BMO raises Grand Canyon Education target to $222, keeps Outperform

Published 22/05/2025, 14:26
BMO raises Grand Canyon Education target to $222, keeps Outperform

On Thursday, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its outlook on Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) shares, citing the company’s solid operational performance and a supportive regulatory environment. Analysts at BMO Capital increased the price target to $222 from $208 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The company’s strong financial position is reflected in its "GREAT" overall health score according to InvestingPro analysis, with the stock currently trading near its 52-week high of $202.28.

The upgrade follows a recent non-deal roadshow (NDR) where BMO Capital analysts recognized Grand Canyon Education’s consistent growth capabilities, which seem unaffected by changes in the political landscape. The company’s strong financial foundation, with more cash than debt and a healthy current ratio of 3.4, supports this positive outlook. In fact, the current climate is deemed advantageous for the company as the value of its educational programs gains greater recognition among regulators. These regulators are in ongoing discussions with the company, which could imply a favorable outlook for Grand Canyon Education’s offerings. InvestingPro subscribers can access 12 additional key insights about LOPE’s market position and growth potential.

The company’s operating trends have been particularly strong in its Hybrid/Orbis segment. This segment is expected to experience double-digit growth in the intermediate term, driven by high demand for nursing programs and the introduction of new offerings. This growth trajectory is supported by the company’s strategic capital allocation, which is primarily directed towards share repurchases and capital expenditures focused on technological advancements.

BMO Capital’s assessment indicates confidence in Grand Canyon Education’s strategic initiatives and its ability to capitalize on market opportunities. The raised price target reflects the firm’s optimistic view of the company’s future financial performance and market position.

In other recent news, Grand Canyon Education reported first-quarter 2025 earnings that exceeded expectations, with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) reaching $2.57, surpassing analyst forecasts of $2.49. The company’s revenue also outperformed projections, coming in at $289.3 million compared to the anticipated $287.18 million. BMO Capital Markets responded to these results by raising their price target for Grand Canyon Education to $208 from $191, maintaining an Outperform rating. This adjustment was influenced by the company’s strong enrollment growth in both online and hybrid programs, despite a year-over-year decline in on-campus enrollment due to FAFSA issues. The management’s optimistic outlook for future enrollments led to an upgrade in annual guidance across most metrics. Analysts from BMO Capital cited these improved expectations as a key reason for the increased price target. Grand Canyon Education’s strategic focus on expanding program offerings and enrollment growth has positioned the company favorably amidst challenges in the higher education sector. The company anticipates continued growth, projecting mid-to-high single-digit increases in new student starts and online enrollment.

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