American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) reported second-quarter 2017 earnings per share of 23 cents, which came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings decreased considerably by 43.9% year over year due to declining revenues, owing to sluggishness in enrollments.
Shares of American Public Education decreased more than 12% on Aug 9, following the company’s weak second-quarter 2017 results.
Revenues and Enrollment
Total revenue of $72.2 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $70 million by 3.1%. Revenues however decreased 5.9% year over year, owing to lower contribution from American Public University System.
The company operates in two segments – American Public Education Segment or APEI and Hondros College, Nursing Programs (HCN).
APEI primarily includes operations of American Military University and American Public University, together referred to as American Public University System, Inc. (APUS).
Revenues declined 7.5% to $64.3 million from $69.5 million in the prior-year quarter due to a 6% decrease in net course registrations.
In the quarter, total net course registration at APUS declined 6% year over year, while net course registrations by new students declined 9% during the period.
Net course registrations of new students declined due to a 29% decrease in net course registrations by new students using Federal Student Aid (FSA).
Net course registrations by new students utilizing military tuition assistance or TA and veteran benefits or VA were approximately flat year-over-year.
Completion rates of undergraduate students using FSA at APUS increased approximately 19% year over year. The company is witnessing improving student success and overall quality of its offerings as is evident from the completion rates.
Hondros College of Nursing revenues increased 9.4% to $7.9 million from the prior-year quarter owing to higher new enrollments.
Total enrollment at the Hondros College Nursing Programs declined 3% year over year to 1,720 students, while new student enrollment increased 31% year over year.
Inside the Headline Numbers
Income from operations before interest income and income taxes was $6.3 million, compared with $10.7 million in the prior-year quarter.
Total costs and expenses decreased 0.3% year over year to $65.9 million in the quarter.
Selling and promotional or S&P expenses, as a percentage of revenues, declined to 19.4% from 19.5% in the prior-year quarter.
Financials
As of Jun 30, 2017, total cash and cash equivalents were approximately $157.1 million compared with $124.1 million as of Jun 30, 2016. Capital expenditures were approximately $3.8 million during the first half of 2017, decreasing from $6.9 million a year ago.
Third-Quarter 2017 Outlook
Total revenue is likely to decline approximately 5–2% year over year.
The company expects earnings in the range of 18–23 cents per share.
At APUS, net course registrations by new students are expected to decrease between 18–14% on a year-over-year basis. Net course registrations are likely to decline between 11–8%.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
American Public Education currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
A few other top-ranked stocks in the same space are Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (NYSE:BFAM) , GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE:GPX) and Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Bright Horizons’ full-year 2017 earnings are expected to increase 22.9%.
GP Strategies’ 2017 earnings are expected to increase 8.5%.
Grand Canyon is expected to witness 20.4% growth in earnings in 2017.
One Simple Trading Idea
Since 1988, the Zacks system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +25% per year. With compounding, rebalancing, and exclusive of fees, it can turn thousands into millions of dollars.
This proven stock-picking system is grounded on a single big idea that can be fortune shaping and life changing. You can apply it to your portfolio starting today.
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (BFAM): Free Stock Analysis Report
GP Strategies Corporation (GPX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post