MetaCap

Strategic Education (STRA) vs TAL Education Group (TAL)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.

Summary

TAL Education Group (TAL) has outperformed Strategic Education (STRA) over the past year, gaining 15.3% versus a gain of 0.6%. Over five years, TAL leads with a +161.9% price change compared with +13.2% for STRA. TAL Education Group is the larger company by market cap ($7.08 billion vs $1.79 billion), about 4.0 times the size.

On valuation, Strategic Education trades at a lower forward P/E (9.6x vs 10.9x for TAL Education Group). Strategic Education pays a dividend yielding 2.97%, while TAL Education Group does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

STRA-3.83%TAL+13.26%
+17%-3%-22%
Oct 6, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
STRA+12.35%TAL+167.44%
+225%+77%-71%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

STRA versus TAL key metrics
MetricSTRATAL
Share price$80.68$12.76
Market cap$1.79B$7.08B
1-day change+1.08%+1.27%
YTD return+0.60%+16.68%
1-year return+0.60%+15.31%
5-year return+13.24%+161.93%
P/E ratio (TTM)13.387.98
Forward P/E9.5510.88
EPS (TTM)$6.03$1.60
Dividend yield2.97%0.00%
Annual dividend$2.40$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)—$3.01B
Revenue growth (YoY)—+33.72%
Net income (latest FY)—$530.75M
Gross margin—55.35%
Operating margin—9.17%
Net margin—17.64%
52-week high$89.73$13.37
52-week low$69.70$8.88
Distance from 52-week high-10.09%-4.56%
Analyst consensusbuybuy
Avg. price target upside+19.82%+26.18%
Average volume292.57K4.59M
Shares outstanding22.21M407.23M
Employees3,68326,100
SectorReal EstateReal Estate
IndustryOther Consumer ServicesOther Consumer Services

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • TAL Education Group is about 4.0 times larger than Strategic Education by market value ($7.08B vs $1.79B).
  • TAL has outperformed STRA by 14.7 percentage points over the past year.
  • Strategic Education trades at a higher earnings multiple (13.4x vs 8.0x trailing P/E).
  • Strategic Education offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.97% vs 0.00%).

About Strategic Education

STRA stock →

Strategic Education, Inc. provides education services through campus-based and online post-secondary education, and programs to develop job-ready skills.

Real Estate · Other Consumer Services · 3,683 employees

About TAL Education Group

TAL stock →

TAL Education Group provides smart learning solutions in the People's Republic of China. It offers learning services through Xueersi Peiyou small classes, personalized premium services, and online course offerings.

Real Estate · Other Consumer Services · 26,100 employees

STRA vs TAL FAQ

Which is bigger, Strategic Education or TAL Education Group?

TAL Education Group (TAL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.08B compared with $1.79B for Strategic Education (STRA).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, STRA or TAL?

TAL returned +15.31% over the past 12 months, compared with +0.60% for STRA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, STRA or TAL?

TAL has the lower trailing P/E at 8.0, versus 13.4 for STRA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Strategic Education or TAL Education Group?

Strategic Education pays a dividend yielding 2.97%, while TAL Education Group does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Strategic Education and TAL Education Group in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Other Consumer Services industry within the Real Estate sector.

More comparisons