(APEI) American Public Education - Ratings and Ratios

American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) is a leading provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning in the United States. The company operates through three primary segments: American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. These institutions collectively offer 184 degree programs and 134 certificate programs across diverse fields such as nursing, national security, military studies, intelligence, homeland security, business, health science, information technology, justice studies, education, and liberal arts. Additionally, the company provides career learning opportunities in critical areas like leadership, finance, and human resources, particularly tailored for the federal government workforce.

APEI specializes in nursing and health sciences-focused postsecondary education, offering pre-licensure nursing programs, diplomas in practical nursing, and associate degrees in nursing. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. Its strategic focus on serving military personnel, public service professionals, and working adults has established it as a key player in the online education sector. APEIs programs are designed to meet the needs of non-traditional students seeking flexible, affordable, and career-relevant education.

From a financial perspective, APEI has a market capitalization of $365.93 million, with a trailing P/E ratio of 38.98 and a forward P/E of 14.86, indicating potential undervaluation. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.47, and the price-to-sales ratio is 0.60, suggesting moderate valuation relative to its assets and revenue. The return on equity (RoE) is 5.57%, reflecting modest profitability. On the technical side, the stock has an average 20-day volume of 86,994 shares, with a last price of $20.76. The short-term SMA (20-period) is $21.83, while the medium-term SMA (50-period) is $21.55, and the long-term SMA (200-period) is $18.00. The Average True Range (ATR) is 0.83, indicating moderate volatility.

Over the next three months, APEIs stock is likely to experience consolidation near the $21.00 level, with potential resistance at $22.50 and support at $19.50. The declining SMA 20 and SMA 50 suggest short-term weakness, but the lower forward P/E ratio of 14.86 could attract value investors. The stock may remain range-bound unless driven by catalysts such as improved enrollment trends or positive earnings surprises. Investors should monitor the companys ability to navigate competitive pressures in the online education space while maintaining profitability margins.