American Public Education (NASDAQ:APEI) Stock Jumps 6.7% on Earnings Beat

American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI)’s share price shot up 6.7% during trading on Tuesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock traded as high as $42.50 and last traded at $41.6950. Approximately 49,065 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 288,012 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.09.

The company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $169.14 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $165.79 million. American Public Education had a return on equity of 15.30% and a net margin of 6.84%.

Trending Headlines about American Public Education

Here are the key news stories impacting American Public Education this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Third-quarter results beat expectations: EPS was $0.32 versus the $0.26 consensus, while revenue of $169.14 million exceeded the $165.79 million estimate. The company said revenue, net income, EPS and adjusted EBITDA all surpassed its guidance. American Public Education Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
• Positive Sentiment: APEI raised its full-year 2026 guidance across key metrics. Revenue guidance of $695 million–$701 million is above the $693.5 million consensus; fourth-quarter revenue guidance of $179.4 million–$185.4 million also brackets a midpoint above analysts’ $181.2 million estimate. Full-Year Guidance
• Negative Sentiment: The raised full-year diluted EPS range of $2.59–$2.84 is still below the $2.95 analyst consensus, a possible constraint on further upside. Fourth-quarter EPS guidance of $0.81–$1.07 spans the $0.95 consensus. Fourth-Quarter Guidance

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Zacks Research downgraded shares of American Public Education from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. B. Riley Financial dropped their target price on shares of American Public Education from $70.00 to $65.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 28th. DA Davidson upgraded shares of American Public Education to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of American Public Education from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, August 15th. Finally, Lake Street Capital increased their price target on shares of American Public Education from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $59.00.

Insider Activity at American Public Education

In related news, insider James Kenigsberg sold 1,256 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.69, for a total value of $59,898.64. Following the sale, the insider owned 43,473 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,073,227.37. This trade represents a 2.81% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Corporate insiders own 10.60% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Royce & Associates LP increased its stake in shares of American Public Education by 1.1% in the third quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 382,246 shares of the company’s stock valued at $16,123,000 after purchasing an additional 4,113 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its position in shares of American Public Education by 2.3% during the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 181,434 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,743,000 after buying an additional 4,125 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its position in shares of American Public Education by 99.5% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 77,257 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,394,000 after buying an additional 38,538 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its position in shares of American Public Education by 350.3% during the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 80,658 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,375,000 after buying an additional 62,746 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new position in American Public Education in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $3,721,000. 79.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

American Public Education Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 3.25 and a current ratio of 3.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $767.85 million, a P/E ratio of 17.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.49. The business has a fifty day moving average of $44.67 and a 200-day moving average of $49.55.

American Public Education Company Profile

American Public Education, Inc (NASDAQ: APEI) is an education services company that provides postsecondary instruction and career-focused training through a group of institutions. Its portfolio includes American Public University System, Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing.

American Public University System offers undergraduate and graduate programs primarily through online and distance-learning formats. Its institutions serve military personnel, veterans, working adults and other students, with academic offerings spanning areas such as business, public service, health care, technology, security and liberal arts.

Rasmussen University provides undergraduate and graduate education through online and campus-based programs, with a focus on health sciences, nursing, business, technology and other career-oriented fields.