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American Public Education Inc (APEI)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/12/2025: APEI (4-star) is a STRONG-BUY. BUY since 8 days. Simulated Profits (13.76%). Updated daily EoD!
1 Year Target Price $36.5
1 Year Target Price $36.5
3 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
1 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 116.12% | Avg. Invested days 32 | Today’s Advisory Strong Buy |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 645.18M USD | Price to earnings Ratio 33.69 | 1Y Target Price 36.5 |
Price to earnings Ratio 33.69 | 1Y Target Price 36.5 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 1.62 | 52 Weeks Range 13.45 - 35.97 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 13.45 - 35.97 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 | ||
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 33.69 | Forward PE 17.01 | Enterprise Value 665900355 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1 |
Enterprise Value 665900355 | Price to Sales(TTM) 1 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.03 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 11.13 | Shares Outstanding 18067100 | Shares Floating 13429662 |
Shares Outstanding 18067100 | Shares Floating 13429662 | ||
Percent Insiders 4.76 | Percent Institutions 105.43 |
Upturn AI SWOT
American Public Education Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) was founded in 1991 as American Military University. It initially served military personnel and later expanded to include civilian students. It evolved into a publicly traded company offering online education.
Core Business Areas
- American Public University System (APUS): APUS provides online higher education through American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). It primarily targets military and public service communities and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Hondros College of Nursing: Hondros College of Nursing offers pre-licensure nursing education programs at various campuses in the Midwest.
- Rasmussen University: Rasmussen University provides career-focused educational programs across various fields, including nursing, business, technology, and health sciences.
Leadership and Structure
The leadership team includes Angela K. Selden (CEO), Richard W. Sunderland (CFO). The organizational structure involves various departments overseeing academics, operations, finance, and marketing.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (APUS): APUS provides online undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse disciplines. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint to this specific product, but APUS contributes significantly to APEI's overall revenue. Competitors include other online universities such as Capella Education Company(owned by Strayer Education (STRA)), Grand Canyon Education (LOPE).
- Nursing Programs (Hondros/Rasmussen): Hondros College of Nursing and Rasmussen University offer nursing programs. Market share data is difficult to obtain for the product itself, but revenue is incorporated in APEI's financials. Competitors include Chamberlain University (owned by Adtalem Global Education (ATGE)), Galen College of Nursing.
- Career-Focused Programs (Rasmussen): Rasmussen University's career-focused programs in business, technology, and health sciences offer a broad range of vocational and academic training. This accounts for a substantial revenue contribution within APEI. Competitors include DeVry University (owned by Cogswell Education), University of Phoenix (owned by Apollo Global Management).
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The higher education industry is undergoing transformation, with increasing demand for online learning and career-focused programs. Factors like technology advancements, changing demographics, and economic conditions influence the industry.
Positioning
APEI is positioned as a provider of online higher education, with a strong focus on serving military and public service communities. Competitive advantages include established online platforms, specialized programs, and brand recognition.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for online higher education is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars. APEI captures a portion of this TAM through its various institutions, focusing on specific niches and program offerings.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand recognition within military and public service communities
- Established online learning platforms
- Diverse range of academic programs
- Experienced faculty and staff
Weaknesses
- Dependence on military tuition assistance programs
- Regulatory and accreditation risks
- Competition from other online education providers
- Marketing and student acquisition costs
Opportunities
- Expansion into new program areas
- Strategic alliances with employers
- Increased focus on career services and placement
- Leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes
Threats
- Changes in government regulations and funding
- Increased competition from for-profit and non-profit institutions
- Economic downturn affecting student enrollment
- Negative publicity or reputational damage
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- STRA
- LOPE
- ATGE
- LRN
Competitive Landscape
APEI faces competition from other online education providers, including for-profit and non-profit institutions. APEI's competitive advantage lies in its focus on military and public service communities and its established online platforms.
Major Acquisitions
Rasmussen Education, Inc.
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 328
- Strategic Rationale: Expand APEI's program offerings and geographic reach through the addition of career-focused programs. Strengthens revenue streams and allows for program diversity.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth can be assessed by analyzing APEI's revenue, enrollment, and profitability trends over the past few years.
Future Projections: Future growth projections can be obtained from analyst estimates and company guidance.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include program expansions, technology upgrades, and marketing campaigns.
Summary
American Public Education Inc. is a specialized online education provider with strengths in military and public service communities. It faces competition and regulatory risks. Its growth depends on expanding programs, strategic alliances, and adapting to industry changes, especially after the Rasmussen University acquisition.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- APEI SEC Filings
- Industry Reports
- Analyst Estimates
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share data are estimates and may vary.
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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