7 Best Education Stocks To Invest In Now

5. Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR)

Market Cap as of October 22: $1.20 billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27

Coursera Inc. (NYSE:COUR) is a global platform for online learning and career development that offers anyone, anywhere, access to online courses and degrees from leading universities and companies. Its mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible education to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Its courses are designed to be self-paced and can be taken on demand, making them convenient for busy professionals and students. It has partnered with numerous institutions, including Stanford University, Yale University, and Google, to offer high-quality content.

In the second quarter of 2024, the company expanded its Professional Certificate portfolio by adding 15 new entry-level certificates developed in partnership with top technology brands. These certificates cover high-demand careers and are designed to equip learners with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving job market. It upgraded 8 existing certificates with job-specific GenAI content, demonstrating the commitment to keeping credentials relevant. The platform has grown substantially, with ~7 million new registered learners and a 20% increase in Paid Enterprise Customers.

Q2 2024 revenue improved 10.82% from a year-ago period, amounting to $170.34 million. Additionally, it repurchased 2.7 million shares for approximately $31 million. At the end of Q2, the company had approximately $709 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The company also returned $95 million to shareholders through stock repurchases while maintaining a focus on growth.

The company’s platform is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for skills development and the transformation of higher education. As the GenAI revolution unfolds, individuals and businesses are adapting and staying competitive. Coursera Inc.’s (NYSE:COUR) focus on quality content, industry partnerships, and a global reach positions it as a leader in its industry.

Here is what ClearBridge SMID Cap Growth Strategy has to say about Coursera, Inc.  in its Q3 2021 investor letter:

“We also added two positions in the IPO aftermarket, (one is) online education portal Coursera. Coursera, which makes academic courses from some of the world’s leading universities available through its platform and offers online degree programs, saw its shares trade lower following its March IPO but has seen significant uptake for its services since the onset of COVID.”