Russell Investments Group Ltd. Increases Holdings in Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA)

Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in shares of Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA - Free Report) by 2,526.8% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 28,317 shares of the health services provider's stock after purchasing an additional 27,239 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned 0.12% of Strategic Education worth $2,645,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB bought a new stake in shares of Strategic Education during the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. R Squared Ltd purchased a new stake in Strategic Education during the 4th quarter valued at $42,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Strategic Education by 394.8% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 480 shares of the health services provider's stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Strategic Education in the 4th quarter worth $96,000. Finally, KBC Group NV raised its stake in shares of Strategic Education by 53.3% in the fourth quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 1,044 shares of the health services provider's stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 363 shares during the last quarter. 93.27% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently commented on STRA. StockNews.com downgraded Strategic Education from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, March 6th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of Strategic Education from $114.00 to $97.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 3rd. Finally, Barrington Research restated an "outperform" rating and set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Strategic Education in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th.

Insider Transactions at Strategic Education

In other news, CEO Raymond Karl Mcdonnell sold 31,855 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.83, for a total value of $3,116,374.65. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 140,281 shares of the company's stock, valued at $13,723,690.23. This trade represents a 18.51 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Michael A. Mcrobbie acquired 600 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of $81.80 per share, with a total value of $49,080.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 6,135 shares in the company, valued at $501,843. This trade represents a 10.84 % increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have sold 39,332 shares of company stock worth $3,825,169 in the last 90 days. 3.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Strategic Education Price Performance

Strategic Education stock traded up $2.11 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $80.84. 16,680 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 152,199. Strategic Education, Inc. has a 12-month low of $74.28 and a 12-month high of $123.62. The business's 50-day moving average is $84.61 and its 200-day moving average is $91.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.99 billion, a PE ratio of 15.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.58.

Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 27th. The health services provider reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.37 by ($0.10). The business had revenue of $311.46 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $315.18 million. Strategic Education had a net margin of 10.44% and a return on equity of 7.61%. Equities analysts anticipate that Strategic Education, Inc. will post 4.79 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Strategic Education Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 10th were given a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 10th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.97%. Strategic Education's payout ratio is presently 51.39%.

About Strategic Education

Strategic Education, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides education services through campus-based and online post-secondary education, and programs to develop job-ready skills. The company operates through U.S. Higher Education, Australia/New Zealand, and Education Technology Services segments. It operates Strayer University that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, criminal justice, education, health services, information technology, and public administration at physical campuses located in the eastern United States, as well as through online; non-degree web and mobile application development courses through Hackbright Academy and Devmountain; and MBA online through its Jack Welch Management Institute.