Exploring Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Have you ever wondered who the major players are behind Coursera, Inc. (COUR) and what drives their investment decisions? As of April 2025, understanding the ownership structure of Coursera can provide valuable insights into the company's stability and future direction. Are institutional investors calling the shots, or is it a mix of retail and insider holdings that shape the company's trajectory? With the share price at $6.85 on April 14, 2025, a significant drop from $12.40 on April 15, 2024, understanding who is holding the stock becomes even more critical. Let's dive into the details of Coursera's investor profile, exploring the major shareholders and the factors influencing their investment strategies, especially in light of the company's $694.7 million in revenue for 2024.

Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Who Invests in Coursera, Inc. (COUR) and Why?

Understanding the investor profile of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) involves examining the diverse range of entities and individuals that hold its stock, and their motivations for doing so. These investors are generally categorized into retail investors, institutional investors, and hedge funds, each bringing different investment strategies and objectives.

Key Investor Types:

The investor base of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) is composed of the following:

• Retail Investors: These individual investors buy shares of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) for their personal accounts. Their investment decisions may be influenced by factors such as the company's perceived growth potential, brand recognition, and recommendations from financial advisors.
• Institutional Investors: These entities include mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and other organizations that invest on behalf of their clients. Institutional investors often conduct in-depth research and analysis before investing in a company, and they typically hold larger positions than retail investors.
• Hedge Funds: These are investment partnerships that use pooled funds and employ various strategies to earn active returns for their investors. Hedge funds may take both long and short positions in Coursera, Inc. (COUR), aiming to profit from both rising and falling stock prices.

As of December 31, 2024, the ownership structure of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) was as follows:

Investment Motivations:

Investors are attracted to Coursera, Inc. (COUR) for a variety of reasons, primarily centered around the company's growth prospects, its position in the online education market, and broader industry trends.

• Growth Prospects: Coursera, Inc. (COUR) operates in the rapidly expanding online education market, which has seen increased demand due to globalization, technological advancements, and the need for continuous professional development. Investors are drawn to Coursera, Inc. (COUR)'s potential for revenue growth and market share expansion.
• Market Position: Coursera, Inc. (COUR) has established itself as a leading online learning platform, partnering with top universities and institutions to offer a wide range of courses, specializations, and degrees. Its strong brand reputation and extensive content library attract a large user base, making it an appealing investment.

Investment Strategies:

Different investors adopt varying strategies when investing in Coursera, Inc. (COUR), depending on their investment goals and risk tolerance.

• Long-Term Holding: Many institutional investors, such as mutual funds and pension funds, adopt a long-term holding strategy, viewing Coursera, Inc. (COUR) as a stable investment with potential for sustained growth over several years. They focus on the company's fundamentals, such as revenue growth, profitability, and competitive advantages.
• Short-Term Trading: Hedge funds and some retail investors may engage in short-term trading strategies, aiming to profit from short-term price fluctuations in Coursera, Inc. (COUR)'s stock. These traders often use technical analysis and market sentiment to make their trading decisions.
• Value Investing: Some investors may follow a value investing approach, seeking to buy Coursera, Inc. (COUR)'s stock when it is undervalued by the market. They analyze the company's financial statements and intrinsic value to determine whether its stock price is below its true worth.

For more insights into Coursera, Inc. (COUR), you can explore: Coursera, Inc. (COUR): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders of Coursera, Inc. (COUR)

Understanding the institutional ownership of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) provides insights into the stability and potential direction of the company's stock. Institutional investors, such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, often have substantial resources and conduct thorough research before investing. Their actions can significantly influence stock prices and company strategy.

As of fiscal year 2024, the following details outline the landscape of Coursera, Inc.'s (COUR) major shareholders and institutional ownership:

• Vanguard Group Inc.: Holds a significant position in Coursera, Inc. (COUR).
• BlackRock Fund Advisors: Is another major institutional investor in Coursera, Inc. (COUR).
• Other Institutional Investors: A variety of other firms also hold notable positions, contributing to the overall institutional ownership of Coursera, Inc. (COUR).

The trends in institutional ownership can indicate the sentiment of sophisticated investors. Increases in institutional holdings might suggest confidence in the company's future prospects, while decreases could signal concerns. Recent changes in ownership, as of 2024, include:

• Some institutional investors may have increased their positions, reflecting a bullish outlook on Coursera, Inc. (COUR).
• Conversely, others may have reduced their stakes, possibly due to portfolio adjustments or a change in their investment thesis.

Institutional investors play a crucial role in Coursera, Inc.'s (COUR) stock performance and strategic direction. Their large holdings can lead to:

• Price Stability: High institutional ownership can sometimes reduce volatility due to the long-term investment horizons of many institutions.
• Influence on Strategy: Large shareholders may engage with company management to influence strategic decisions.
• Market Confidence: The presence of well-regarded institutional investors can enhance market confidence in the company.

Here is a table summarizing potential key institutional investors and their approximate holdings in Coursera, Inc. (COUR) based on the latest available data for the fiscal year 2024:

Keep in mind that specific holding sizes and percentages fluctuate as institutions regularly adjust their portfolios. For more insights into Coursera, Inc.'s (COUR) strategic vision, see Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Coursera, Inc. (COUR).

Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Key Investors and Their Impact on Coursera, Inc. (COUR)

Understanding the investor profile of Coursera, Inc. (COUR) provides valuable insights into the company's strategic direction and market sentiment. Key investors, including institutional holders, insiders, and individual shareholders, can significantly influence company decisions and stock performance.

As of December 31, 2024, 408 institutional owners and shareholders have filed 13D/G or 13F forms with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), holding a total of 138,779,467 shares. These institutions hold approximately 62% of Coursera's shares, indicating a substantial influence over the company's share price.

Here's a breakdown of the major holders:

• BlackRock, Inc.: Holds 14.19 million shares, representing 8.80% of shares outstanding, valued at $96.36 million.
• NEA Management Company, LLC: Holds 12.87 million shares, accounting for 7.98% of shares outstanding, with a value of $87.37 million.
• Vanguard Group Inc: Owns 12.15 million shares, which is 7.54% of the company, worth $82.48 million.
• Morgan Stanley: Holds 9.75 million shares, representing 6.05% of the company, valued at $66.23 million.
• Baillie Gifford & Co: Holds 8.88 million shares, or 5.51% of the company, worth $60.27 million.
• Caledonia (Private) Investments Pty Ltd: Holds 8.03 million shares, accounting for 4.98% of the company, valued at $54.53 million.

Other notable institutional holders include State Street Corporation, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, and Geode Capital Management, LLC.

In terms of mutual fund holders:

• iShares Trust-iShares Russell 2000 ETF held 3.53 million shares as of February 28, 2025, representing 2.19%, valued at $23.97 million.
• VANGUARD INDEX FUNDS-Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund held 3.46 million shares as of December 31, 2024, representing 2.15%, valued at $23.51 million.

Insiders also hold a significant portion of Coursera's stock. As of February 15, 2025:

• Scott Sandell owns the most shares of Coursera (COUR).
• Andrew Ng, Co-Founder of Coursera, sold 25,000 shares on January 15, 2025, at $8.67, for $216,650.

The ownership structure of Coursera is a mix of institutional, retail, and insider holdings:

• Insiders: 18.15%
• Mutual Funds: 13.79%
• Other Institutional Investors: 0.70%
• ETFs: 14.22%
• Public Companies and Individual Investors: 53.14%

Institutional investors' movements in Coursera stock have been mixed. During the latest quarter of 2024, 110 institutional investors increased their positions, while 116 decreased theirs, indicating varied sentiment among these stakeholders.

Recent insider trading activity shows that:

• Alan B. Cardenas, SVP General Counsel, sold 8,056 shares on February 15, 2025, for $71,300.
• Kenneth R. Hahn, SVP Chief Financial Officer, sold 39,554 shares on February 15, 2025, amounting to $350,050.
• Michele M. Meyers, VP Accounting and CAO, sold 8,789 shares on February 15, 2025, for $77,780.

The influence of major investors on Coursera's decisions and stock movements is considerable. Large institutional investors can exert influence on the company's management and affect the stock price through their buying and selling patterns. For example, Baillie Gifford & Co. decreased their holdings by 12,203,433 shares in Q4 2024.

Additionally, keep in mind:

• A Schedule 13D filing indicates that an investor holds (or held) more than 5% of the company and intends (or intended) to actively pursue a change in business strategy.
• A Schedule 13G indicates a passive investment of over 5%.

For more insights into Coursera's background, mission, and operations, check out: Coursera, Inc. (COUR): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding investor sentiment and market reactions is crucial for evaluating the potential of Coursera, Inc. (COUR). This analysis encompasses recent market behavior, major shareholder actions, and analyst perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of the company's current standing.

Investor Sentiment:

Investor sentiment toward Coursera, as reflected in recent trading activity and analyst ratings, presents a mixed picture.

• Recent reports indicate that analysts have a consensus rating of 'Buy' for Coursera stock, suggesting an expectation that the stock will outperform the market over the next twelve months. For example, 75% of analysts have a 'Buy' rating, 20% have a 'Hold' rating, and 5% have a 'Sell' rating.
• However, some analysts have expressed concerns about the company's growth prospects, particularly in the Degrees segment, leading to revised sales growth projections for 2025.
• Technical indicators also show a bearish sentiment in the short term, with more sell signals than buy signals.

Major institutional holders, such as BlackRock, Inc., NEA Management Company, LLC, and Vanguard Group Inc., hold significant portions of Coursera's shares. As of December 31, 2024:

• BlackRock, Inc. holds 14.19 million shares, representing 8.80% of the company.
• NEA Management Company, LLC holds 12.87 million shares, representing 7.98%.
• Vanguard Group Inc. holds 12.15 million shares, representing 7.54%.

Institutional ownership signifies credibility among professional investors, but it also carries the risk of 'crowded trades,' where multiple institutions might sell stock simultaneously if the trade goes wrong.

Recent Market Reactions:

The stock market's response to Coursera's performance and announcements has been varied:

• In January 2025, Coursera's shares fell by 12.7% after the company reported underwhelming fourth-quarter results and provided revenue and EBITDA guidance for the next quarter that fell short of Wall Street's estimates.
• Conversely, the stock gained 54.9% six months prior, following strong second-quarter earnings.
• In April 2024, the stock declined by 16.3% after Q1 results, with revenue slightly below expectations and reduced full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance.

These fluctuations indicate that the market is highly sensitive to Coursera's financial performance and future outlook.

Analyst Perspectives:

Analysts' views on Coursera are diverse, reflecting the complexities of the company's position in the online education market:

• The average 12-month price target for Coursera stock is $10.34, with a low estimate of $7.00 and a high estimate of $22.00, predicting a potential increase of 41.55% from the current stock price.
• However, some analysts have downgraded Coursera's rating, citing 'artificial intelligence headwinds' and lowering the price target.
• Analysts at Raymond James maintained a Market Perform rating but cautioned about Coursera's growth prospects, particularly with the new CEO taking the helm.

Financial Overview:

Coursera's financial performance in 2024 shows both positive and concerning trends:

• Full-year revenue reached $694.7 million, a 9% increase from 2023.
• The company achieved its first full year of positive adjusted EBITDA at $41.5 million.
• However, the company's Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of -22.58% and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of 10.27% raise concerns about its ability to generate sufficient returns on its investments.

Ownership Structure:

The ownership structure of Coursera reveals the distribution of shares among different types of investors:

• Institutions hold approximately 62% of Coursera's shares, indicating they have significant influence over the company's share price.
• Insiders own approximately 6.55% of the shares.

Stock Forecasts:

Stock forecasts for Coursera vary across different analytical platforms:

• One forecast suggests that Coursera's stock could reach $7.87 by 2025, a 10.26% gain from current levels.
• Another forecast projects a bearish trend, with potential lows of $0.687739 over the long term.
• Analysts have set a price target of $19.09, indicating a potential increase from the current stock price, though these are frequently updated based on market conditions.

Here's a summary table of analyst ratings and price targets:

For further insights into Coursera's financial health, you can explore this resource: Breaking Down Coursera, Inc. (COUR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Overall, Coursera's market impact and investor sentiment are influenced by its financial performance, strategic initiatives, and broader market conditions. While the company has shown revenue growth and expanded its user base, concerns about profitability and competition persist. Investors should carefully weigh these factors when considering Coursera's potential.