10 Best Learning Platforms for February 2026
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
The education technology sector, particularly learning platforms, shows mixed performance amid shifting market dynamics, with some stocks exhibiting strong intrinsic value upside despite recent volatility. ValueSense analysis highlights companies trading below their calculated intrinsic values, selected based on Quality rating above 4.0, positive Free Cash Flow where available, robust margins, and potential for recovery in revenue growth. These picks emphasize diversified exposure across consumer staples like oral care and edtech innovators, focusing on ROIC, FCF margins, and debt levels for sustainable operations. Methodology prioritizes undervaluation gaps (current price implied vs. intrinsic value), sector relevance to online learning trends, and balanced risk profiles for educational stock watchlists targeting long-term value investors.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $71.2B |
| Quality Rating | 6.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $81.7 |
| 1Y Return | -0.7% |
| Revenue | $20.1B |
| Free Cash Flow | $3,443.0M |
| Revenue Growth | (0.0%) |
| FCF margin | 17.1% |
| Gross margin | 60.1% |
| ROIC | 28.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 680.0% |
Investment Thesis
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) stands out with a Market Cap of $71.2B and a solid Quality rating of 6.4, reflecting its position as a stable consumer staples leader. Despite flat Revenue growth at 0.0% and a 1-year return of -0.7%, the company generates impressive Revenue of $20.1B and Free Cash Flow of $3,443.0M, supported by a healthy FCF margin of 17.1% and Gross margin of 60.1%. Its standout ROIC of 28.4% indicates efficient capital use, making CL a defensive pick in portfolios seeking reliability amid edtech volatility. Trading below its Intrinsic value of $81.7, this analysis suggests potential margin for appreciation through brand strength in essentials.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional ROIC at 28.4% drives superior returns on invested capital.
- Strong Gross margin 60.1% and FCF margin 17.1% support consistent cash generation.
- Massive scale with $20.1B Revenue provides stability in uncertain markets.
Risk Factors
- High Total Debt to Equity of 680.0% raises leverage concerns.
- Stagnant Revenue growth 0.0% could pressure near-term performance.
- Modest 1Y Return of -0.7% reflects limited recent momentum.
Stock #2: Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $6,150.1M |
| Quality Rating | 7.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $190.9 |
| 1Y Return | -63.1% |
| Revenue | $964.3M |
| Free Cash Flow | $354.1M |
| Revenue Growth | 39.9% |
| FCF margin | 36.7% |
| Gross margin | 72.0% |
| ROIC | 130.3% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 14.3% |
Investment Thesis
Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL), a leader in gamified language learning, boasts a Quality rating of 7.2 and Market Cap of $6,150.1M, positioning it as a high-growth edtech contender. Explosive Revenue growth of 39.9% to $964.3M pairs with elite FCF margin of 36.7% and Gross margin of 72.0%, fueled by ROIC of 130.3%—among the highest in this watchlist. Despite a sharp 1Y Return of -63.1%, its Intrinsic value of $190.9 indicates substantial undervaluation, appealing for investors eyeing recovery in user engagement and monetization in online learning platforms.
Key Catalysts
- Stellar Revenue growth 39.9% signals strong user adoption.
- Top-tier ROIC 130.3% and FCF of $354.1M highlight operational excellence.
- High Gross margin 72.0% supports scalability in edtech.
Risk Factors
- Significant 1Y Return decline -63.1% shows market skepticism.
- Competitive edtech landscape could erode user base.
- Volatility in growth stocks post-pullback.
Stock #3: Graham Holdings Company (GHC)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $4,969.1M |
| Quality Rating | 6.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $2,310.5 |
| 1Y Return | 25.4% |
| Revenue | $2,411.7M |
| Free Cash Flow | $361.4M |
| Revenue Growth | (48.8%) |
| FCF margin | 15.0% |
| Gross margin | 31.0% |
| ROIC | (0.9%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 25.8% |
Investment Thesis
Graham Holdings Company (GHC) offers a Quality rating of 6.2 with a Market Cap of $4,969.1M, diversifying into education services beyond traditional media. Positive 1Y Return of 25.4% contrasts sharp Revenue contraction of 48.8% to $2,411.7M, yet Free Cash Flow remains at $361.4M with 15.0% FCF margin. Intrinsic value of $2,310.5 suggests deep undervaluation, bolstered by manageable Total Debt to Equity of 25.8%, making it a turnaround candidate in learning platforms.
Key Catalysts
- Strong 1Y Return 25.4% demonstrates recent resilience.
- Solid FCF generation $361.4M despite revenue dip.
- Low Total Debt to Equity 25.8% aids balance sheet flexibility.
Risk Factors
- Severe Revenue growth decline -48.8% signals operational challenges.
- Negative ROIC -0.9% indicates capital inefficiency.
- Lower Gross margin 31.0% limits profitability buffer.
Stock #4: Stride, Inc. (LRN)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $3,582.8M |
| Quality Rating | 7.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $109.0 |
| 1Y Return | -36.9% |
| Revenue | $2,519.2M |
| Free Cash Flow | $259.4M |
| Revenue Growth | 14.9% |
| FCF margin | 10.3% |
| Gross margin | 39.3% |
| ROIC | 24.5% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 36.6% |
Investment Thesis
Stride, Inc. (LRN), focused on K-12 online education, holds a Quality rating of 7.1 and Market Cap of $3,582.8M. Steady Revenue growth of 14.9% to $2,519.2M supports Free Cash Flow of $259.4M, with ROIC at 24.5%. Though 1Y Return is -36.9%, Intrinsic value of $109.0 points to upside in virtual learning demand, complemented by Gross margin of 39.3%.
Key Catalysts
- Consistent Revenue growth 14.9% in core edtech segment.
- Healthy ROIC 24.5% for efficient expansion.
- Reliable FCF $259.4M funds growth initiatives.
Risk Factors
- Negative 1Y Return -36.9% reflects sector headwinds.
- Moderate FCF margin 10.3% trails peers.
- Total Debt to Equity at 36.6% warrants monitoring.
Stock #5: Afya Limited (AFYA)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,348.7M |
| Quality Rating | 6.8 |
| Intrinsic Value | $28.4 |
| 1Y Return | -10.7% |
| Revenue | R$3,633.3M |
| Free Cash Flow | R$1,223.2M |
| Revenue Growth | 14.1% |
| FCF margin | 33.7% |
| Gross margin | 65.0% |
| ROIC | 14.9% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 62.1% |
Investment Thesis
Afya Limited (AFYA), a Brazilian medical education provider, features a Quality rating of 6.8 and Market Cap of $1,348.7M. Revenue of R$3,633.3M grows 14.1%, with exceptional Free Cash Flow of R$1,223.2M and FCF margin of 33.7%. Intrinsic value of $28.4 exceeds current levels despite -10.7% 1Y Return, highlighting value in emerging market healthcare education.
Key Catalysts
- Robust FCF margin 33.7% and Gross margin 65.0%.
- Steady Revenue growth 14.1% in high-demand sector.
- Solid ROIC 14.9% for regional leadership.
Risk Factors
- 1Y Return dip -10.7% tied to currency fluctuations.
- Total Debt to Equity 62.1% exposes to Brazil risks.
- Currency reporting (R$) adds forex volatility.
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Stock #6: Youdao, Inc. (DAO)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $1,247.1M |
| Quality Rating | 5.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $10.4 |
| 1Y Return | 33.5% |
| Revenue | CN¥5,675.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | CN¥0.0 |
| Revenue Growth | (1.6%) |
| FCF margin | 0.0% |
| Gross margin | 44.9% |
| ROIC | 26.2% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (91.8%) |
Investment Thesis
Youdao, Inc. (DAO), a Chinese edtech firm, has a Quality rating of 5.9 and Market Cap of $1,247.1M. Strong 1Y Return of 33.5% offsets slight Revenue decline -1.6% to CN¥5,675.6M, with ROIC at 26.2%. Zero Free Cash Flow (CN¥0.0) is a concern, but Intrinsic value of $10.4 supports watchlist inclusion for China recovery plays.
Key Catalysts
- Impressive 1Y Return 33.5% shows momentum.
- Positive ROIC 26.2% amid challenges.
- Negative Total Debt to Equity -91.8% indicates net cash position.
Risk Factors
- No Free Cash Flow 0.0% limits reinvestment.
- Revenue contraction -1.6% in competitive China market.
- Geopolitical risks for CNY-denominated assets.
Stock #7: Coursera, Inc. (COUR)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $997.5M |
| Quality Rating | 5.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $11.0 |
| 1Y Return | -28.4% |
| Revenue | $739.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | $116.3M |
| Revenue Growth | 8.1% |
| FCF margin | 15.7% |
| Gross margin | 54.4% |
| ROIC | (3,117.5%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 0.0% |
Investment Thesis
Coursera, Inc. (COUR) earns a Quality rating of 5.9 with Market Cap of $997.5M, growing Revenue 8.1% to $739.8M and Free Cash Flow to $116.3M. High Gross margin 54.4% contrasts extreme negative ROIC -3,117.5%, but Intrinsic value of $11.0 suggests rebound potential post -28.4% 1Y Return in professional upskilling.
Key Catalysts
- Improving Revenue growth 8.1% and FCF $116.3M.
- Strong Gross margin 54.4% for platform scalability.
- Zero Total Debt to Equity strengthens balance sheet.
Risk Factors
- Severe ROIC -3,117.5% flags capital inefficiencies.
- 1Y Return decline -28.4% amid edtech slowdown.
- Competitive moat pressures in online courses.
Stock #8: Gaotu Techedu Inc. (GOTU)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $825.2M |
| Quality Rating | 4.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $5.2 |
| 1Y Return | -3.8% |
| Revenue | CN¥5,841.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | CN¥0.0 |
| Revenue Growth | 48.8% |
| FCF margin | 0.0% |
| Gross margin | 67.5% |
| ROIC | (36.7%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 37.7% |
Investment Thesis
Gaotu Techedu Inc. (GOTU), another China edtech player, scores a lower Quality rating of 4.0 but shows Revenue growth of 48.8% to CN¥5,841.8M. High Gross margin 67.5% is offset by zero Free Cash Flow and negative ROIC -36.7%, with Intrinsic value of $5.2 indicating speculative value after -3.8% 1Y Return.
Key Catalysts
- Rapid Revenue growth 48.8% in K-12 tutoring rebound.
- Elite Gross margin 67.5% for profitability path.
- Small 1Y decline -3.8% vs. peers' steeper drops.
Risk Factors
- Zero Free Cash Flow hinders sustainability.
- Negative ROIC -36.7% signals operational losses.
- Regulatory risks in Chinese education sector.
Stock #9: American Public Education, Inc. (APEI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $762.7M |
| Quality Rating | 6.4 |
| Intrinsic Value | $28.9 |
| 1Y Return | 90.4% |
| Revenue | $654.6M |
| Free Cash Flow | $60.0M |
| Revenue Growth | 6.7% |
| FCF margin | 9.2% |
| Gross margin | 40.1% |
| ROIC | 9.7% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 25.7% |
Investment Thesis
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) features a Quality rating of 6.4 and Market Cap of $762.7M, with standout 90.4% 1Y Return on $654.6M Revenue growing 6.7%. Free Cash Flow of $60.0M and ROIC of 9.7% support Intrinsic value of $28.9, ideal for military and online adult education exposure.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional 1Y Return 90.4% drives momentum.
- Positive ROIC 9.7% and FCF $60.0M.
- Steady Revenue growth 6.7% in niche markets.
Risk Factors
- Lower FCF margin 9.2% vs. leaders.
- Smaller scale limits diversification.
- Dependency on government contracts.
Stock #10: Udemy, Inc. (UDMY)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $720.4M |
| Quality Rating | 5.0 |
| Intrinsic Value | $11.5 |
| 1Y Return | -36.5% |
| Revenue | $795.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | $73.0M |
| Revenue Growth | 2.5% |
| FCF margin | 9.2% |
| Gross margin | 65.0% |
| ROIC | (9.9%) |
| Total Debt to Equity | 5.4% |
Investment Thesis
Udemy, Inc. (UDMY) rounds out the list with a Quality rating of 5.0 and Market Cap of $720.4M. Modest Revenue growth of 2.5% to $795.8M yields Free Cash Flow of $73.0M, with Gross margin at 65.0%. Intrinsic value of $11.5 offers upside despite -36.5% 1Y Return and negative ROIC -9.9%.
Key Catalysts
- High Gross margin 65.0% aids marketplace model.
- Positive FCF $73.0M for creator ecosystem growth.
- Low Total Debt to Equity 5.4% ensures flexibility.
Risk Factors
- Negative ROIC -9.9% indicates inefficiencies.
- Weak 1Y Return -36.5% reflects competition.
- Slow Revenue growth 2.5% trails high-flyers.
Portfolio Diversification Insights
This top 10 undervalued learning platform stocks collection balances stability (e.g., CL's defensive staples) with high-growth edtech (DUOL, GOTU). Sector allocation leans ~80% toward education technology (DUOL, LRN, AFYA, DAO, COUR, GOTU, APEI, UDMY), 10% diversified holdings (GHC), and 10% consumer essentials (CL), reducing edtech-specific risks like regulation. High ROIC names (DUOL, CL) complement cash-generative plays (AFYA, LRN), while low-debt options (COUR, DAO) hedge leverage-heavy CL. Cross-references show edtech growth catalysts pairing with CL's margins for resilient portfolios targeting best value stocks in learning sectors.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider positions during edtech pullbacks, as seen in negative 1Y Returns for DUOL -63.1% and LRN -36.9%, when prices approach Intrinsic value floors. Monitor Revenue growth rebounds (e.g., GOTU's 48.8%) and quarterly FCF for entry signals. Dollar-cost average into high-quality picks like DUOL (7.2 rating) over 3-6 months, pairing with market dips. Track sector catalysts like online enrollment trends; avoid overexposure pre-earnings if ROIC is negative (COUR, GOTU). Use ValueSense tools for real-time intrinsic value updates to time scaled entries.
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FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
Stocks were chosen using ValueSense criteria: Quality rating >4.0, significant Intrinsic value upside, positive FCF where available, and relevance to learning platforms for diversified stock watchlist exposure.
What's the best stock from this list?
Duolingo (DUOL) leads with a 7.2 Quality rating, 130.3% ROIC, and 39.9% Revenue growth, offering top undervaluation at $190.9 Intrinsic value—ideal for growth-oriented analysis.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversify across the list: allocate to high-ROIC (DUOL, CL) and stable cash flows (AFYA), limiting to 5-7 holdings to balance edtech volatility with CL's defense, per portfolio insights.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Key risks include high debt (CL 680%), zero FCF (DAO, GOTU), negative ROIC (COUR, UDMY), and regional issues (China for DAO/GOTU, Brazil for AFYA)—monitor via ValueSense metrics.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Optimal timing aligns with price dips toward Intrinsic value (e.g., DUOL at $190.9), post-earnings Revenue growth confirmations, or sector recoveries in online learning demand.