B. Riley analyst Griffin Boss raised the firm’s price target on American Public Education (APEI) to $53 from $40 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The Q4 results are expected to align with guidance, while longer-term forecasts point to accelerating revenue and margin expansion, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Despite potential near-term noise from a possible government shutdown, strong execution, ambitious FY29 targets, and robust projected cash generation underpin a positive medium-ter ...

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]

Core Insights - Nearly one-quarter (23%) of active students at American Public University System (APUS) participated in student-run organizations in 2025, with a total of approximately 72,000 students involved since inception [2][5]. Student Engagement and Organizations - APUS has over 75 student-run organizations, reflecting diverse interests and fostering community engagement [2][6]. - In 2025, seven new organizations were created, including The Society of Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, which added 850 new members, and the SALUTE Honor Society, which added 400 new members [3]. Academic Benefits - Students involved in clubs and organizations achieved higher GPAs, enrolled in more courses, and had retention rates nearly 30 percentage points above their peers, indicating significant academic and retention benefits [4]. Community and Leadership Development - APUS emphasizes the importance of community and meaningful engagement for student success, stating that higher education extends beyond coursework [5]. - Major student organizations include Golden Key International Honour Society (over 12,000 members), National Society of Leadership and Success (over 10,000 members), and Student Veterans of America (6,000 members) [5]. New Initiatives - Newly established clubs include the Anti-Human Trafficking Club, which focuses on combating human trafficking, and the OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) Club, which develops ethical intelligence gathering skills [8].

Core Insights - The American Public University System (APUS) has announced its President's List for the fourth quarter of 2025, recognizing students for their exceptional academic performance, which is the highest level of academic recognition at the university [1][2]. Group 1: Academic Recognition - APUS celebrates the achievements of students on the President's List, highlighting their commitment to learning and resilience [2]. - The list serves as a testament to the hard work of students and the university's dedication to supporting their academic and professional goals [2]. Group 2: University Overview - APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), has a history of 34 years and a community of over 162,000 alumni from more than 80 countries [3]. - The university is recognized for its innovative approach to online learning and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [4].

Core Viewpoint - American Public Education (APEI) reported strong Q3 2025 earnings, exceeding estimates, but has revised its full-year guidance downward for revenues and adjusted EBITDA [3][4][13]. Financial Performance - APEI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 was 30 cents, significantly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a 9-cent loss by 433.3% and up from 4 cents in the same quarter last year [5]. - Total revenues reached $163.2 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $161 million by 1.6% and reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6.6% [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 60% year over year to $20.7 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expanding to 13%, up 500 basis points from 8% [6]. Segment Performance - American Public University System (APUS) reported revenues of $83.1 million, an 8% increase from $77 million year-over-year, driven by an 8% growth in net course registrations [7]. - Rasmussen University (RU) generated revenues of $60.8 million, a 15.6% increase from $52.6 million, with total student enrollment rising by 10.4% to 14,900 [8]. - Hondros College of Nursing (HCN) saw revenues rise 19% year-over-year to $18.4 million, supported by a 17.6% increase in total student enrollment to 3,700 [9]. Guidance and Outlook - For Q4 2025, APEI expects total revenues to decline by 6-9% year-over-year to a range of $150-$153.5 million, with EPS projected between 32 cents and 45 cents compared to 63 cents a year ago [11]. - The company has revised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to a growth of 2-3% year-over-year, now expected to be between $640-$644 million, down from the previous estimate of $650-$660 million [13]. - Capital expenditures are now expected to be between $15-$17 million, a decrease from the prior range of $18-$22 million [14]. Market Reaction - Since the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 30.59% [15]. - APEI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return from the stock in the coming months [17].

Core Insights - American Public University System (APUS) has successfully exceeded its sponsorship goal by nearly 1,000 wreaths, representing over 33% increase compared to last year, in partnership with Wreaths Across America (WAA) [1][2] Group 1: Sponsorship and Participation - APUS is sponsoring almost 1,000 wreaths this year, which is one-third more than the previous year [2] - The wreaths will be placed at Edge Hill Cemetery in Charles Town, West Virginia, and other participating cemeteries nationwide, facilitated by volunteers from the university community [2][3] - APUS has been supporting WAA since 2011, demonstrating a long-term commitment to honoring veterans [2] Group 2: Community Engagement - On National Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, APUS community members will join thousands of volunteers to lay wreaths in remembrance of veterans [3] - The initiative encourages participation from students, alumni, faculty, and staff, many of whom are connected to the military [4] - APUS emphasizes the importance of these wreaths as gestures of gratitude and reminders of the legacies of those who served [4] Group 3: Institutional Background - APUS is recognized for its affordable, high-quality, and workforce-relevant higher education, with a community of over 162,000 alumni from more than 80 countries [5] - The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. [6]

Core Insights - Rasmussen University has launched a Radiologic Technology Associate's degree program at its Central Pasco campus to address the increasing demand for skilled radiologic technologists in the Tampa Bay area [1][2][3] Program Details - The program is designed to be completed in as few as 24 months, combining online coursework with on-campus lab experiences and clinical practicum settings [4] - Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam, which is essential for professional practice [5][6] Market Demand - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in employment for radiologic and MRI technologists from 2024 to 2034, indicating a robust job market driven by an aging population and rising demand for diagnostic imaging [3]