Stride Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Stride's CEO is Bob Knowling, appointed in Jul 2026, has a tenure of less than a year. directly owns 0.34% of the company’s shares, worth $11.72M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 4.1 years and 9 years respectively.
Key information
Bob Knowling
Chief executive officer
US$416.2k
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | n/a |
| CEO tenure | less than a year |
| CEO ownership | 0.3% |
| Management average tenure | 4.1yrs |
| Board average tenure | 9yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Aug 13
Stride: New CEO Brings Uncertainty
Summary Stride remains a 'Hold' as operational vulnerabilities and valuation concerns persist despite market leadership in online education. Full-year results met expectations, with revenue up 4.7% YoY, driven by 14% Career Learning enrollment growth, but offset by declines in other segments. CEO transition introduces uncertainty; share repurchase program extension signals a focus on shareholder returns, with $311 million remaining. Lowered revenue growth (10% vs. 15%) and margin assumptions yield a fair value of $86 per share, just above current levels. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Aug 01
LRN: Texas Contract Loss And CEO Shift Will Support Future Rebound
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for Stride to $93 from $102, reflecting the recent CEO transition, the loss of a Texas contract, and a modestly lower future P/E assumption, while maintaining relatively stable expectations for growth and margins. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Stride highlights growing caution after the CEO transition and the loss of a major Texas school district contract.Narrative Update • Jul 02
LRN: Texas Contract Loss Will Create Opportunity For Future Enrollment Recovery
Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Stride from $75.00 to $102.00, citing updated assumptions for revenue growth and future P/E. They also note contract losses in Texas, which some observers believe are already more than reflected in the recent share price reaction.Analysis Article • Jun 18
Stride (LRN) Stock Could Be 62.4% Overvalued After Texas Contract Loss
Stride (LRN) is back in focus after the Texas Roscoe School District chose not to renew its Lone Star Online Academy contract, a decision affecting projected 2025 enrollment and amplifying existing platform concerns. See our latest analysis for Stride. The recent Texas contract loss comes on top of a sharp 16.8% 7 day share price decline and a softer 30 day share price return of 8.2% down, even as Stride shares remain up 28.2% year to date and the 3 year total shareholder return sits at...
Narrative Update • Jun 18
LRN: Contract Loss And 2026 Spend Will Test Enrollment Resilience
Analysts have held their average price target on Stride steady at $113.50, citing the loss of a major Texas district contract and the expected enrollment headwind, but also pointing to past instances where the company managed similar disruptions relatively well. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Stride reflects a split view, with some analysts focusing on the immediate contract and enrollment risks while others see the share price reaction as more severe than the underlying fundamentals warrant.Narrative Update • Jun 03
LRN: Increased 2026 Marketing Spend Will Support Higher Future Earnings Multiple
Analysts have kept their price target for Stride steady at $113.50. This reflects largely unchanged assumptions around fair value, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E, with only minor tweaks to the discount rate input.Narrative Update • May 19
LRN: Revised 2026 Guidance And Spending Will Support Higher Future Earnings Multiple
Analysts have lifted their price target on Stride from $112.00 to $113.50, reflecting updated assumptions around slightly higher revenue growth, a modestly lower profit margin, and a small adjustment to the P/E multiple and discount rate. What's in the News Stride issued earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2026, indicating profitability is expected to be lower than in the third quarter as the company increases marketing and other spending ahead of the upcoming school year (company guidance).Narrative Update • Apr 21
LRN: Future Earnings Multiple Will Reflect 2026 Guidance And Recent Buybacks
Analysts have lifted their price target on Stride to $112.0 from $109.5, citing updated fair value work and Street research that includes a recent $19 price target increase highlighted by BMO Capital. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts point to the updated fair value work as support for a higher target, suggesting that recent fundamentals and assumptions used in their models justify the new US$112.0 level.Narrative Update • Apr 06
LRN: Future Earnings Multiple Will Depend On 2026 Guidance And Buybacks
Analysts raised their price target on Stride by $19 to reflect updated assumptions on discount rates and future P/E. They cited recent research that supports a slightly more constructive risk and valuation profile.Narrative Update • Mar 23
LRN: Future Earnings Multiple Will Depend On 2026 Guidance Delivery
Analysts have lifted their price targets on Stride, with the fair value estimate moving from $106.33 to $109.50. They cited updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples following recent Street research.Narrative Update • Mar 08
LRN: Future Earnings Multiple Will Rely On 2026 Guidance Execution
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Stride from about $111 to roughly $106, citing slightly more conservative assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins and the appropriate P/E multiple, while also acknowledging recent price target adjustments such as BMO Capital's $19 increase. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Stride includes a price target increase of $19 from BMO Capital.Narrative Update • Feb 21
LRN: Future Revenue Guidance Execution Will Support Higher Earnings Multiple
Analysts have raised their price target on Stride by $19, citing updated views on fair value, discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E assumptions as supporting factors. Analyst Commentary Analysts lifting their price target on Stride by $19 are pointing to a mix of valuation adjustments and refreshed assumptions around the business model.Analysis Article • Feb 11
There's No Escaping Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) Muted Earnings Despite A 26% Share Price Rise
Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 26% gain in the last month alone...Narrative Update • Feb 07
LRN: Future Execution On Revenue Guidance Will Support Premium Earnings Multiple
Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Stride from US$105 to US$111, reflecting updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E as outlined in recent Street research. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary around the US$111 fair value centers on how Stride can execute against its growth assumptions and sustain margins that support the updated P/E framework.Narrative Update • Jan 23
LRN: Strong Applications And Platform Recovery Will Support Future Enrollment Rebound
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Stride, with updates such as a reduction to $125 and $108. This helps explain the modest shift in our assumptions while keeping our fair value estimate steady at $105.Narrative Update • Jan 08
LRN: Platform Recovery And Strong Applications Will Support Future Enrollment Rebound
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Stride, with recent cuts to US$125 and US$108. This has helped drive our updated view, which reflects concerns about the platform rollout issues and a softer fiscal 2026 outlook, while keeping core assumptions such as fair value and growth broadly in line.Narrative Update • Dec 24
LRN: Platform Stabilization Will Support Enrollment Recovery And Renewed Share Price Upside
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Stride to about $105 from roughly $116, reflecting lowered long term revenue growth assumptions and a modestly reduced future P E multiple. This comes even as they acknowledge resilient margins following recent mixed quarterly results and platform rollout challenges highlighted in recent Street research.Narrative Update • Dec 09
LRN: Future Enrollment Will Recover As Platform Issues And Legal Headwinds Ease
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Stride to $125 from $175 and to $108 from $164, reflecting mixed recent results and concerns around a troubled platform rollout and a softer than expected fiscal 2026 outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reflects a more cautious stance on Stride, with price targets reset lower but views remaining divided on the company’s execution risk and long term growth potential.Analysis Article • Nov 27
It's Unlikely That Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) CEO Will See A Huge Pay Rise This Year
Key Insights Stride to hold its Annual General Meeting on 4th of December Salary of US$1.00m is part of CEO James...Narrative Update • Nov 25
LRN: Future Enrollment Should Rebound After Platform Challenges Are Addressed
Stride’s analyst price targets fell sharply this week. The consensus decline is attributed to weaker than anticipated fiscal 2026 guidance and platform rollout challenges that have weighed on recent analyst assessments.Narrative Update • Nov 09
LRN: Future Enrollment Should Recover as Platform Issues Are Resolved
The analyst price target for Stride was reduced from $170.75 to $115.50, as analysts highlighted lower growth expectations and concerns over platform implementation challenges, which are impacting future enrollment and outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst reports provided a mixed assessment of Stride’s current outlook, highlighting both positive and negative factors affecting the company’s valuation and growth potential.Analysis Article • Nov 05
Solid Earnings Reflect Stride's (NYSE:LRN) Strength As A Business
Investors were underwhelmed by the solid earnings posted by Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) recently. We did some digging and...Analysis Article • Nov 04
Little Excitement Around Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) Earnings As Shares Take 50% Pounding
The Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) share price has fared very poorly over the last month, falling by a substantial 50%. The...Narrative Update • Oct 26
Digital Education Will Drive Opportunities Despite Recent Lawsuit and Operational Challenges
Narrative Update on Stride: Analyst Price Target Revision Analysts have raised their price target for Stride from $167.50 to $170.75. They cite increased revenue growth expectations and improved profit margins as key drivers for the upward adjustment.Narrative Update • Sep 24
Flexible Digital Education Will Unlock New Market Opportunities
The slight increase in Stride’s future P/E ratio indicates modestly stronger earnings expectations, contributing to the consensus analyst price target rising from $163.75 to $167.50. What's in the News Gallup-McKinley County Schools filed a lawsuit against Stride alleging fraud, enrollment inflation, staffing law violations, improper cost-cutting, special education non-compliance, and whistleblower suppression, leading to a sharp drop in graduation rates and test scores.Analysis Article • Aug 22
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) 29% Share Price Surge
Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great month, posting a...Analysis Article • Jul 14
We Like These Underlying Return On Capital Trends At Stride (NYSE:LRN)
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? One common...Analysis Article • Jun 30
Does Stride (NYSE:LRN) Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Analysis Article • Jun 01
Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) Shares Could Be 34% Below Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
Key Insights Stride's estimated fair value is US$230 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of...Analysis Article • May 04
Optimistic Investors Push Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) Shares Up 28% But Growth Is Lacking
Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great month, posting a...Analysis Article • Apr 29
Is Stride (NYSE:LRN) Using Too Much Debt?
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Seeking Alpha • Apr 12
Stride: A Unique Business Offering Tariff-Resilient Growth
Summary Stride is a unique for-profit education company that has seen success in selling its curriculums and working directly with school districts. The company distinguishes itself by bypassing individual students and selling directly to districts (where peers like 2U have stumbled), but still maintaining double-digit growth in enrollments. The company's scalable business model and significant operating margin gains highlight its efficiency, with adjusted EBITDA up 36% y/y, nearing "Rule of 40" status. Stride is a "growth at a reasonable price" stock trading at ~2.4x forward revenue and ~10x forward adjusted EBITDA, makes it a compelling portfolio addition. The company's business is also arguably tariff-proof, as macro conditions don't dictate spending on education and learning. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Apr 03
Stride (NYSE:LRN) Is Doing The Right Things To Multiply Its Share Price
There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Typically, we'll want to notice a...Analysis Article • Mar 20
Here's Why Stride (NYSE:LRN) Has Caught The Eye Of Investors
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Seeking Alpha • Mar 07
Stride: School From Home, A Secular Trend
Summary Stride's online K-12 education model is a secular trend, benefiting from growth and scale gains, with a 9% enrollment increase estimated for 2025. The company's high earnings visibility and operating leverage, demonstrated by a rise in EBITDA margins from 6% to 12%, underpin its strong financial outlook. Valuation is attractive at 1x PEG, with a potential price target of $185 if enrollment growth meets or exceeds 9% in September 2025. Regulation is the primary risk, but long-term enrollment growth and scale gains support a buy rating for Stride. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 20
Stride: Buy In At A Better Price Point
Summary Stride, Inc. has shown substantial growth, with an eightfold increase over 10 years and strong recent quarterly results, making it a stock to watch. Stride operates in the growing homeschooling market, with little competition, creating a favorable duopoly with significant pricing power and market potential. Despite strong growth, Stride's stock is currently overvalued; the ideal entry price is around $120, with a long-term bullish outlook. Recommend holding off on buying now due to high valuation; consider building positions gradually between $115 and $125. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 19
Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) Shares Could Be 45% Below Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Stride fair value estimate is US$258 Stride is estimated to be...Analysis Article • Feb 06
There's Reason For Concern Over Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) Massive 30% Price Jump
Despite an already strong run, Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) shares have been powering on, with a gain of 30% in the last...Seeking Alpha • Jan 18
Stride: Welcome To The GARP Club
Summary Stride Inc. (LRN) offers a compelling growth opportunity with a forward PE of 16.5, 10% revenue growth, and 20% EPS growth expected. Strong organic demand drives Stride's potential for significant capital appreciation in the coming years. Stride is poised to continue its growth trajectory since 2021 and outperform the S&P 500. The stock's attractive valuation and robust growth metrics make it a solid choice for growth investors. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 08
Does Stride (NYSE:LRN) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...Seeking Alpha • Dec 16
Stride: Industry Winds Are Changing, Uncertainties Abound
Summary Stride is the dominant player in the K-12 online tutoring niche, with a $4.5B market cap and solid financial health. LRN is the only profitable firm in its niche, boasting strong balance sheets, sustainable debt levels, and impressive free cash flow. Despite competition from well-capitalized startups like Nerdy, the Company's market leadership and financial stability position it well amid industry uncertainties. Given its current valuation and potential risks, LRN is fairly priced, warranting a hold recommendation with a target price of $114.34. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Dec 08
With EPS Growth And More, Stride (NYSE:LRN) Makes An Interesting Case
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story...Seeking Alpha • Dec 05
Stride: Is Valuation Now A Risk?
Summary Stride's stock price has risen over 30%, meeting my investment thesis, but future returns no longer align with my investment philosophy. Despite strong financials and market position, the current valuation offers a limited margin of safety and potential returns of around 8% annually. I am downgrading Stride from a 'Buy' to a 'Hold' and selling my position, seeking better opportunities with higher expected returns. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Nov 07
Stride, Inc.'s (NYSE:LRN) Shares Leap 27% Yet They're Still Not Telling The Full Story
The Stride, Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 27...Seeking Alpha • Oct 28
Stride: Full Steam Ahead
Summary Stride reported incredibly strong fiscal Q1 results, and with accelerating enrollments and great cost control, the FY2025 outlook stands incredibly good. A recent short report highlighted the potential negative effect of ESSER funding ending, but Stride has responded to the report and claims the report to be inaccurate. The rising enrollment growth prospects and good cost control underline a continued undervaluation of the LRN stock. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Oct 24
Returns Are Gaining Momentum At Stride (NYSE:LRN)
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Firstly...Analysis Article • Oct 08
Stride (NYSE:LRN) Could Easily Take On More Debt
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...
New Narrative • Sep 04
Educational Innovations And Calculated Investments Poised To Elevate Revenue And Market Share
Stride's diversification and technological investments hint at efficiencies and new revenue streams, enhancing market penetration.Analysis Article • Aug 26
Here's Why We Think Stride (NYSE:LRN) Is Well Worth Watching
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even...Seeking Alpha • Aug 25
Stride: Boring Sector, Interesting Expected Returns
Summary Stride is a company in the education sector with consistent +15% EPS growth and outperformance of the S&P 500 since 2018. The company specializes in K-12 education and professional education in IT engineering and healthcare, with 70% recurring revenue through long-term contracts. Stride Inc. has strong financials, outperforming competitors in margins and profitability, with a projected return of at least 15% annually, making it a "Buy" recommendation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO
Bob Knowling (71 yo)
less than a year
Tenure
US$416,232
Compensation
Mr. Robert E. Knowling, Jr., also known as Bob, serves as Independent Director at CECO Environmental Corp. since July 11, 2022. Mr. Knowling is Director of Raken, Inc. from January 30, 2026. He serves as D...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | less than a year | US$416.23k | 0.34% $ 11.7m | |
| Executive VP & CFO | 4.1yrs | US$6.05m | 0.41% $ 14.0m | |
| Executive VP | 1.4yrs | US$1.96m | 0.031% $ 1.1m | |
| Managing Director of Portfolio Companies | no data | US$1.75m | 0.24% $ 8.4m | |
| Vice President of Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| Director of Corporate Communications | no data | no data | no data | |
| Chief Marketing Officer | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer | 13.5yrs | no data | no data | |
| President of Schools | 6.8yrs | no data | no data | |
| Senior Vice President of Career Learning | no data | no data | no data | |
| Executive Vice President of Superintendent of Schools | no data | no data | no data | |
| Chief Learning Officer of K12 | no data | no data | no data |
4.1yrs
Average Tenure
61yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: LRN's management team is considered experienced (4.1 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | less than a year | US$416.23k | 0.34% $ 11.7m | |
| Chair of the Board & Lead Independent Director | 22.8yrs | US$393.26k | 0.43% $ 14.6m | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 9.6yrs | US$329.59k | 0.10% $ 3.5m | |
| Independent Director | 4yrs | US$337.00k | 0.026% $ 904.8k | |
| Member of Education Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Independent Director | 9yrs | US$335.00k | 0.015% $ 530.1k | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data | |
| Member of Educational Advisory Committee | no data | no data | no data |
9.0yrs
Average Tenure
71yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: LRN's board of directors are considered experienced (9 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/08/16 18:03 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/08/14 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Stride, Inc. is covered by 15 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| John Eade | Argus Research Company |
| Jeffrey Meuler | Baird |
| Alexander Paris | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |