Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Schools sector should consider American Public Education (APEI) and Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) as potential undervalued stocks [1] Valuation Metrics - APEI has a forward P/E ratio of 20.95, while LOPE has a forward P/E of 21.55 [5] - APEI's PEG ratio is 1.40, compared to LOPE's PEG ratio of 1.44 [5] - APEI's P/B ratio is 1.99, significantly lower than LOPE's P/B of 6.87 [6] Investment Grades - Both APEI and LOPE have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions [3] - APEI holds a Value grade of A, while LOPE has a Value grade of C, suggesting APEI is the superior value option [6][7]

Company Performance - Afya (AFYA) has returned 8.5% year-to-date, outperforming the average gain of 5.3% in the Consumer Discretionary sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Afya's full-year earnings has increased by 8.2% over the past three months, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [4] Industry Context - Afya is part of the Schools industry, which consists of 17 companies and currently ranks 19 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The Schools industry has gained an average of 2.8% so far this year, showing that Afya is performing better than its industry peers [6] Sector Ranking - The Consumer Discretionary group is ranked 10 within the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates 16 different sector groups [2] - Afya holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable outlook compared to other stocks in the sector [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights specific companies, Afya (AFYA) and American Public Education (APEI), as strong value stock opportunities based on their financial metrics and rankings [2][4][7]. Company Analysis: Afya (AFYA) - Afya (AFYA) holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value grade of A, indicating strong potential for value investors [4]. - The stock has a P/E ratio of 11.03, significantly lower than the industry average of 15.82, suggesting it may be undervalued [4]. - AFYA's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 7.81 and 12.39 over the past year, with a median of 9.41 [4]. - The PEG ratio for AFYA is 0.59, compared to the industry average of 0.72, indicating favorable growth expectations relative to its price [5]. - AFYA's P/B ratio stands at 2.27, lower than the industry average of 3.38, further supporting its valuation as attractive [6]. Company Analysis: American Public Education (APEI) - American Public Education (APEI) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Value score of A, making it another appealing option for value investors [7]. - APEI's Forward P/E ratio is 17.26, which is higher than the industry average of 15.82, suggesting a different valuation perspective [7]. - The PEG ratio for APEI is 1.15, indicating it may be priced higher relative to its growth expectations compared to the industry average of 0.72 [7]. - APEI's P/B ratio is 1.95, also lower than the industry average of 3.38, indicating it may be undervalued [8]. Summary of Valuation Metrics - Both AFYA and APEI exhibit strong value metrics, suggesting they are likely undervalued in the current market [9]. - The analysis of earnings outlook and valuation ratios positions AFYA and APEI as impressive value stocks at this time [9].

Core Insights - American Public University System (APUS) has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, reflecting high employee satisfaction and engagement [1][2][3] - The certification indicates APUS's commitment to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that supports both employees and students [2][3] - APUS provides flexible remote work options and professional development opportunities, contributing to a positive employee experience [3] Employee Engagement and Satisfaction - APUS employees participated in The Trust Index Survey, which measures trust, pride, and camaraderie within the workplace [1] - Employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, highlighting the positive impact of the certification [3] Recognition and Impact - Great Place to Work® is recognized globally as a benchmark for outstanding employee experience, with over 10,000 companies applying for certification annually [5] - The certification is based on employee feedback regarding their workplace experience, emphasizing the importance of a high-trust environment [5] Company Overview - APUS has a 33-year history and serves over 155,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, focusing on affordable and high-quality online education [6] - APUS includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission [7]

Core Insights - The article compares American Public Education (APEI) and Grand Canyon Education (LOPE) to determine which stock offers better value for investors [1] Valuation Metrics - APEI has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to LOPE, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - APEI's forward P/E ratio is 19.47, while LOPE's forward P/E ratio is 22.55, suggesting APEI may be undervalued [5] - APEI has a PEG ratio of 1.30, compared to LOPE's PEG ratio of 1.50, indicating APEI's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - APEI's P/B ratio is 1.85, significantly lower than LOPE's P/B ratio of 7.09, further supporting APEI's valuation attractiveness [6] Value Grades - APEI holds a Value grade of A, while LOPE has a Value grade of D, indicating APEI is considered a better value investment [6] - APEI has experienced stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics than LOPE, leading to the conclusion that APEI is the superior option for value investors [7]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a framework for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with A being the highest score [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score assesses stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to identify sustainable growth opportunities [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by analyzing short-term price changes and earnings estimate revisions [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores to highlight stocks with the best value, growth potential, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in stock selection [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500, achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal investment potential [10] - Stocks with lower ranks, even with good Style Scores, may still face downward price pressure due to negative earnings outlooks [11] Company Spotlight: American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) - APEI is rated 2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank and has a VGM Score of A, making it a strong candidate for investment [12] - The company has seen a 9% increase in share price over the past four weeks, indicating positive momentum [12] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the consensus estimate increasing by $0.15 to $1.42 per share, and an average earnings surprise of 122.5% [13]

Summary of American Public Education (APEI) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) - **Industry**: For-profit education, focusing on military personnel and nursing education - **Market Size**: The for-profit education industry is a $100 billion market and is expected to grow [6][24] Core Points and Arguments - **Leadership in Education**: APEI is the leading educator of active duty military personnel and veterans, significantly outpacing competitors like the University of Maryland Global Campus [7][24] - **Nursing Education**: APEI is the top producer of Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in the U.S., addressing a projected shortage of 200,000 nurses annually over the next decade [9][10] - **Financial Performance**: - Trailing twelve-month revenue: $635 million - Adjusted EBITDA: $76.5 million - Free cash flow: $51 million expected for the year [8][29] - **Enrollment Growth**: Positive year-over-year enrollment growth was reported, particularly in the nursing platform, with 9,400 enrolled nursing students [9][20] - **Acquisition of Rasmussen**: The acquisition of Rasmussen has stabilized and improved performance, with positive EBITDA and enrollment growth expected to continue [8][19] - **Regulatory Changes**: Recent lifting of growth restrictions on Rasmussen is anticipated to enhance future performance [19][24] Additional Important Insights - **Student Demographics**: Approximately 30% of APUS students return for a second degree, indicating high satisfaction and quality of education [13][25] - **Cost-Effectiveness**: APEI's tuition is often 30% lower than in-state tuition rates, making education more accessible [15][16] - **Department of Education Relations**: APEI has established a positive relationship with the Department of Education, which has recently released a $25 million letter of credit that was previously held in escrow [24][47] - **Market Trends**: Rising unemployment may lead to increased enrollments as individuals seek to improve their job prospects through education [37][40] - **Strategic Growth**: APEI plans to simplify operations by combining its institutions into a single system, which is expected to yield synergy benefits by 2026 [29][30] Conclusion American Public Education, Inc. is positioned strongly within the for-profit education sector, particularly in military and nursing education. The company is experiencing positive financial trends, enrollment growth, and favorable regulatory changes, which collectively suggest a robust outlook for future performance.

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps investors identify effective metrics for assessing momentum in stocks [2] Group 2: American Public Education (APEI) Analysis - APEI currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [3][4] - APEI's shares have increased by 0.48% over the past week, matching the performance of the Zacks Schools industry, and have risen 16% over the past month compared to the industry's 0.36% [6] - Over the last quarter, APEI shares have risen 26.42%, and 63.8% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gains of 2.37% and 14.4% respectively [7] Group 3: Trading Volume and Earnings Outlook - APEI's average 20-day trading volume is 260,522 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] - In the past two months, 4 earnings estimates for APEI have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $1.27 to $1.42, with no downward revisions for the next fiscal year [10]

Core Points - Dr. Nicholas Wernicki has been appointed as the new Dean of the Arts, Humanities, and Education School at American Public University System (APUS), effective May 22, 2025 [1][2] - Dr. Wernicki has extensive experience in academic leadership and workforce development, having held various roles at liberal arts colleges over the past decade [3] - He succeeds Dr. Michelle Newman, who served as Interim Dean, and joins a team of three other deans at APUS [4] Academic Background - Dr. Wernicki holds a Ph.D. in Philosophical and Theological Studies from Drew University, an M.Phil. in the same field, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Villanova University, and a B.S. in Marketing from DeSales University [5] Institutional Overview - APUS has a 33-year history and a community of over 155,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, recognized for its innovative approach to online learning [6] - The institution is in the top 22% for students' return on educational investment among 4,396 colleges and universities nationwide, based on data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce [6][8] - APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. [7]

Company Overview - American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI) operates a portfolio of education companies that provide online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning to over 125,000 students through four subsidiary institutions [1][2] - The institutions under APEI include American Public University System, Rasmussen University, Hondros College of Nursing, and Graduate School USA, focusing on transforming lives, advancing careers, and improving communities [2] Subsidiary Institutions - American Public University System (APUS) serves approximately 88,000 adult learners worldwide, primarily focusing on active-duty military and veteran students [3][8] - Rasmussen University, with a history of 125 years, serves around 14,600 students across 20 campuses in six states and online, offering programs in nursing, health sciences, business, technology, design, early childhood education, and justice studies [4] - Hondros College of Nursing is the largest educator of Practical Nursing (LPN) nurses in Ohio, serving approximately 3,700 students across eight campuses [5][8] - Graduate School USA provides training to the federal workforce, offering customized contract training to federal agencies and open enrollment programs for government professionals [6] Accreditation - APUS and Rasmussen University are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while Hondros College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and Graduate School USA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) [7] Upcoming Events - The company will participate in the William Blair's 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference from June 3-5, 2025, in Chicago, IL, with CEO Angela Selden presenting on June 5th [9] - APEI will also attend the D.A. Davidson 1st Annual Technology + Consumer Conference from June 9-11, 2025, in Nashville, TN, where both CEO Angela Selden and CFO Rick Sunderland will be available for meetings with investors [9]