Wasatch Micro Cap Fund Says Universal Technical Institute Benefited From AI-Driven Demand for Skilled Trades Training

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Summary · why it matters

Wasatch Global Investors highlighted Universal Technical Institute as a leading positive contributor in its Micro Cap Fund during the first quarter of 2026, citing rising demand for skilled trades training tied to artificial intelligence and data-center construction. The fund noted that for-profit education companies like Universal Technical Institute and Lincoln Educational Services are seen as AI beneficiaries because their programs prepare students for careers less threatened by automation than many white-collar roles. Universal Technical Institute shares gained 21.10% over the past 52 weeks and closed at $40.35 on June 18, 2026, with a market capitalization of $2.22 billion. The Wasatch Micro-Cap Fund fell 3.11% in the quarter, outperforming the Russell Microcap Growth benchmark's 4.25% decline, as industrials, consumer discretionary, and financials contributed positively while information technology detracted.

Impact on assets 2

Consumer Discretionary▲ · 2 stocks
Universal Technical Institute Inc
UTI
▲ PositiveDemandrelevance

Universal Technical Institute is highlighted as a leading positive contributor due to AI-driven demand for skilled trades training.

Lincoln Educational Services
LINC
▲ PositiveDemandrelevance

Article cites rising demand for skilled trades training tied to AI and data-center construction, benefiting for-profit education companies like Lincoln Educational Services.

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