American Public Education, Inc. Schedules Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Call Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 5:00pm ET [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationCHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- [American Public Education, Inc.](the "Company") (Nasdaq: APEI), a company which transforms lives, advances careers and improves communities by providing online and campus-based postsecondary education to approximately 109,000 students, will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 12, 2026 ...

Core Insights - American Public Education Inc. (APEI) has opened a new Rasmussen University campus in Orlando, Florida, aimed at addressing the region's healthcare workforce needs, particularly in nursing [1] - The Orlando campus introduces the Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program for the first time in the area, alongside existing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Professional Nursing Associate's Degree (ADN) programs [1] - The new campus features modern facilities designed for hands-on learning, including nursing skills and simulation labs, to better prepare students for careers in healthcare [1] Company Overview - Rasmussen University is a national leader in prelicensure nursing education, offering a comprehensive range of nursing programs from LPN to BSN and graduate-level degrees [1] - The university has been serving Central Florida since 2007 and aims to strengthen the local healthcare workforce by expanding its educational offerings [1] - APEI operates through its institutions, including Rasmussen University, American Public University System (APUS), and Hondros College of Nursing, focusing on transforming lives and improving communities through education [1] Industry Context - The healthcare industry is currently facing significant staffing challenges, particularly in nursing, which necessitates the expansion of educational programs to create new entry points into the profession [1] - The introduction of the LPN program at the Orlando campus is a strategic response to the growing demand for well-prepared nursing professionals in the region [1] - The campus is designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, incorporating modern technology and realistic clinical tools [1]

Core Insights - Adtalem Global Education (ATGE) is rebranding to Covista, focusing on healthcare education and workforce development in response to the growing demand for trained medical professionals in the U.S. The new name will be effective from February 24, 2026, with shares trading under the ticker CVSA on the New York Stock Exchange [1][11]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Operations - Covista's operations are now aligned to address the national healthcare workforce shortage while expanding training capacity and supporting long-term talent supply [2]. - The new brand emphasizes healthcare focus, institutional reach, and clinical depth, particularly supporting underserved students such as working parents and career changers [3]. - Covista has introduced a multi-year commitment called Covista Open Doors, aimed at building and sustaining the healthcare workforce through career exploration, financial support, and mental health programs [10][12]. Group 2: Workforce Research Findings - Covista's research highlights a significant healthcare workforce crisis, with 76% of clinicians and 73% of executives indicating that staffing shortages negatively impact care quality [4][11]. - There are over 702,000 healthcare jobs posted monthly, while around 306,000 unemployed healthcare workers are available, indicating a severe mismatch in supply and demand [6]. - Rural healthcare executives face greater challenges in finding local talent, with 85% reporting difficulties compared to 45% in metropolitan areas [8]. Group 3: Technology and Future Outlook - The adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare is seen positively by executives, but many believe it will not fully resolve staffing gaps [7]. - Covista's initial actions include partnerships to encourage healthcare careers and the establishment of a Student Emergency Care Fund to support healthcare workers [12].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Schools industry is facing significant challenges, including a declining traditional student base, increased competition from public and nonprofit institutions, and rising compliance costs due to tighter regulatory oversight [1][4][5] - The industry comprises for-profit education companies offering various undergraduate, graduate, and specialized programs, focusing on career-oriented education in fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades [3] Current Challenges - Margin pressures are intensifying due to rising costs in faculty, support services, marketing, and technology, coupled with aggressive enrollment competition [4] - Operational challenges include high compliance costs and vulnerability to enrollment fluctuations, which can significantly impact operating income [5][6] Demand Trends - There is a renewed demand for workforce-oriented programs, particularly in healthcare, cybersecurity, and skilled trades, driven by employers prioritizing job-ready skills [7][9] - The U.S. healthcare sector is experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, creating opportunities for education providers to align their programs with workforce needs [8][9] Industry Consolidation - The sector is witnessing consolidation, with larger players acquiring smaller institutions to expand program offerings and achieve scale advantages [10] - Recent policy changes, such as the "Workforce Pell" initiative, are expected to enhance enrollment and pricing power for accredited programs [11] Technology Integration - The adoption of technology and digital learning platforms is becoming a key differentiator for for-profit colleges, enhancing student engagement and operational efficiency [12] Financial Performance - The Zacks Schools industry currently ranks 153 out of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating it is in the bottom 37% in terms of performance [13][14] - The industry's earnings estimates for 2026 have decreased slightly to $1.86 per share, reflecting a loss of confidence in earnings growth potential [15] Stock Performance - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500 but has fared better than the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector over the past year, with a collective loss of 4.5% [17] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 13.68X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 23.24X and the sector's 17.66X [20] Notable Companies - **American Public Education, Inc. (APEI)**: Focused on military and healthcare education, APEI has seen strong enrollment growth and is expected to grow earnings by 106.5% in 2026 [27][28] - **Adtalem Global Education Inc. (ATGE)**: Gaining from enrollment momentum in healthcare education, ATGE's earnings are projected to grow 18% in fiscal 2026 [30][31] - **Stride, Inc. (LRN)**: Provides technology-driven online education, with a focus on K-12 education, and is expected to see earnings growth of 3.2% in fiscal 2026 [34][35]

Core Viewpoint - American Public Education (APEI) has shown strong stock performance, with a 15.6% increase over the past month and a new 52-week high of $44.88, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the Zacks Schools industry [1] Financial Performance - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, reporting an EPS of $0.3 against a consensus estimate of -$0.09 in its last earnings report on November 10, 2025, and exceeding revenue estimates by 1.62% [2] - For the current fiscal year, APEI is projected to earn $2.23 per share on revenues of $642.33 million, with a year-over-year earnings growth of 106.51%. For the next fiscal year, earnings are expected to rise to $2.64 per share on revenues of $687.98 million, reflecting a 7.11% increase [3] Valuation Metrics - APEI currently trades at 18.8 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 14.2 times. On a trailing cash flow basis, it trades at 20.1 times compared to the peer group's average of 12.8 times. The stock has a PEG ratio of 1.25, indicating it is not in the top tier from a value perspective [7] Style Scores and Zacks Rank - The company has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] - APEI holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, making it a favorable option for investors [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - B. Riley analyst Griffin Boss has raised the price target for American Public Education (APEI) to $53 from $40, maintaining a Buy rating on the shares, indicating a positive outlook for the company [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Q4 results are expected to align with guidance, suggesting stability in financial performance [1] - Longer-term forecasts indicate accelerating revenue and margin expansion, which is a positive sign for future growth [1] Group 2: Market Outlook - Despite potential near-term challenges from a possible government shutdown, strong execution and ambitious FY29 targets support a positive medium-term outlook for APEI [1] - Robust projected cash generation further underpins the optimistic outlook for the company [1]

Core Insights - American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) is participating in the Oppenheimer 11th Annual Emerging Growth Conference on February 3-4, 2026, with key executives including CEO Angela Selden and CFO Edward Codispoti [1] Company Overview - APEI provides online and campus-based postsecondary education to approximately 109,000 students, aiming to transform lives, advance careers, and improve communities [1][3] - The company operates through three main institutions: American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing [3] Institutional Details - APUS serves around 88,700 adult learners globally, focusing on active-duty military and veteran students, and is recognized as a leading educator in this sector [4][7] - Rasmussen University, with a history of 125 years, caters to approximately 15,900 students across 20 campuses in six states and online, offering programs in nursing, health sciences, business, technology, design, early childhood education, and justice studies [5] - Hondros College of Nursing is the largest educator of Practical Nurses (LPN) in Ohio, serving about 4,000 students across eight campuses [6][8] Accreditation - APUS and Rasmussen University are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while Hondros College of Nursing is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Schools sector should consider American Public Education (APEI) and Universal Technical Institute (UTI) for potential undervalued stock opportunities [1] Group 1: Company Rankings and Performance - APEI has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while UTI has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [3] - APEI's improving analyst outlook makes it a more favorable option for investors compared to UTI [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - APEI has a forward P/E ratio of 18.17, significantly lower than UTI's forward P/E of 34.82 [5] - APEI's PEG ratio is 1.21, while UTI's PEG ratio is 2.32, suggesting APEI is more reasonably valued in relation to its expected earnings growth [5] - APEI's P/B ratio is 2.62 compared to UTI's P/B of 4.61, further indicating APEI's relative undervaluation [6] - APEI's Value grade is B, while UTI's Value grade is D, reinforcing APEI's position as the better investment choice [6]

Company Performance - American Public Education (APEI) shares have increased by 7.9% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $40.76 [1] - The company has gained 7.4% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector (2.6%) and the Zacks Schools industry (2.1%) [1] Earnings and Revenue - APEI has consistently beaten earnings estimates, reporting EPS of $0.3 against a consensus estimate of -$0.09 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, APEI is expected to post earnings of $2.22 per share on revenues of $642.33 million, with a year-over-year earnings growth of 106.05% [3] - For the next fiscal year, earnings are projected to be $2.75 per share on revenues of $687.89 million, representing a year-over-year change of 7.09% [3] Valuation Metrics - APEI currently trades at 18.3X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 14.8X [7] - The stock has a trailing cash flow multiple of 19.5X compared to the peer group's average of 12.6X, and a PEG ratio of 1.22 [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - APEI holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to a solid earnings estimate revision trend [8] - The company has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] Industry Comparison - The Schools industry is performing well, ranking in the top 42% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for APEI and its peers [12] - Legacy Education Inc. (LGCY), a peer in the industry, has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has shown strong earnings performance, indicating a competitive landscape [10][11]

Group 1: American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) - American Public Education is an education services provider with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 18.16, compared to 25.57 for the S&P [1] - American Public Education possesses a Value Score of B [1] Group 2: KNOT Offshore Partners LP (KNOP) - KNOT Offshore Partners is a tanker shipping company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings has increased by 41.3% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.66, compared to 25.57 for the S&P [2] - KNOT Offshore Partners possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 3: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) - CF Industries is an industrial gases company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.6% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.36, compared to 12.40 for the industry [3] - CF Industries possesses a Value Score of A [3]