud Class Action is Pending, Investors Urged to Contact BFA Law by January 12 Deadline

Dec -04

Card image cap

DEADLINE ALERT for LRN, PRMB, FCX, and PRGO: The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Reminds Investors of Class Actions on Behalf of Shareholders

Dec -04

Card image cap

LRN INVESTOR ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Announces that Stride, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit

Dec -04

Card image cap

Stride is Trading at a Discount: Right Time to Buy the Stock?

Dec -04

Card image cap

Stride Shareholder Alert: ClaimsFiler Reminds Investors With Losses In Excess Of $100,000 Of Lead Plaintiff Deadline In Class Action Lawsuits Against Stride, Inc. - LRN

Dec -04

Card image cap

Portnoy Law Firm Announces Class Action on Behalf of Stride, Inc. Investors

Dec -04

Card image cap

Lost Money on Stride, Inc.(LRN)? Join Class Action Suit Seeking Recovery - Contact The Gross Law Firm

Dec -04

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (8.45%)

6. Segments

General Education

Expected Growth: 8%

Stride's General Education segment growth is driven by increasing demand for online and blended learning, strategic partnerships with schools and districts, and expansion of product offerings. Additionally, the company's focus on personalized learning, teacher support, and student outcomes has led to strong customer retention and acquisition, contributing to an 8% growth rate.

Career Learning - Middle - High School

Expected Growth: 9%

Stride's Career Learning - Middle - High School segment growth is driven by increasing demand for online education, rising adoption of personalized learning, and growing need for career readiness. Additionally, Stride's strong brand reputation, expanding partnerships with schools and districts, and investments in technology and content development contribute to its 9% growth.

Career Learning - Adult

Expected Growth: 10%

Stride's Career Learning - Adult segment growth is driven by increasing demand for online education, rising need for skill enhancement, and growing adoption of online learning platforms. Additionally, the segment benefits from Stride's strong brand recognition, strategic partnerships, and expanding course offerings, leading to a 10% growth rate.

7. Detailed Products

Stride Health

A platform that helps freelancers and independent workers find affordable health insurance plans

Stride Benefits

A platform that provides benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance to freelancers and independent workers

Stride Tax

A platform that helps freelancers and independent workers with tax compliance and savings

Stride Advocacy

A platform that advocates for the rights and interests of freelancers and independent workers

8. Stride, Inc.'s Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

Stride, Inc. faces moderate threat from substitutes due to the availability of alternative fitness options such as jogging, yoga, and other forms of exercise.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

Customers have high bargaining power due to the availability of multiple fitness options, making it easy for them to switch to competitors.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

Stride, Inc. has a strong bargaining power over its suppliers due to its large market share and ability to negotiate better prices.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants is moderate due to the high capital requirements and regulatory barriers to entry in the fitness industry.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The fitness industry is highly competitive, with many established players and new entrants, leading to a high intensity of rivalry.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 36.47%
Debt Cost 3.95%
Equity Weight 63.53%
Equity Cost 5.28%
WACC 4.79%
Leverage 57.41%

11. Quality Control: Stride, Inc. passed 7 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
Graham

A-Score: 6.7/10

Value: 7.4

Growth: 7.3

Quality: 6.7

Yield: 2.0

Momentum: 9.0

Volatility: 8.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Laureate Education

A-Score: 6.5/10

Value: 3.9

Growth: 5.6

Quality: 7.1

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 10.0

Volatility: 7.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Grand Canyon Education

A-Score: 5.9/10

Value: 3.1

Growth: 6.8

Quality: 8.3

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 9.5

Volatility: 7.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Stride

A-Score: 5.9/10

Value: 7.4

Growth: 8.3

Quality: 7.4

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 10.0

Volatility: 2.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Strategic Education

A-Score: 5.8/10

Value: 6.4

Growth: 4.0

Quality: 6.9

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 4.0

Volatility: 7.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Adtalem Global Education

A-Score: 5.3/10

Value: 3.7

Growth: 7.4

Quality: 7.0

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 10.0

Volatility: 4.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

61.02$

Current Price

61.02$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows