Why American Public Education (APEI) is a Top Momentum Stock for the Long-Term

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]