Pacific Ridge Capital Partners LLC has significantly increased its investment in American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI), demonstrating a strong vote of confidence in the education sector company. Their latest Form 13F filing reveals a substantial 39.5% boost in their holdings during the first quarter, bringing their total ownership to 147,930 shares after acquiring an additional 41,922 shares.
This move by Pacific Ridge is part of a broader trend among institutional investors showing heightened interest in American Public Education. Firms like Mackenzie Financial Corp, Bastion Asset Management Inc., and Royce & Associates LP have also made notable adjustments to their portfolios. Mackenzie Financial, for instance, dramatically increased its position by 123.2%, while Bastion Asset Management grew its holdings by 9.6%, and Royce & Associates LP purchased a new, substantial stake worth approximately $5.3 million.
The collective activity of these major players underscores the ongoing appeal of APEI among sophisticated investment entities. Currently, a significant 79.62% of the company’s stock is held by institutional investors and hedge funds, reflecting a considerable level of professional interest and capital allocation within the stock market analysis landscape for NASDAQ companies.
Alongside these institutional shifts, there have been notable insider trading activities. Reports indicate that insiders recently sold a considerable volume of shares, including a transaction on May 14th where 7,272 shares were sold for over $197,000, and another on June 6th by Director 325 Capital Llc, involving 214,396 shares valued at more than $6 million. These insider sales collectively total over $19 million in the last three months, though corporate insiders still retain a significant 17.54% ownership of the company’s stock.
From a market perspective, American Public Education’s stock opened at $29.37, trading consistently above its 200-day moving average of $25.32, indicating a positive long-term trend. With a market capitalization of $529.83 million and a PE ratio of 28.79, the company demonstrates solid valuation metrics. Furthermore, a healthy debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35 and strong current and quick ratios of 3.27 highlight its robust financial health, a key aspect of financial performance for publicly traded entities.
The company’s recent earnings report on May 12th further reinforces its positive trajectory. American Public Education surpassed consensus estimates by reporting an impressive $0.41 EPS for the quarter, significantly higher than the $0.15 anticipated. Revenue also exceeded expectations, reaching $164.55 million against an anticipated $161.92 million, showcasing strong operational results in the education sector.
American Public Education, Inc. operates as a prominent provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning across the United States. Its operations are divided into three core segments: the American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. This diversified structure allows it to offer a wide array of educational and career learning programs, from nursing and national security to business and information technology.
The continued institutional investments and solid financial reporting positions American Public Education as a noteworthy entity in the public markets. With a clear focus on expanding its educational offerings and maintaining strong financial health, the company remains a subject of considerable interest for investors tracking growth opportunities within the dynamic educational landscape.
