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American Public Education Inc (APEI)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/14/2025: APEI (3-star) is a STRONG-BUY. BUY since 30 days. Simulated Profits (23.19%). Updated daily EoD!
1 Year Target Price $38.5
1 Year Target Price $38.5
3 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
1 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 134.04% | Avg. Invested days 35 | Today’s Advisory Regular Buy |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 672.46M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 35.11 | 1Y Target Price 38.5 |
Price to earnings Ratio 35.11 | 1Y Target Price 38.5 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 1.65 | 52 Weeks Range 14.01 - 39.83 | Updated Date 10/13/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 14.01 - 39.83 | Updated Date 10/13/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.06 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 4.44% | Operating Margin (TTM) 4.34% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 5.95% | Return on Equity (TTM) 10.2% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 35.11 | Forward PE 18.59 | Enterprise Value 726425254 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.04 |
Enterprise Value 726425254 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1.04 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.13 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 12.14 | Shares Outstanding 18067134 | Shares Floating 13429662 |
Shares Outstanding 18067134 | Shares Floating 13429662 | ||
Percent Insiders 4.76 | Percent Institutions 105.93 |
Upturn AI SWOT
American Public Education Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) was founded in 1991 as the American Military University (AMU) to serve the educational needs of military personnel. It has since expanded to serve a broader range of students and transitioned to its current corporate structure. AMU was originally founded by a retired Marine Corps officer. APEI went public in 2005.
Core Business Areas
- American Public University System (APUS): APUS offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. It is the primary revenue driver for APEI. It includes American Military University and American Public University.
- Hondros College of Nursing: Hondros College of Nursing offers pre-licensure nursing education programs.
- Rasmussen University: Rasmussen University, acquired in 2021, provides career-focused educational programs. Rasmussen is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team includes the CEO, CFO, and other key executives. The organizational structure includes academic divisions, administrative departments, and a board of directors.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Online Degree Programs (APUS): APUS offers a wide range of online degree programs, catering to both military and civilian students. Market share data for specific degree programs is not readily available. Competitors include other large online universities like University of Phoenix, Western Governors University, and Liberty University. It's a very fragmented market.
- Nursing Programs (Hondros College of Nursing): Hondros College of Nursing provides pre-licensure nursing programs, focusing on practical nursing education. Market share data for specific regions is not readily available. Competitors include other nursing schools and community colleges offering nursing programs.
- Career-Focused Programs (Rasmussen University): Rasmussen University is a competitor to the for-profit education sector. Offers a variety of degree programs, from business to healthcare, but the market share is fragmented. Competitors would be other for-profit institutions.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The higher education industry is experiencing a shift towards online learning, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for flexible education options. The for-profit education sector faces regulatory scrutiny and competition from traditional universities offering online programs.
Positioning
APEI is positioned as a provider of accessible and career-relevant online education, primarily targeting adult learners and military personnel. Its competitive advantage lies in its focus on these specific demographics and its experience in delivering online education.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for online education is estimated to be hundreds of billions of dollars globally. APEI is positioned to capture a portion of this market through its various institutions and program offerings.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Established brand recognition in the online education market.
- Strong focus on serving military and adult learners.
- Diverse portfolio of educational programs.
- Experienced management team.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on federal student aid.
- Sensitivity to regulatory changes in the for-profit education sector.
- Brand reputation risks associated with for-profit education.
- High marketing costs.
Opportunities
- Expanding program offerings in high-demand fields.
- Increasing partnerships with employers.
- Leveraging technology to improve student outcomes.
- Geographic expansion into new markets.
Threats
- Increased competition from traditional universities offering online programs.
- Changes in federal student aid policies.
- Negative publicity surrounding for-profit education.
- Economic downturn impacting student enrollment.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- LINC
- STRA
- CECO
Competitive Landscape
American Public Education Inc faces competition from a variety of institutions, including traditional universities, for-profit colleges, and online learning platforms. Its advantages include its focus on military and adult learners, while its disadvantages include the regulatory risks associated with the for-profit education sector. APEI market share is fragmented amongst the industry.
Major Acquisitions
Rasmussen University
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 328
- Strategic Rationale: To expand APEI's program offerings and student base.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: American Public Education Inc's historical growth has been influenced by factors such as enrollment trends, acquisitions, and regulatory changes. The acquisition of Rasmussen University is a significant event that has impacted the company's growth trajectory.
Future Projections: Future projections for American Public Education Inc depend on factors such as enrollment growth, program expansion, and the overall health of the higher education market. Analyst estimates are needed to provide more specific projections.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives include expanding program offerings, investing in technology to improve student outcomes, and focusing on partnerships with employers to enhance career placement rates.
Summary
American Public Education Inc. is a company with a history of serving the educational needs of military personnel and adult learners through online programs. The acquisition of Rasmussen University provides growth potential. However, the company faces challenges such as regulatory risks, competition from other institutions, and reliance on federal student aid. The company should focus on improving student outcomes and diversifying its revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company filings, SEC reports, Industry reports, Analyst reports.
Disclaimers:
The data and analysis provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About American Public Education Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Charles Town, WV, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2007-11-09 | President, CEO & Director Ms. Angela K. Selden | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Education & Training Services | Full time employees 2493 | Website https://www.apei.com |
Full time employees 2493 | Website https://www.apei.com |
American Public Education, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning in the United States. It operates through three segments: American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The company offers 182 degree programs and 136 certificate programs in various fields of study, including nursing, national security, military studies, intelligence, homeland security, business, health science, information technology, justice studies, education, and liberal arts; and career learning opportunities in leadership, finance, human resources, and other fields of study critical to the federal government workforce. It also provides nursing-and health sciences-focused postsecondary education, pre-licensure nursing programs, diploma in practical nursing, and an associate degree in nursing. The company was incorporated in 1991 and is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia.

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