Grand Canyon Education (LOPE)
NASDAQ:LOPE
Advertisement

Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
331 Followers

Top Page

LOPE

Grand Canyon Education

(NASDAQ:LOPE)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 68 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$201.00
▲(18.36% Upside)
Grand Canyon Education's overall stock score is driven by its strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, which highlight growth in enrollments and service revenue. However, bearish technical indicators and moderate valuation suggest caution. The absence of a dividend yield and potential revenue impacts from external factors also weigh on the score.
Positive Factors
Online Enrollment Growth
The strong growth in online enrollment indicates a successful adaptation to digital education trends, enhancing long-term revenue potential and market reach.
Hybrid Campus Enrollment Surge
The surge in hybrid campus enrollment reflects the company's ability to cater to diverse learning preferences, strengthening its competitive position in the education sector.
Service Revenue Increase
The increase in service revenue underscores the company's robust business model and ability to monetize educational services effectively, supporting sustainable growth.
Negative Factors
Slight Decline in Traditional Campus Enrollment
The decline in traditional campus enrollment may indicate challenges in attracting students to on-campus programs, potentially impacting future revenue streams.
Revenue Per Student Decrease
Decreased revenue per student could pressure margins and profitability, necessitating strategic adjustments to maintain financial performance.
Impact of Government Shutdown on Military Tuition Assistance
The anticipated revenue impact from the government shutdown highlights vulnerability to external factors, affecting financial stability and planning.

Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Grand Canyon Education Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGrand Canyon Education, Inc. provides education services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company's technology services include learning management system, internal administration, infrastructure, and support services; academic services comprises program and curriculum, faculty and related training and development, class scheduling, and skills and simulation lab sites; and counseling services and support include admission, financial aid, and field experience and other counseling services. It also offers marketing and communication services, such as lead acquisition, digital communications strategy, brand identity, market research, media planning and strategy, video, and business intelligence and data science; and back-office services comprising finance and accounting, human resources, audit, and procurement services. The company, through its subsidiary, Orbis Education Services, LLC, supports healthcare education programs for 27 universities. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.
How the Company Makes MoneyGrand Canyon Education generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees collected from students enrolled in its degree programs. The company operates a dual revenue model, with income derived from both online and on-campus students. Key revenue streams include undergraduate and graduate program tuition, as well as fees for various services such as housing and technology. Additionally, GCU benefits from partnerships with various organizations and institutions, which can lead to increased enrollment and collaborative programs. The company's ability to attract and retain students, combined with its focus on high-quality educational offerings, plays a significant role in its financial performance.

Grand Canyon Education Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Grand Canyon Education's third-quarter earnings call reflected strong growth in online and hybrid enrollments and increased service revenue. However, challenges such as a slight decline in traditional campus enrollments, decreased revenue per student, and impact from the government shutdown were noted. Overall, the highlights outweigh the lowlights, leading to a generally positive sentiment.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Online Enrollment Growth
Grand Canyon Education reported online enrollment growth of 9.6% for the third quarter of 2025, exceeding long-term objectives. New starts were up in the mid-single digits.
Hybrid Campus Enrollment Surge
Hybrid campus enrollment increased by 17.4% year-over-year, and 19.3% excluding closed sites, surpassing expectations.
Service Revenue Increase
Service revenue for the third quarter was $261.1 million, a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, driven by a 7.9% increase in partner enrollments.
Adjusted Operating Income Growth
Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $58.2 million, up from $50.3 million in the same period last year, with an adjusted operating margin of 22.3%.
Significant Program Expansion
GCE expanded its programmatic offerings with new graduate nursing programs and occupational therapy programs at various locations.
Negative Updates
Slight Decline in Traditional Campus Enrollment
Total traditional campus enrollments were slightly down year-over-year due to previous declines in new enrollments and higher-than-expected summer school graduations.
Revenue Per Student Decrease
There was a decrease in revenue per student year-over-year due to contract modifications with university partners and a mix shift to students with a slightly lower net tuition rate.
Impact of Government Shutdown on Military Tuition Assistance
Anticipated lower revenue from military tuition assistance students due to the government shutdown, potentially impacting fourth-quarter revenue by $3 million.
Higher Than Expected Benefit Costs
Benefit costs were significantly higher than expected, impacting EPS by $0.06 in the third quarter, and this trend is expected to continue in the fourth quarter.
Company Guidance
During the Grand Canyon Education's Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call for 2025, several key metrics and guidance insights were provided. The company reported a 9.6% growth in online enrollment and a 19.3% increase in hybrid enrollment, excluding closed and teach-out sites. New traditional ground campus enrollments grew in the high single digits year-over-year, while total traditional campus enrollments slightly declined due to prior issues like FAFSA site problems. Service revenue for the third quarter was $261.1 million, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the previous year, driven by a partner enrollment increase of 7.9%. Operating income and margin stood at $18 million and 6.9%, respectively, with adjusted figures at $58.2 million and 22.3%. The company also highlighted a strong focus on expanding its programmatic offerings, especially in nursing and healthcare, education, business, and technology sectors. Additionally, Grand Canyon Education revised its full-year guidance, considering the impact of a potential government shutdown on military tuition assistance, estimating a $3 million revenue impact for the fourth quarter, while maintaining a robust stock buyback strategy with $136.4 million remaining under its current authorization.

Grand Canyon Education Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Grand Canyon Education exhibits strong financial health with robust profitability, efficient operations, and a solid balance sheet. While revenue and profit margins are stable, attention is needed on the declining free cash flow growth and slight increase in debt. Overall, the company is well-positioned in the education sector, with potential for continued growth if cash flow management is improved.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Grand Canyon Education demonstrates strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin of over 52% and a net profit margin exceeding 22% in the TTM. Revenue growth is steady at 2.14% in the TTM, indicating a stable upward trajectory. EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust, reflecting efficient operations. However, the slight decline in net income from the previous year suggests a need for monitoring potential cost increases.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, indicating conservative leverage. Return on equity is impressive at over 30%, showcasing effective use of equity capital. The equity ratio is strong, suggesting a solid financial foundation. However, the slight increase in total debt warrants attention to ensure continued financial stability.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Operating cash flow remains strong with a coverage ratio of 2.51, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. Free cash flow to net income ratio is high at 0.88, demonstrating efficient cash conversion. However, the negative growth in free cash flow in the TTM suggests potential challenges in cash management that need addressing.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.09B1.03B960.90M911.31M896.56M844.10M
Gross Profit576.13M544.43M503.71M487.50M515.31M493.55M
EBITDA311.20M327.87M291.68M271.30M365.30M367.19M
Net Income211.32M226.23M204.99M184.68M260.34M257.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.03B1.02B930.46M832.75M1.22B1.84B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments97.28M324.62M244.51M181.70M600.94M256.61M
Total Debt110.53M108.52M99.28M77.44M61.18M171.78M
Total Liabilities274.75M234.57M212.45M195.13M177.70M270.25M
Stockholders Equity758.04M783.85M718.01M637.62M1.05B1.57B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow241.67M252.71M198.23M185.19M283.73M278.88M
Operating Cash Flow278.82M289.96M243.66M220.82M313.12M308.82M
Investing Cash Flow-215.55M61.37M-80.47M-97.14M950.98M-19.35M
Financing Cash Flow-229.58M-173.18M-137.12M-604.21M-908.93M-166.28M

Grand Canyon Education Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price169.82
Price Trends
50DMA
204.88
Negative
100DMA
194.90
Negative
200DMA
188.10
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-11.76
Positive
RSI
28.04
Positive
STOCH
24.14
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LOPE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 169.82 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 195.92, below the 50-day MA of 204.88, and below the 200-day MA of 188.10, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -11.76 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 28.04 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.14 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for LOPE.

Grand Canyon Education Risk Analysis

Grand Canyon Education disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Grand Canyon Education reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Grand Canyon Education Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$4.80B6.5717.20%0.67%4.13%228.37%
73
Outperform
$3.46B14.4917.38%12.24%52.97%
73
Outperform
$4.37B21.7120.15%2.01%-13.82%
71
Outperform
$2.88B10.1323.04%17.25%30.15%
71
Outperform
$1.84B16.316.76%3.19%3.74%-8.40%
68
Neutral
$4.75B22.9127.77%7.05%-2.63%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education
169.82
4.94
3.00%
ATGE
Adtalem Global Education
96.86
12.04
14.19%
LRN
Stride
65.61
-34.01
-34.14%
STRA
Strategic Education
79.88
-14.14
-15.04%
GHC
Graham Holdings
1,080.06
150.22
16.16%
LAUR
Laureate Education
31.13
12.83
70.11%

Grand Canyon Education Corporate Events

Grand Canyon Education’s Earnings Call Highlights Growth
Nov 7, 2025

Grand Canyon Education’s third-quarter earnings call for 2025 painted a generally positive picture, highlighting strong growth in online and hybrid enrollments alongside increased service revenue. Despite some challenges, such as a slight decline in traditional campus enrollments and decreased revenue per student, the overall sentiment was optimistic, with the highlights outweighing the lowlights.

Grand Canyon Education Reports Q3 2025 Earnings
Nov 6, 2025

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. is a publicly traded education services company that provides a comprehensive range of support services to 20 university partners, primarily in the post-secondary education sector, with a focus on technological solutions and operational processes.

Legal Proceedings
Grand Canyon Education Resolves Key Legal Challenges
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

Grand Canyon Education has resolved several legal matters involving GCU and itself. Notably, the Ninth Circuit reversed a decision by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) regarding GCU’s non-profit status, prompting a re-examination by ED. Additionally, a $37.7 million fine against GCU for alleged misrepresentations in its doctoral programs was rescinded, and a related FTC lawsuit was dismissed. A qui tam lawsuit against Grand Canyon Education regarding compensation policies was settled for $35 million, with ED affirming the legality of current practices. These resolutions conclude all known government-related actions against the company and GCU, except for the ongoing review of GCU’s Title IV participation as a non-profit.

The most recent analyst rating on (LOPE) stock is a Buy with a $230.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Grand Canyon Education stock, see the LOPE Stock Forecast page.

Grand Canyon Education’s Earnings Call Highlights Growth
Aug 8, 2025

Grand Canyon Education’s recent earnings call painted a picture of robust performance, characterized by significant growth in online enrollments and financial metrics. The company is strategically expanding its hybrid campuses and workforce development programs, although it faces challenges such as slight declines in traditional campus enrollments and rising costs.

Grand Canyon Education Reports Strong Q2 2025 Results
Aug 7, 2025

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. is a publicly traded education services company that provides a comprehensive range of support services to 20 university partners in the post-secondary education sector, leveraging advanced technological solutions and infrastructure to deliver these services on a large scale.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 07, 2025