American Public Education Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
American Public Education has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 21.1%, while the Consumer Services industry saw earnings growing at 25.6% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 10.5% per year. American Public Education's return on equity is 13.2%, and it has net margins of 5.4%.
Key information
21.13%
Earnings growth rate
19.91%
EPS growth rate
| Consumer Services Industry Growth | 20.27% |
| Revenue growth rate | 10.53% |
| Return on equity | 13.19% |
| Net Margin | 5.40% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 19
American Public Education's Future Looks Bright
Summary American Public Education operates in a niche for-profit education, targeting military and healthcare sectors with expanding online and campus-based offerings. APEI projects 9%–12% annualized revenue growth through 2029, aiming for $890 million–$1 billion in revenue and $182 million–$200 million in EBITDA, supported by recent profit and cash flow improvements. The company’s robust $132.7 million net cash position and scalable campus model underpin its growth strategy and provide resilience. APEI receives a 'Buy' rating, contingent on management achieving ambitious growth targets, with a potential 19%–21.1% annualized upside versus current multiples. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • May 18
American Public Education's (NASDAQ:APEI) Solid Earnings Are Supported By Other Strong Factors
American Public Education, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:APEI ) earnings announcement last week was disappointing for investors...
Narrative Update • Apr 25
APEI: Q4 Execution And 2026 Enrollment Trends Support Balanced Fair Outlook
Analysts have raised their average price targets for American Public Education by roughly $7 to the mid $50s, citing stronger than expected Q4 results, resilient enrollment trends, and updated assumptions for 2026 margins and P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes present a mostly constructive tone on American Public Education, with higher price targets anchored in Q4 execution, updated 2026 assumptions, and views on enrollment and margins.Narrative Update • Apr 10
APEI: Q4 Execution And 2026 Guidance Will Frame Balanced Fair Outlook
Analysts have lifted their average price targets on American Public Education by roughly $7 to the high $50s range, pointing to stronger than expected Q4 results, resilient enrollment trends, and improved margin expectations as key drivers of the shift. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates cluster around the view that American Public Education delivered stronger than expected Q4 execution, which is feeding into higher valuation frameworks and higher price targets across the Street.Narrative Update • Mar 27
APEI: Q4 Execution And 2026 Enrollment Setup Will Shape Fair Outlook
Analysts have raised the average price target for American Public Education from $48 to about $57, citing stronger Q4 results, higher 2026 revenue and margin assumptions, and updated P/E expectations that suggest a fair value of around $57.33. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on American Public Education cluster around strong Q4 execution, a reset of 2026 assumptions, and higher P/E expectations that together inform the higher price targets.Narrative Update • Mar 11
APEI: Enrollment Momentum And 2026 Margin Potential Will Shape Fairly Valued Outlook
The analyst price target for American Public Education has been revised higher from $46.17 to $48.00, as analysts point to updated Fair Value and P/E assumptions supported by recent Street research that highlights expectations around enrollment trends, margin potential in 2026, and growth opportunities at APUS Global. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Public Education clusters around a more constructive view of the company’s long term earnings power, with several firms lifting their price targets after the Q4 report.Narrative Update • Feb 24
APEI: APUS Global Execution And Nursing Expansion Will Shape Fairly Valued Outlook
The analyst price target for American Public Education has moved modestly higher to about $46.17 from $45.33, as analysts point to Street research citing a clearer growth and expansion plan, potential opportunity in APUS Global, expectations for a slightly higher future P/E multiple, and stable margins and revenue growth assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Public Education centers on how the company can execute on its growth plans, particularly around APUS Global and the potential for a higher valuation multiple over time.Narrative Update • Feb 10
APEI: 2029 Earnings Framework And Short Seller Scrutiny Will Shape Forward Potential
Narrative Update Analysts have lifted their price targets on American Public Education, reflected in our updated fair value estimate moving from about $41.17 to $45.33. They point to the company’s growth and expansion plans, potential operating leverage at Rasmussen University, and the prospect of a higher future P/E multiple.Narrative Update • Jan 26
APEI: Operating Leverage Ambitions And Short Seller Pressure Will Frame 2029 Path
Analysts have modestly lifted their price expectations for American Public Education into the mid $40s, citing a clearer long term growth plan, potential operating leverage at Rasmussen University, and room for a future P/E re rating, while fair value estimates and margin assumptions remain broadly consistent. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts highlight a clearer long term growth and expansion plan, which they see as supportive of recent price target moves into the mid $30s to mid $40s range.Analysis Article • Jan 23
American Public Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:APEI) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 28% Above Its Share Price
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, American Public Education fair value estimate is US$55.90...Narrative Update • Jan 11
APEI: Operating Leverage Plans And Short Seller Scrutiny Will Shape 2029 Outlook
Analysts kept their fair value estimate for American Public Education steady at about $41.17 per share, with a slightly lower discount rate that reflects increased confidence in the company’s long term growth and operating leverage plans highlighted in recent research and investor day updates. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around American Public Education has centered on the company’s long term growth ambitions, its plans for operating leverage, and how temporary government related headwinds could affect execution.Analysis Article • Jan 10
We Think American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Can Manage Its Debt With Ease
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Narrative Update • Dec 23
APEI: Operating Leverage And 2029 AEBITDA Ambitions Will Drive Mixed Outlook
Analysts have modestly lifted their price expectations for American Public Education, with updated targets now clustering in the high 30 dollar to mid 40 dollar range as they highlight improving operating leverage, long term revenue and AEBITDA ambitions, and a view that recent shutdown related headwinds are temporary. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates reflect a generally constructive stance on American Public Education, with higher price targets anchored to improving fundamentals, while still acknowledging execution and macro risks.Narrative Update • Dec 09
APEI: Operating Leverage And Synergies Will Support Long Term Margin Expansion
The narrative update leaves our fair value estimate unchanged at $41.17 per share, but analysts have modestly lifted their price targets into the high $30s and low $40s, as investor day commentary reinforced confidence in American Public Education's long term operating leverage, revenue synergy potential, and the temporary nature of recent shutdown related headwinds. Analyst Commentary Research coverage following the investor day has turned incrementally more constructive, with several firms lifting price targets into the high $30s and low $40s as confidence builds around the multiyear growth and margin expansion narrative.Narrative Update • Nov 25
APEI: Recent Operating Leverage Unlocks Will Drive Margins Higher
Analysts have raised their price target for American Public Education from $38.50 to $41.17 per share. They cite improved confidence in the company's long-term growth potential and operating leverage following recent investor events.Analysis Article • Sep 27
Investors Appear Satisfied With American Public Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:APEI) Prospects As Shares Rocket 26%
American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 26% share price...Narrative Update • Sep 26
Consolidation And Online Learning Will Secure Lasting Academic Success
Analysts raised their price target for American Public Education from $36.50 to $38.50, citing robust post-COVID enrollment growth, outperformance in quarterly results, and a strong position in military and nursing education as key drivers of optimism and perceived undervaluation. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight the company's strong recovery post-COVID, evidenced by sustained enrollment growth and stabilization, which has driven significant share price appreciation.Analysis Article • Sep 10
American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Could Easily Take On More Debt
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it might be obvious that you need to...Narrative Update • Sep 10
Consolidation And Online Learning Will Secure Lasting Academic Success
Analysts have raised their price target for American Public Education to $36.50, citing leadership in military and nursing education, operational gains at Rasmussen University, improved guidance, and undervaluation relative to peers. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite American Public Education’s leading market share in military education and strong positioning within the high-demand nursing segment, benefiting from an ongoing nurse shortage.Analysis Article • May 22
American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) Shares Fly 26% But Investors Aren't Buying For Growth
The American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an...Analysis Article • May 19
Shareholders Can Be Confident That American Public Education's (NASDAQ:APEI) Earnings Are High Quality
American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) just reported healthy earnings but the stock price didn't move much...Analysis Article • May 15
American Public Education, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Predictions
It's been a good week for American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) shareholders, because the company has just...Analysis Article • Mar 09
American Public Education, Inc. Just Beat EPS By 20%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Shareholders of American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) will be pleased this week, given that the stock price...Analysis Article • Mar 08
At US$23.50, Is It Time To Put American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) On Your Watch List?
While American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) might not have the largest market cap around , it received a lot...Analysis Article • Dec 17
These 4 Measures Indicate That American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Is Using Debt Safely
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Analysis Article • Nov 14
American Public Education, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Predictions
Shareholders of American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) will be pleased this week, given that the stock price...Analysis Article • Nov 08
American Public Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:APEI) Shares Bounce 26% But Its Business Still Trails The Industry
The American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an...
New Narrative • Sep 26
Strategic Growth And Optimized Operations Set To Bolster APEI's Financial Horizon
Expansion and strategic marketing adjustments in educational units signal potential for increased enrollments, revenue growth, and improved EBITDA margins.Seeking Alpha • Sep 02
American Public Education: Insider Buying Boosts This Turnaround Stock's Bullishness
Summary American Public Education has more than tripled in price, as the for-profit educator has so far been successful in turning itself around following an ill-fated acquisition. Even after the big run-up, shares still have substantial runway, given shares trade at a discounted valuation relative to forecasted 2025 and 2026 earnings. Although there are possible execution and political risks, other factors, like recent heavy insider buying, strongly suggest that the bull case still stands for APEI stock. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Aug 30
Is American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Using Too Much Debt?
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • Jul 24
American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) Stock Catapults 26% Though Its Price And Business Still Lag The Industry
American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 26% gain in the last...Analysis Article • May 22
There's No Escaping American Public Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:APEI) Muted Revenues Despite A 40% Share Price Rise
Despite an already strong run, American Public Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APEI ) shares have been powering on, with a...Seeking Alpha • May 09
American Public Education's Incredible Momentum Likely To Continue
Summary American Public Education has seen a 23% increase in stock price since my prior article, and better-than-expected Q1 earnings. Do not worry. You are probably not too late yet: The turnaround of Rasmussen University is underway, but will only be finished by the end of 2024. Growth continues in the biggest division, APUS. APEI seems to be a non-cyclical growth stock, trading at 7x FCF. I agree with Seeking Alpha's "Strong Buy" Quant Rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Apr 28
Here's Why American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How American Public Education makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 659 | 36 | 284 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 649 | 25 | 282 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 655 | 24 | 281 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 645 | 19 | 279 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 635 | 19 | 273 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 625 | 10 | 270 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 613 | 10 | 261 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 611 | 4 | 257 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 605 | -47 | 254 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 601 | -53 | 261 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 600 | -71 | 267 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 599 | -70 | 273 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 601 | -128 | 274 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 606 | -115 | 274 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 608 | -99 | 263 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 557 | -96 | 242 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 485 | 15 | 216 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 419 | 18 | 189 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 351 | 15 | 173 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 332 | 18 | 165 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 336 | 25 | 164 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 322 | 19 | 157 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 310 | 17 | 155 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 299 | 13 | 152 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 287 | 11 | 145 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 286 | 10 | 138 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 289 | 13 | 141 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 294 | 21 | 136 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 296 | 22 | 135 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 298 | 26 | 131 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 299 | 25 | 132 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 299 | 24 | 131 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 299 | 21 | 130 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 299 | 21 | 130 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 300 | 20 | 131 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 300 | 16 | 129 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 305 | 18 | 130 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 313 | 24 | 130 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 320 | 27 | 131 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 323 | 33 | 132 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 326 | 34 | 135 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 328 | 32 | 138 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 333 | 34 | 141 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 342 | 37 | 145 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: APEI has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: APEI's current net profit margins (5.4%) are higher than last year (2.9%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: APEI's earnings have grown significantly by 21.1% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: APEI's earnings growth over the past year (91.9%) exceeds its 5-year average (21.1% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: APEI earnings growth over the past year (91.9%) exceeded the Consumer Services industry 10.2%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: APEI's Return on Equity (13.2%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/26 14:23 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
American Public Education, Inc. is covered by 24 analysts. 7 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| null null | Argus Research Company |
| Jeffrey Meuler | Baird |
| Gary Bisbee | Barclays |