American Public Education, Inc. (APEI)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) trades at $58.33 with AI Score 90/100 (Grade A+). American Public Education, Inc. Market cap: $1.07B, Sector: Consumer defensive.
Price live · AI analysis from May 9, 2026APEI stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $52.80 for American Public Education, Inc., suggesting 9.5% downside from the current price of $58.33. The AI MoonshotScore is 90/100, indicating a strong bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
APEI: 1/1 perspectives are bullish.
How is this calculated? →American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) Consumer Business Overview
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) delivers online and campus-based postsecondary education, operating through American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. With a diverse portfolio of degree programs, APEI serves students seeking career advancement in a competitive education market.
What Is the Investment Thesis for APEI?
American Public Education, Inc. presents a mixed investment thesis. The company's diverse educational offerings and focus on career-oriented programs provide a stable revenue base. With a market capitalization of $1.07B and a P/E ratio of 34.4, APEI's valuation reflects investor expectations of continued growth. The company's gross margin of 53.6% indicates efficient cost management. However, a profit margin of 4.9% suggests potential areas for improvement in operational efficiency. Key growth catalysts include expanding online program offerings and strategic acquisitions. Potential risks include increased competition in the online education market and regulatory changes affecting for-profit education institutions.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
APEI Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $1.07B indicates a substantial presence in the education sector.
- P/E Ratio of 34.4 reflects investor expectations of future earnings growth.
- Gross Margin of 53.6% demonstrates efficient cost management in delivering educational services.
- Profit Margin of 4.9% suggests opportunities for improved operational efficiency.
- Beta of 1.66 indicates higher volatility compared to the overall market.
Who Are APEI's Competitors?
APEI is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRN Stride, Inc. | $90.27 | -0.19% | $3.84B | 96 |
| CECO CECO Environmental Corp. | $80.68 | -1.79% | $2.89B | 56 |
| AIU Meta Data Limited | $0.61 | +2.50% | $37.56M | 64 |
| PRDO Perdoceo Education Corporation | $34.43 | +3.55% | $2.16B | 62 |
| TAL TAL Education Group | $9.89 | +0.87% | $6.02B | 62 |
| GOTU Gaotu Techedu Inc. | $1.75 | -0.29% | $632.99M | 60 |
| ARCE Arco Platform Limited | $13.98 | -0.07% | $927.43M | 58 |
| LGCY Legacy Education Inc. | $11.45 | -2.05% | $144.87M | 57 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are APEI's Key Strengths?
- Strong brand recognition in the military and public service communities.
- Diverse program offerings across various fields of study.
- Established online education platform through APUS.
- Focus on career-oriented programs and workforce development.
What Are APEI's Weaknesses?
- Reliance on tuition fees for revenue generation.
- Exposure to regulatory changes affecting for-profit education institutions.
- Competition from other online education providers.
- Profit margin of 4.9% suggests potential areas for improvement in operational efficiency.
What Could Drive APEI Stock Higher?
- Expansion of online program offerings to meet growing demand for flexible learning options.
- Strategic partnerships with employers to provide customized training programs and enhance career placement rates.
- Continued investment in technology infrastructure to improve the online learning experience and support student success.
- Potential acquisitions of smaller education providers to expand market reach and diversify program offerings.
What Are the Key Risks for APEI?
- Increased competition from other online education providers and traditional universities.
- Regulatory changes affecting for-profit education institutions and student financial aid programs.
- Economic downturn impacting student enrollment and tuition revenue.
- Cybersecurity threats and data breaches compromising student data and institutional reputation.
- Changes in student demographics and preferences affecting program demand and enrollment rates.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for APEI?
- Expansion of Online Program Offerings: APEI can capitalize on the growing demand for online education by expanding its program offerings and enhancing its digital learning platforms. The global online education market is projected to reach $325 billion by 2025, providing a significant growth opportunity for APEI. By investing in technology and curriculum development, APEI can attract a larger student base and increase its market share. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Strategic Acquisitions: APEI can pursue strategic acquisitions to expand its market reach and diversify its program offerings. By acquiring smaller education providers or specialized training companies, APEI can gain access to new markets and technologies. This strategy can accelerate growth and enhance APEI's competitive position. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Partnerships with Employers: APEI can partner with employers to offer customized training programs and educational opportunities for their employees. By aligning its curriculum with the needs of the workforce, APEI can attract corporate clients and generate recurring revenue. This strategy can also enhance APEI's reputation and brand recognition. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Focus on Military and Public Service Communities: APEI has a strong presence in the military and public service communities, providing a unique competitive advantage. By expanding its programs and services tailored to these communities, APEI can strengthen its market position and attract a loyal student base. This strategy can also enhance APEI's social impact and reputation. Timeline: Ongoing.
- International Expansion: APEI can explore opportunities for international expansion by offering its online programs to students in other countries. The global demand for online education is growing rapidly, providing a significant growth opportunity for APEI. By adapting its curriculum to meet the needs of international students, APEI can diversify its revenue streams and increase its market share. Timeline: Upcoming.
What Opportunities Does APEI Have?
- Expansion of online program offerings to meet growing demand.
- Strategic acquisitions to expand market reach and diversify program offerings.
- Partnerships with employers to offer customized training programs.
- International expansion to reach students in other countries.
What Threats Does APEI Face?
- Increased competition in the online education market.
- Changes in government funding policies affecting for-profit education institutions.
- Economic downturn affecting student enrollment and tuition revenue.
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches.
What Are APEI's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong brand recognition in the military and public service communities.
- Diverse program offerings across various fields of study.
- Established online education platform through APUS.
- Focus on career-oriented programs and workforce development.
What Does APEI Do?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. The company operates three segments: American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. APUS primarily focuses on online education tailored to military and public service communities, offering over 130 degree programs and 111 certificate programs. Rasmussen University provides career-focused education with a strong emphasis on nursing and health sciences, while Hondros College of Nursing offers practical nursing and related healthcare programs. APEI aims to provide accessible and relevant education to a diverse student body, emphasizing career readiness and professional development. The company's programs span various fields, including business administration, health science, technology, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, national security, military studies, intelligence, and homeland security. APEI continues to evolve by adapting its curriculum to meet the changing needs of the workforce and leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience.
What Products and Services Does APEI Offer?
- Provides online and campus-based postsecondary education.
- Operates through American Public University System (APUS).
- Operates through Rasmussen University.
- Operates through Hondros College of Nursing.
- Offers degree programs in business administration, health science, and technology.
- Offers certificate programs in criminal justice, education, and liberal arts.
- Provides nursing and health sciences-focused education.
How Does APEI Make Money?
- Generates revenue through tuition fees from students.
- Offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.
- Focuses on online education through APUS.
- Provides campus-based education through Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing.
What Industry Does APEI Operate In?
American Public Education, Inc. operates in the competitive education and training services industry. The market is characterized by increasing demand for online education and career-focused programs. Key trends include the adoption of digital learning platforms and the growing importance of skills-based education. APEI competes with other for-profit education providers and traditional universities, differentiating itself through its focus on military and public service communities and its diverse program offerings. The industry is subject to regulatory scrutiny and changes in government funding policies.
Who Are APEI's Key Customers?
- Students seeking postsecondary education.
- Military and public service communities.
- Individuals seeking career advancement.
- Employers seeking training programs for their employees.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project American Public Education, Inc. revenue of about $691.0M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $2.54. The estimate reflects 6 contributing analysts.
Quarterly Financial Performance: American Public Education, Inc.
Revenue for American Public Education, Inc. came in at $174.7M during Q1 2026, a 10.4% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $17.7M, with diluted EPS of $0.94. Quarter-over-quarter revenue has been mixed, typical for a small-cap company operating in Consumer Defensive. Across the four most recent quarters, APEI averaged $0.47 in diluted EPS.
APEI Valuation & Market Position
With a $1.07B market cap, American Public Education, Inc. sits in the small-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, APEI's quantitative score of 90/100 is above the peer average of 68/100.
ROE 14%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for American Public Education, Inc. stands at 14.0%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 7.5%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. APEI trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 34.39, above the Consumer Defensive sector average of ~29x. Its free cash flow yield is 8.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 2.98 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 4.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 7/9Financial Health
American Public Education, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 4.68 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
Company Profile
American Public Education, Inc. operates in the Education & Training Services industry within the Consumer Defensive sector. It is headquartered in Charles Town, US. The company is led by CEO Angela K. Selden. APEI has traded publicly since 2007.
APEI Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future, indicating that management believes in upcoming growth opportunities.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the company's strong enrollment numbers and educational offerings.
- Market perception has improved as educational institutions adapt to online learning, positioning APEI favorably in a growing sector.
- Analysts are noting the potential for increased demand in online education, which could benefit APEI as more students seek flexible learning options.
Bear Case
- Concerns about regulatory changes in the education sector have surfaced, creating uncertainty around APEI's operational environment.
- Bearish sentiment in the community has been fueled by discussions of rising competition in online education, which could pressure APEI's market share.
- Recent earnings reports have raised questions about profitability, leading some investors to reassess their positions on the stock.
- The overall market volatility has led to cautious sentiment, with some investors wary of holding stocks in the education sector amid economic uncertainties.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $175M | $18M | $0.94 |
| Q4 2025 | $158M | $13M | $0.67 |
| Q3 2025 | $163M | $6M | $0.30 |
| Q2 2025 | $163M | $4M | -$0.02 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
APEI Latest News
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American Public Education (APEI) is a Top-Ranked Growth Stock: Should You Buy?
zacks.com · May 15, 2026
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Results: American Public Education, Inc. Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates
Yahoo! Finance: APEI News · May 14, 2026
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Earnings Beat: American Public Education, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Models
Yahoo! Finance: APEI News · May 14, 2026
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Barrington Adjusts PT on American Public Education to $62 From $56, Maintains Outperform Rating
MT Newswires · May 14, 2026
APEI Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for APEI.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $52.80
APEI MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates APEI's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Classification
Industry Education & Training ServicesLatest News
American Public Education (APEI) is a Top-Ranked Growth Stock: Should You Buy?
Results: American Public Education, Inc. Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates
Earnings Beat: American Public Education, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Models
Barrington Adjusts PT on American Public Education to $62 From $56, Maintains Outperform Rating
Leadership: Angela K. Selden
CEO
Angela K. Selden serves as the CEO of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). Her career spans various leadership roles in technology and education sectors. Prior to APEI, she held executive positions at Vision Critical, a customer intelligence platform, and spent several years at SAP, a multinational software corporation. Selden's background includes expertise in strategic planning, business development, and technology innovation. She brings a wealth of experience in driving growth and operational efficiency.
Track Record: Since assuming the role of CEO at APEI, Angela K. Selden has focused on enhancing the company's online education platform and expanding its program offerings. She has overseen strategic initiatives to improve student outcomes and strengthen APEI's market position. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the evolving education landscape and driving sustainable growth.
What Investors Ask About American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) — Consumer Defensive
What does American Public Education, Inc. do?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) is a provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education. The company operates through three segments: American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. APUS focuses on online education tailored to military and public service communities, while Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing offer career-focused education in nursing and health sciences. APEI aims to provide accessible and relevant education to a diverse student body, emphasizing career readiness and professional development.
What do analysts say about APEI stock?
Analyst coverage of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) is mixed, with varying opinions on the company's growth prospects and valuation. Key valuation metrics include the company's P/E ratio of 34.4 and its market capitalization of $1.07B. Some analysts highlight APEI's strong brand recognition in the military and public service communities, while others express concerns about increased competition in the online education market. Overall, analyst consensus suggests a cautious approach to APEI stock, with a focus on monitoring the company's financial performance and strategic initiatives.
What are the main risks for APEI?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) faces several risks, including increased competition in the online education market, regulatory changes affecting for-profit education institutions, and economic downturns impacting student enrollment and tuition revenue. The company is also exposed to cybersecurity threats and data breaches, which could compromise student data and institutional reputation. Additionally, changes in student demographics and preferences could affect program demand and enrollment rates. APEI must effectively manage these risks to maintain its market position and achieve sustainable growth.
What are the key factors to evaluate for APEI?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) holds an AI score of 90/100 (high). P/E: 34.4x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $52.80 (-9%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does APEI data refresh on this page?
APEI prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven APEI's recent stock price performance?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong brand recognition in the military and public service communities. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider APEI overvalued or undervalued right now?
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) trades at 34.4x earnings. Analysts target $52.80 (-9%) — near fair value. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying APEI?
Before investing in American Public Education, Inc. (APEI), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are as of the latest available reporting period.