Strategic Education (STRA) Grows EPS by an Incredible 360% in Q1.

It is clear that the stocks of education companies represent an industry trend. On Thursday (April 25), Strategic Education (STRA) delivered strong figures. It is an education services company that provides access to quality education through on-campus and online post-secondary education programs. It also offers programs to develop pre-vocational skills for high-demand markets. Through the Education Technology Services segment, the company works with employers to develop workforce development programs that provide access to affordable and industry-relevant training, certificates and degree programs. The USHE segment offers flexible and affordable certificate and degree programs for working adults.

The U.S. postsecondary education market is large, fragmented and competitive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an estimated 19.0 million students were enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions in fall 2022. Approximately 1.2 million of these students attended proprietary institutions. Demand is expected to continue to rise due to demographic, economic and social trends. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 64.5 million adults over the age of 25 in the United States have only a high school diploma, and approximately 33.0 million adults over the age of 25 have some college experience but no college degree. Increasing employer demand for certain types of skilled and qualified workers should continue to fuel demand. Additionally, there are also the significant and measurable earnings premiums and improved employment prospects that come with postsecondary education.

Strategic Education now reported quarterly earnings per share of $1.11, an increase of over 360%, far exceeding analysts' consensus estimate of $0.59. Revenue increased by more than 13%.

Strategic Education (ISIN US86272C1036): EPS growth of 23% was previously expected. This now appears to be far too conservative. The forward P/E 2024 ratio of 22 was already moderate before the figures. There should be a valuation adjustment here.

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