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On Wednesday, Jefferies initiated coverage on Adtalem Global Education, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker (NYSE:ATGE), with a Buy rating and a price target of $135.00. The company, currently valued at $3.81 billion, has demonstrated remarkable momentum with a 117% return over the past year according to InvestingPro data. The firm’s analysis suggests that despite the stock’s significant increase over the last twelve months, there are several factors that could contribute to further growth for Adtalem, which is recognized as the largest healthcare education operator in the United States.
Jefferies identifies four key reasons for their positive outlook on Adtalem: the company’s position to benefit from the long-term structural supply deficit in healthcare labor, which is expected to drive market growth rates between mid-single digits to high-single digits; a distinctive profile in terms of free cash flow and share buybacks; a clean near-term set-up when compared to conservative guidance for the second half of the fiscal year; and a valuation that is still considered to be lower than its peers and its growth potential. This analysis aligns with InvestingPro data showing strong fundamentals, including a perfect Piotroski Score of 9 and robust revenue growth of 12.83% - discover 8 more exclusive ProTips with a subscription.
The analyst at Jefferies highlighted Adtalem’s unique market proposition, stating, "It’s the best way to play the LT structural supply deficit in H/C labor which should drive sustainable +MSD-HSD% market growth." This comment underscores the company’s strategic positioning in the healthcare education sector, which is poised to benefit from the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, Jefferies pointed to Adtalem’s financial strategy, emphasizing, "a differentiated FCF & buyback profile," which indicates the company’s strong free cash flow and its ability to return value to shareholders through stock repurchases. This financial strength is seen as an attractive feature for potential investors.
The firm also noted the conservative forecast provided by Adtalem for the second half of the fiscal year, suggesting that the company has a "clean NT set-up" against these expectations. This implies that Adtalem is well-prepared to meet or exceed its financial targets in the near term.
Lastly, Jefferies remarked on Adtalem’s current market valuation, stating that it "remains discounted to peers & its growth profile." This observation suggests that the stock may be undervalued relative to similar companies in the industry and its own projected growth trajectory, presenting a potential opportunity for investors.
The initiation of coverage by Jefferies with a Buy rating and a $135 price target reflects a confident stance on Adtalem Global Education’s prospects, as the company continues to navigate the expanding healthcare education market.
In other recent news, Adtalem Global Education has reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, surpassing analysts’ expectations. The company achieved an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.81, significantly higher than the forecasted $1.38, and reported revenue of $447.7 million, exceeding the anticipated $416.26 million. This financial performance was driven by enrollment growth at Chamberlain and Walden universities, with Chamberlain seeing an 11.5% increase and Walden a 13.2% rise. In light of these results, Adtalem has raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $1.73 billion to $1.76 billion and adjusted EPS guidance to between $6.10 and $6.30. BMO Capital Markets has responded positively, raising Adtalem’s stock price target from $108.00 to $115.00 and maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm’s analyst, Jeffrey Silber, highlighted the company’s consistent top- and bottom-line performance and the effective marketing strategies at Chamberlain University. Additionally, Adtalem is focusing on digital transformation, appointing Michael Betts as Chief Digital Officer to lead these efforts. These developments reflect Adtalem’s strategic initiatives and market positioning amidst ongoing demand for healthcare professionals.
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