American Public Education Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public Education (Nasdaq: APEI) reported second quarter 2026 revenue of $171.7 million, up 5.5% year-over-year, with Health+ revenue up 11.0% to $86.2 million and Military+ up 4.7% to $85.5 million. Net income available to common stockholders was $9.8 million versus a loss of $0.3 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose 36.8% to $20.7 million.

After quarter-end, the company completed the combination of American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing into a single HLC-accredited institution. Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments reached $222.8 million. APEI raised its full-year 2026 guidance for revenue, net income, adjusted EBITDA, and diluted EPS.

Positive

• Q2 2026 revenue $171.7M, up 5.5% year-over-year
• Health+ segment revenue $86.2M, up 11.0% year-over-year
• Military+ segment revenue $85.5M, up 4.7% year-over-year
• Net income to common $9.8M vs prior-year loss of $0.3M
• Adjusted EBITDA $20.7M, up 36.8% from $15.1M
• Full-year 2026 guidance raised: revenue $690–$698M, EPS $2.48–$2.79 vs $1.36 in 2025
• Liquidity: cash, equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments $222.8M, up 26.2% from year-end 2025
• Share repurchase capacity: $45.0M remaining under $50M authorization as of June 30, 2026

Negative

• Operating cash flow $12.1M for Q2 2026 vs $14.8M in Q2 2025
• Q3 2026 net income guidance $3.4–$5.4M vs $5.6M in Q3 2025
• Q3 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance $14.0–$17.0M vs $20.7M in Q3 2025
• Capital expenditures 2026 guided to $25–$28M vs $15.9M in 2025

News Explained

American Public Education reports that its board’s March 10, 2026 authorization permits up to $50 million of common-stock repurchases; the company repurchased 88,205 shares during the first six months, and $45.0 million remains available, so the remaining amount is authorized rather than a reported additional purchase.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

~ Completed Institutional Combination Subsequent to Quarter End, Creating a Single HLC-Accredited Institution

~ Raises Full Year 2026 Revenue, Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance 

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public Education, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq: APEI), a company that transforms lives, advances careers and improves communities by providing online and campus-based postsecondary education to approximately 109,000 students, has reported financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

"I am pleased with the strong financial results we delivered in the second quarter, reflecting continued demand across our businesses and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities, including the opening of Health+'s new Orlando campus, part of our 'Trailblazer' campus opening strategy.  Following the end of the quarter, I am very pleased to announce that we completed the combination of American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing into one Higher Learning Commission-accredited institution named American Public University System," said Angela Selden, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Selden concluded, "As we raise revenue, net income and adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026, we remain focused on disciplined execution and building on the momentum established in the first half of the year."

Key Second Quarter 2026 Highlights (as Compared to Second Quarter 2025)

• Consolidated revenue of $171.7 million, a 5.5% year-over-year increase, compared to $162.8 million.
  • Excluding revenue from Graduate School USA (GSUSA), which was sold in July 2025, consolidated revenue would have increased 7.8% when compared to the prior period.
  • Health+ segment revenue growth of 11.0% year-over-year to $86.2 million, primarily driven by increased enrollments and modest tuition increases. 
  • Military+ segment revenue growth of 4.7% year-over-year to $85.5 million, primarily driven by increased net course registrations.
• Net income available to common stockholders increased to $9.8 million, compared to a loss of ($0.3) million.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 36.8% to $20.7 million, compared to $15.1 million.
• Net income per diluted common share increased to $0.52, compared to a loss of ($0.02).
• Cash flows from operations were $12.1 million, compared to $14.8 million.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

• Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were $222.8 million at June 30, 2026, compared to $176.5 million at December 31, 2025, representing an increase of $46.3 million, or 26.2%.

Repurchase Program

• As previously announced, on March 10, 2026, the Board approved a common stock repurchase program of up to $50 million in the aggregate, replacing our prior repurchase authorizations. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company repurchased 70,365 and 88,205 shares of common stock, respectively. As of June 30, 2026, there remains $45.0 million available under our share repurchase authorization.

Registrations and Enrollment 

	Q2 2026	Q2 2025	% Change
Military+ 1
For the three months ended June 30,
Net Course Registrations	98,300	96,400	2.0 %
Health+ 2
For the three months ended June 30,
Total Student Enrollment	19,600	18,300	6.6 %

1.	Military+ Net Course Registrations represents the approximate aggregate number of courses for which students remain enrolled after the date by which they may drop a course without financial penalty. Excludes students in doctoral programs.
2.	Health+ Total Student Enrollment represents students in an active status as of the full-term census or billing date.

Third Quarter and Full Year 2026 Outlook

The following statements are based on APEI's current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. APEI undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason unless required by law. Refer to APEI's earnings conference call and presentation for further details.

In millions, except enrollment, net registrations and per share data	Third Quarter 2026	Third Quarter 2025
Military+ Net Registrations	101,000-103,000 +1.0%-3.0% y/y	100,000
Health+ Enrollment	19,100 +2.5% y/y	18,600
Revenue	$164.5 - $167.0	$163.2
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$3.4 - $5.4	$5.6
Adjusted EBITDA	$14.0 - $17.0	$20.7
Diluted Earnings per Share	$0.18 - $0.29	$0.30

In millions, except per share data	Full Year 2026	Full Year 2025
Revenue	$690.0 - $698.0	$648.9 Includes $8.0 of GSUSA Revenue
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$46.5 - $52.5	$25.3
Adjusted EBITDA	$96.0 - $104.0	$85.7
Diluted Earnings per Share	$2.48 - $2.79 per share	$1.36 per share
Capital Expenditures	$25.0 - $28.0	$15.9

Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call

The Company will hold a conference call on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time)
USA – Toll-Free Dial-in: (833) 461-5787
Conference ID: 397456726
Webcast: 2Q26 Webcast Link 

The Company will also provide a link on its website at https://www.apei.com/overview/default.aspx for those who wish to stream the call via webcast. If dialing in, please call the conference telephone number 5 to10 minutes prior to the start time.

A replay of the conference call will also be available through the Company's website through August 24, 2026.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA less non-cash expenses such as stock compensation and non-recurring expenses), adjusted EBITDA margin, segment EBITDA, and segment EBITDA margin. APEI believes that the use of these measures is useful because they allow investors to better evaluate APEI's operating profit and cash generation capabilities.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and 2025, excludes stock compensation, loss on disposals of long-lived assets, other professional fees, and in the three months ended June 30, 2025, loss on sale of subsidiary.

These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). The principal limitation of our non-GAAP measures is that they exclude expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded. In addition, non-GAAP measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgment by management about which expenses are excluded.

APEI is presenting EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in connection with its GAAP results and urges investors to review the reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to the comparable GAAP financial measures that are included in the tables following this press release (under the captions "GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA" "GAAP Outlook Net Income to Outlook Adjusted EBITDA" and "Education Unit Profile – Segment Summary") and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business.

About American Public Education

American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its two segments, Military+ and Health+, provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.

Military+ provides online postsecondary education to approximately 89,400 adult learners, directed primarily at the needs of military, veterans, extended military and veteran families, and other public service and service-minded communities through American Public University System, which includes: American Military University and American Public University.

Health+ provides nursing- and health sciences-focused postsecondary education to approximately 19,600 students at 27 campuses in eight states and online through Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing.

American Public University System, which includes American Military University, American Public University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing, is a consolidated institution institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release regarding American Public Education, Inc. ("APEI" or the "Company") that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about APEI and the industry. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expectations for growth, registration, enrollments, demand, revenues, net income, earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, the growth and profitability of APEI, and related growth strategies, and plans with respect to and future impacts of recent, current and future initiatives, including the recently completed combination of American Public University System, Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing into one consolidated institution and the expected benefits and future impacts thereof.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to: APEI's failure to comply with, or adverse actions relating to, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, including the "90/10 Rule", and to maintain institutional accreditation and the impacts of any actions APEI may take to prevent or correct such failure; changes in the post-secondary education regulatory environment as a result of U.S. federal elections, including any changes by or as a result of actions of the current administration to the operations of the Department of Education or changes to or the elimination or implementation of laws, regulations, standards, policies, and practices; potential or actual government shutdowns and uncertainties in the estimated impacts of any such shutdowns on APEI and Military+ and its prospective and current students, and APEI's inability to mitigate these impacts; government budget and federal workforce uncertainty; the combination of American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing into one consolidated institution; APEI's dependence on the effectiveness of its ability to attract students who persist in its institutions' programs; changing market demands;  declines in enrollments at APEI's subsidiaries; APEI's inability to effectively market its institutions' programs; APEI's inability to maintain strong relationships with the military and maintain course registrations and enrollments from military students; the loss or disruption of APEI's ability to receive funds under Title IV or TA programs or the reduction, elimination, or suspension of federal funds; adverse effects of changes APEI makes to improve the student experience and enhance the ability to identify and enroll students who are likely to succeed; APEI's need to successfully adjust to future market demands by updating existing programs and developing new programs; APEI's loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or ability to process Title IV financial aid; economic and market conditions and changes in interest rates; difficulties involving acquisitions; APEI's indebtedness, including the refinancing thereof; APEI's dependence on and the need to continue to invest in its technology infrastructure, including with respect to third-party vendors; the inability to recognize the intended benefits of APEI's cost savings and reduction and revenue generating efforts; APEI's ability to manage and limit its exposure to bad debt; and the various risks described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in APEI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in other filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. APEI undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, unless required by law, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Company Contact
Frank Tutalo
Director, Public Relations
American Public Education, Inc.
ftutalo@apei.com 

Investor Relations
Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Direct: 203-858-1945
APEI@mzgroup.us 

American Public Education, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
			Three Months Ended
			June 30,
			2026						2025
			(unaudited)
Revenue			$	171,731					$			162,766
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services				76,640								78,423
Selling and promotional				40,115								35,048
General and administrative				37,492								38,147
Depreciation and amortization				3,953								4,088
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets				5								35
Total costs and expenses				158,205								155,741
Income from operations before
interest and income taxes				13,526								7,025
Interest income (expense), net				634								(1,108)
Income before income taxes				14,160								5,917
Income tax expense				4,387								1,421
Net income			$	9,773					$			4,496
Preferred stock dividends				-								1,319
Loss on redemption of preferred stock				-								3,501
Net income available to common stockholders			$	9,773					$			(324)
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic			$	0.53					$			(0.02)
Diluted			$	0.52					$			(0.02)
Weighted average number of
common shares:
Basic				18,362								18,034
Diluted				18,810								18,597
			Three Months Ended
Segment Information:			June 30,
			2026						2025
Revenue:
Military+ Segment			$	85,538					$			81,731
Health+ Segment			$	86,216					$			77,655
Corporate and other1			$	(23)					$			3,380
Income (loss) from operations before
interest and income taxes:
Military+ Segment			$	23,723					$			21,442
Health+ Segment			$	308					$			(2,378)
Corporate and other			$	(10,505)					$			(12,039)
			Six Months Ended
			June 30,
			2026						2025
			(unaudited)
Revenue			$	346,469					$			327,317
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services				151,270								153,367
Selling and promotional				77,982								70,253
General and administrative				73,782								74,554
Depreciation and amortization				8,107								8,080
Loss on assets held for sale				-								1,527
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets				159								265
Total costs and expenses				311,300								308,046
Income from operations before
interest and income taxes				35,169								19,271
Loss on extinguishment of debt				(1,672)								-
Interest expense, net				(91)								(1,995)
Income before income taxes				33,406								17,276
Income tax expense				5,902								3,887
Net income			$	27,504					$			13,389
Preferred stock dividends				-								2,751
Loss on redemption of preferred stock				-								3,501
Net income available to common stockholders			$	27,504					$			7,137
Income per common share:
Basic			$	1.50					$			0.40
Diluted			$	1.46					$			0.39
Weighted average number of
common shares:
Basic				18,322								17,937
Diluted				18,808								18,496
			Six Months Ended
Segment Information:			June 30,
			2026						2025
Revenue:
Military+ Segment			$	174,981					$			165,677
Health+ Segment			$	171,572					$			154,582
Corporate and other1			$	(84)					$			7,058
Income (loss) from operations before
interest and income taxes:
Military+ Segment			$	54,441					$			45,568
Health+ Segment			$	825					$			(3,196)
Corporate and other			$	(20,097)					$			(23,101)

1.	Corporate and Other includes tuition and contract training revenue earned by GSUSA and the elimination of intersegment revenue for courses taken by employees of one segment at other segments.

 

American Public Education, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
	As of June 30, 2026									As of December 31, 2025
ASSETS	(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	146,548								$	176,499
Short-term Investments		76,256
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $21,754 in 2026 and $21,113 in 2025		35,512									65,662
Prepaid expenses		20,068									14,197
Income tax receivable		4,136									3,458
Total current assets		282,520									259,816
Property and equipment, net		69,534									70,598
Operating lease assets, net		55,390									57,686
Deferred income taxes		36,613									39,176
Intangible assets, net		28,221									28,221
Goodwill		59,593									59,593
Other assets, net		5,875									6,328
Total assets	$	537,746								$	521,418
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	5,148								$	4,822
Accrued compensation and benefits		20,797									22,463
Accrued liabilities		20,349									13,375
Deferred revenue and student deposits		23,928									23,016
Lease liabilities, current		11,109									11,374
Long-term debt, current		5,625									-
Total current liabilities		86,956									75,050
Lease liabilities, long-term		55,098									56,921
Long-term debt, net		81,635									94,665
Total liabilities	$	223,689								$	226,636
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 18,367,887 issued and outstanding in 2026; 18,125,860 issued and outstanding in 2025		183									181
Additional paid-in capital		307,878									311,119
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7)									(18)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		6,003									(16,500)
Total stockholders' equity		314,057									294,782
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	537,746								$	521,418

GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company's reported GAAP net income to the calculation of adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025:
	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	June 30,					June 30,
(in thousands)	2026			2025		2026		2025
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	9,773		$	(324)	$	27,504	$	7,137
Preferred dividends		-			1,319		-		2,751
Loss on redemption of preferred stock		-			3,501		-		3,501
Net income	$	9,773		$	4,496	$	27,504	$	13,389
Income tax expense		4,387			1,421		5,902		3,887
Interest (income) expense, net		(634)			1,108		91		1,995
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			-		1,672		-
Depreciation and amortization		3,953			4,088		8,107		8,080
EBITDA		17,479			11,113		43,276		27,351
Loss on assets held for sale		-			-		-		1,527
Other professional fees		938			1,715		1,881		2,704
Stock compensation		2,232			2,238		4,559		4,501
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets		5			35		159		265
Adjusted EBITDA	$	20,654		$	15,101	$	49,875	$	36,348

Segment Summary
($ in millions)
				2Q26		2Q25
	Military+		Revenue	$      85.5		$    81.7
			Operating Income1	23.7		21.4
			Margin	28 %		26 %
			+ Depreciation and Amortization	1.1		1.0
			EBITDA	$      24.8		$    22.4
			EBITDA Margin	29 %		27 %
	Health+		Revenue	$      86.2		$    77.7
			Operating Income1	0.3		(2.4)
			Margin	0 %		-3 %
			+ Depreciation and Amortization	2.4		2.7
			EBITDA	$        2.7		$      0.3
			EBITDA Margin	3 %		0 %
	Graduate School USA		Revenue	$           -		$      3.4
			Operating Income1	-		(2.6)
			+ Depreciation and Amortization	-		0.1
			EBITDA	$           -		$     (2.5)
	Corporate		Operating Income1	$     (10.5)		$     (9.4)
			+ Depreciation and Amortization	0.4		0.3
			EBITDA3	$     (10.0)		$     (9.1)
	American Public Education, Inc.		Consolidated Revenue	$    171.7		$   162.8
			Operating Income1	13.5		7.0
			Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	9.8		(0.3)
			Margin	8 %		4 %
			+ Depreciation and Amortization	4.0		4.1
			Consolidated EBITDA	17.5		11.1
			+ Adjustments2	3.2		4.0
			Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA4	$      20.7		$    15.1
			Adjusted EBITDA Margin	12 %		9 %

1.	Operating Income reflects income (loss) from operations before interest and income taxes as disclosed in our Q2 2026 10-Q.
2.	Adjustments include stock compensation expense, loss on disposals of long-lived assets, loss on assets held for sale, and other professional fees.
3.	Corporate results include unallocated corporate activity and eliminations.
4.	Please refer to the "GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA" table for a reconciliation of net income to consolidated adjusted EBITDA.

     

GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company's outlook GAAP net income to the calculation of outlook adjusted EBITDA for the three months ending September 30, 2026 and twelve months ending December 31, 2026:

		Three Months Ending				Twelve Months Ending
		September 30, 2026				December 31, 2026
(in thousands)	Low		High		Low		High
Net Income	$	3,385	$	5,380	$	46,540	$	52,467
Income tax expense		1,705		2,710		16,863		18,936
Interest (income) expense, net		-300		-300		-500		-500
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-		-		1,672		1,672
Depreciation and amortization		4,660		4,660		17,600		17,600
EBITDA		9,450		12,450		82,175		90,175
Stock compensation		2,125		2,125		8,850		8,850
Other professional fees		900		900		3,250		3,250
Severance		1,525		1,525		1,525		1,525
Other		-		-		200		200
Adjusted EBITDA	$	14,000	$	17,000	$	96,000	$	104,000

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-public-education-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-302847415.html

SOURCE American Public Education, Inc.

FAQ

How did American Public Education (APEI) perform in Q2 2026?

American Public Education reported Q2 2026 revenue of $171.7 million and net income to common of $9.8 million. According to American Public Education, adjusted EBITDA increased 36.8% to $20.7 million, driven by revenue growth in both the Military+ and Health+ segments.

What were the Q2 2026 results by segment for APEI’s Military+ and Health+ businesses?

In Q2 2026, Military+ revenue was $85.5 million, up 4.7% year-over-year, and Health+ revenue was $86.2 million, up 11.0%. According to American Public Education, Military+ net course registrations rose 2.0%, while Health+ total student enrollment increased 6.6% versus Q2 2025.

How did American Public Education (APEI) change its full-year 2026 guidance?

American Public Education raised 2026 guidance to $690–$698 million in revenue, net income to common of $46.5–$52.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $96.0–$104.0 million. According to American Public Education, diluted EPS is now projected at $2.48–$2.79 versus $1.36 in 2025.

What institutional combination did American Public Education (APEI) complete after Q2 2026?

After quarter-end, American Public Education combined American Public University System, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing into one Higher Learning Commission-accredited institution named American Public University System. According to American Public Education, this creates a single HLC-accredited institution serving its Military+ and Health+ education offerings.

What is included in APEI’s Q3 2026 financial outlook?

For Q3 2026, American Public Education projects revenue of $164.5–$167.0 million, net income to common of $3.4–$5.4 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $14.0–$17.0 million. According to American Public Education, diluted EPS is expected between $0.18 and $0.29.

What does the American Public Education (APEI) share repurchase program mean for shareholders?

American Public Education has a $50 million share repurchase authorization, with $45.0 million remaining as of June 30, 2026. According to American Public Education, 70,365 shares were repurchased in Q2 2026, potentially reducing share count and returning capital to shareholders over time.

How strong is American Public Education’s (APEI) liquidity as of June 30, 2026?

As of June 30, 2026, American Public Education held $222.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments. According to American Public Education, this compares to $176.5 million at December 31, 2025, reflecting a 26.2% increase in total liquidity over six months.