American Public Education Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
- Consolidated revenue increased by 0.2% to $152.8 million in Q4 2023.
- Net income available to common stockholders rose to $11.5 million from a loss of $6.6 million in the previous year.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased significantly by 66.8% to $25.7 million.
- Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reached $144.3 million, up by 11.5% year-over-year.
- APUS Segment saw a revenue increase of 8.1%, while RU Segment revenue decreased by 13.4% due to lower student enrollment.
- HCN Segment revenue surged by 24.9% driven by a 19.2% increase in total student enrollment.
- Instructional costs and services expenses decreased by 2.9% to $70.7 million.
- Selling and promotional expenses dropped by 30.6% to $26.8 million.
- General and administrative expenses increased slightly by 0.5% to $31.3 million.
- Net income per diluted common share improved to $0.64 from a loss of $0.35 in Q4 2022.
- Adjusted EBITDA soared to $25.7 million from $15.4 million in the same period last year.
- None.
Insights
The financial results for American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) for Q4 and the full year of 2023 indicate a modest increase in consolidated revenue and a significant turnaround from a net loss to a net income. The reported 0.2% year-over-year revenue growth is relatively stagnant, suggesting that the company is maintaining its revenue base but not expanding aggressively. However, the 66.8% increase in Adjusted EBITDA is noteworthy as it reflects improved operational efficiency and cost management, particularly given the reduction in total costs and expenses by 10.4%.
From a financial perspective, the decrease in selling and promotional expenses by 30.6% could be a double-edged sword. While it has contributed to the bottom line in the short term, it raises questions about the long-term impact on enrollment growth and market share, especially considering the 9.6% decrease in student enrollment at Rasmussen University. The company's strong liquidity position, with an 11.5% increase in cash reserves, provides financial stability and the potential for future investments or debt reduction.
Breaking down APEI's performance by segment, the contrasting enrollment figures between the APUS and Rasmussen University (RU) segments are notable. APUS's 4.0% increase in net course registrations and the 19.2% increase in total student enrollment at Hondros College of Nursing (HCN) indicate targeted growth areas, possibly driven by market demand for specific programs or successful marketing strategies. Conversely, the decline in RU's enrollment could reflect competitive pressures or a mismatch between program offerings and market needs.
It's important to assess the strategic implications of these shifts. For instance, the tuition increases implemented at APUS and HCN might suggest a confidence in the value proposition of their programs, which could attract a demographic less sensitive to price changes. The sector-specific trend of increasing demand for nursing education could explain the growth in HCN's enrollment, highlighting the importance of aligning educational offerings with labor market trends.
Within the context of the broader education industry, APEI's financial results and operational decisions can be seen as a reflection of the challenges facing for-profit education providers. The increased focus on operational efficiency and the reduction in advertising and employee compensation costs are indicative of a sector that is experiencing intense competition and regulatory scrutiny. The shift in APEI's revenue composition, with a decrease in RU's segment, suggests a strategic pivot or a need to reassess the alignment of its programs with student and employer needs.
The company's emphasis on technology enhancements could be a response to the growing trend of online education and the need for sophisticated digital platforms to attract and retain students. APEI's ability to navigate these industry-specific challenges while maintaining profitability and liquidity will be critical to its long-term success.
Fourth Quarter Highlights:
- Consolidated revenue increased
0.2% year-over-year to$152.8 million - Net income available to common stockholders was
$11.5 million $6.6 million - Net income per diluted common share was
$0.64 $0.35 - Adjusted EBITDA increased
66.8% year-over-year to$25.7 million - APEI maintained a strong liquidity position, with total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increasing
$14.9 million 11.5% year-over-year to approximately$144.3 million
"Reflecting on 2023, I'm encouraged by the leadership team we have assembled, the enrollment momentum we've gained, and the strengthening of our business we've delivered – all while extending the reach and impact of our value proposition to our over 107,000 students," said Angela Selden, President and Chief Executive Officer of APEI.
"We are Powering Potential and Prosperity for our service minded students every day. Looking ahead to 2024, our unwavering commitment to academic excellence along with our emphasis on operational efficiency and innovation will further enhance student outcomes and enable us to efficiently serve even more students and communities," added Selden.
Financial Results:
For the three months ended December 31, 2023:
- Total consolidated revenue was
$152.8 million $0.4 million 0.2% , compared to$152.4 million $6.0 million 8.1% , increase in revenue in our APUS Segment and a$3.1 million 24.9% , increase in revenue in our HCN Segment, partially offset by an$8.1 million 13.4% , decrease in revenue in our Rasmussen University ("RU") Segment and a$0.6 million 10.3% , decrease in Graduate SchoolUSA ("GSUSA") revenue included in Corporate and Other. The RU Segment revenue decrease was primarily due to a9.6% decrease in total student enrollment as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by increases in the tuition of certain programs implemented in January 2023. The APUS Segment revenue increase was primarily due to a4.0% increase in net course registrations and tuition and fee increases implemented in the second and third quarters of 2023. The HCN Segment revenue increase was primarily due to a19.2% increase in total student enrollment, as well as a5% tuition increase implemented during the second quarter, compared to the prior year period. GSUSA revenue decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of training courses completed during the quarter. - Total costs and expenses were
$136.9 million $15.8 million 10.4% , compared to$152.7 million - Costs and expenses included a
$2.4 million $2.0 million 89.6% from100.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2022.- Instructional costs and services expenses were
$70.7 million $2.1 million 2.9% , compared to$72.9 million 46.3% from47.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. - Selling and promotional expenses were
$26.8 million $11.8 million 30.6% , compared to$38.6 million 17.5% from25.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. - General and administrative expenses were
$31.3 million $0.2 million 0.5% , compared to$31.2 million 20.5% from20.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. As we continue to evaluate enhancements to our business capabilities, particularly in technology, we expect to incur additional costs and that our general and administrative expenses will vary from time to time.
- Instructional costs and services expenses were
- Net interest expense was
$0.8 million $7.4 million - In December 2022, we made
$65.0 million $3.9 million - Net income available to common stockholders was
$11.5 million $6.6 million - Net income per diluted common share was
$0.64 $0.35 $2.4 million - Adjusted EBITDA was
$25.7 million $15.4 million
Balance Sheet and Liquidity:
- Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were
$144.3 million $129.5 million $14.9 million 11.5% . The increase in cash was primarily due to higher revenue and operating income at APUS, increased payments received from the Army including payments related to periods prior to 2023, and the timing of other receipts and payments, partially offset by the change in billing approach for tuition assistance at APUS, our investment in capital expenditures, payment of preferred dividends, and repurchases of common stock in 2023.
Registrations and Enrollment:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |
American Public University System 1 | |||
For the three months ended December 31, | 90,700 | 87,200 | 4 % |
For the twelve months ended December 31, | 367,600 | 350,400 | 5 % |
Rasmussen University 2 | |||
For the three months ended December 31, | 14,100 | 15,600 | (10) % |
Hondros College of Nursing 3 | |||
For the three months ended December 31, | 3,100 | 2,600 | 19 % |
1 APUS 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 RU Total Student Enrollment represents students in an active status as of the full-term census or billing date |
3 HCN Total Student Enrollment represents the approximate number of students enrolled in a course after the date by which students may drop a course without financial penalty. |
First Quarter and Full Year 2024 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.
First Quarter 2024 Guidance | |||
(Approximate) | (% Yr/Yr Change) | ||
APUS Net course registrations | 97,000 to 99,000 | ||
HCN Student enrollment | 3,300 | 22 % | |
RU Student enrollment1 | 13,500 | -6 % | |
- On-ground Healthcare | 6,300 | -11 % | |
- Online | 7,200 | 0 % | |
($ in millions except EPS) | |||
APEI Consolidated revenue | |||
APEI Net income available to common stockholders | ( | n.m. | |
APEI Adjusted EBITDA | |||
APEI Diluted EPS | ( | n.m. | |
Full Year 2024 Guidance | |||
(Approximate) | (% Yr/Yr Change) | ||
($ in millions) | |||
APEI Consolidated Revenue | |||
APEI Adjusted EBITDA | - | ||
APEI Capital Expenditure (CapEx) | |||
1. | RU revised its method of presenting student enrollment to distinguish between on-ground healthcare and online enrollment, aligning with its operational structure. Quarterly historical enrollment data for the previous year under this new methodology is available in the appendix of our fourth quarter 2023 presentation materials accessible on our website and on Form 8-K filed today with the SEC. |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
This press release contains the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA less non-cash expenses such as stock compensation and non-recurring expenses). 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.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash compensation expense, (gain)/loss on disposals of long-lived assets, severance expense, loss on assets held for sale, M&A-related professional fees, transition services costs, adjustment to gain on acquisition, and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
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
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 is included in the tables following this press release (under the captions "GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA," and "GAAP Outlook Net Income to Outlook Adjusted EBITDA") and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business.
Webcast:
A live webcast of the APEI's fourth quarter 2023 earnings conference call will be held today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This webcast will be open to listeners who log in through the APEI's investor relations website, www.apei.com. A replay of the live webcast will also be available to listeners through APEI's investor relations website for one year.
About American Public Education
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, Hondros College of Nursing, and Graduate School
APUS, which operates through American Military University and American Public University, is the leading educator to active-duty military and veteran students* and serves approximately 90,000 adult learners worldwide via accessible and affordable higher education.
Rasmussen University is a 120-year-old nursing and health sciences-focused institution that serves approximately 13,500 students across its 22 campuses in six states and online. It also has schools of Business, Technology, Design, Early Childhood Education and Justice Studies.
Hondros College of Nursing focuses on educating pre-licensure nursing students at eight campuses (six in
Graduate School
Both APUS and Rasmussen are institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the
*Based on FY 2019 Department of Defense tuition assistance data, as reported by Military Times, and Veterans Administration student enrollment data as of 2023.
**Based on information compiled by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and
Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this press release regarding APEI or its subsidiaries that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about APEI and the industry. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "should," "will," "would," and similar words or their opposites. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future path, expected growth, registration and enrollments, revenues, income and adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, the growth and profitability of Rasmussen University and plans with respect to recent, current and future initiatives.
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 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; 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; the enactment of legislation that adversely impacts APEI or its 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 tuition assistance programs or the reduction, elimination, or suspension of tuition assistance; 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 and preferred stock; 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 anticipated benefits of APEI's cost savings 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, 2023, 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.
Contacts:
Frank Tutalo
Director, Public Relations
American Public Education, Inc.
ftutalo@apei.com
571-358-3042
American Public Education, Inc. | ||||||
Consolidated Statement of Income | ||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
(unaudited) | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 152,804 | $ | 152,438 | ||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||
Instructional costs and services | 70,747 | 72,868 | ||||
Selling and promotional | 26,750 | 38,567 | ||||
General and administrative | 31,332 | 31,173 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,081 | 7,878 | ||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | - | 2,000 | ||||
Loss on assets held for sale | 2,425 | - | ||||
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets | 537 | 214 | ||||
Total costs and expenses | 136,872 | 152,700 | ||||
Income (loss) from operations before | ||||||
interest and income taxes | 15,932 | (262) | ||||
Interest expense, net | (791) | (7,389) | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 15,141 | (7,651) | ||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 2,124 | (1,124) | ||||
Equity investment loss, net of tax | (3) | (8) | ||||
Net income (loss) | 13,014 | (6,535) | ||||
Preferred stock dividends | 1,539 | 48 | ||||
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | 11,475 | $ | (6,583) | ||
Net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||
Basic | $ | 0.65 | $ | (0.35) | ||
Diluted | $ | 0.64 | $ | (0.35) | ||
Weighted average number of | ||||||
common shares: | ||||||
Basic | 17,762 | 18,892 | ||||
Diluted | 17,896 | 18,976 | ||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||
Segment Information: | December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Revenues: | ||||||
APUS Segment | $ | 79,362 | $ | 73,399 | ||
RU Segment | $ | 52,575 | $ | 60,719 | ||
HCN Segment | $ | 15,789 | $ | 12,642 | ||
Corporate and other1 | $ | 5,078 | $ | 5,678 | ||
Income (loss) from operations before | ||||||
interest and income taxes: | ||||||
APUS Segment | $ | 26,463 | $ | 19,114 | ||
RU Segment | $ | (2,867) | $ | (12,996) | ||
HCN Segment | $ | 783 | $ | (993) | ||
Corporate and other | $ | (8,447) | $ | (5,387) | ||
Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
(unaudited) | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 600,545 | $ | 606,328 | ||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||
Instructional costs and services | 292,862 | 288,472 | ||||
Selling and promotional | 132,955 | 154,649 | ||||
General and administrative | 128,239 | 120,352 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 27,816 | 32,127 | ||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | 64,000 | 146,900 | ||||
Loss an assets held for sale | 2,425 | - | ||||
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets | 554 | 1,176 | ||||
Total costs and expenses | 648,851 | 743,676 | ||||
(Loss) income from operations before | ||||||
interest income and income taxes | (48,306) | (137,348) | ||||
Gain on acquisition | - | 3,828 | ||||
Interest (expense) income | (4,459) | (17,728) | ||||
(Loss) income before income taxes | (52,765) | (151,248) | ||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (10,715) | (36,276) | ||||
Equity investment loss, net of tax | (5,236) | (21) | ||||
Net loss | (47,286) | (114,993) | ||||
Preferred stock dividends | 6,008 | 48 | ||||
Net loss available to common stockholders | $ | (53,294) | $ | (115,041) | ||
Net loss per common share: | ||||||
Basic | $ | (2.94) | $ | (6.10) | ||
Diluted | $ | (2.93) | $ | (6.08) | ||
Weighted average number of | ||||||
common shares: | ||||||
Basic | 18,112 | 18,859 | ||||
Diluted | 18,193 | 18,914 | ||||
Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
Segment Information: | December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Revenues: | ||||||
APUS Segment | $ | 303,303 | $ | 285,128 | ||
RU Segment | $ | 214,086 | $ | 253,257 | ||
HCN Segment | $ | 56,936 | $ | 47,078 | ||
Corporate and other1 | $ | 26,220 | $ | 20,865 | ||
(Loss) income from operations before | ||||||
interest income and income taxes: | ||||||
APUS Segment | $ | 84,426 | $ | 58,452 | ||
RU Segment | $ | (103,575) | $ | (166,557) | ||
HCN Segment | $ | (1,396) | $ | (4,011) | ||
Corporate and other1 | $ | (27,761) | $ | (25,232) | ||
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. |
GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA: | |||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company's reported | |||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Net loss available to common stockholders | $ | 11,475 | $ | (6,583) | $ | (53,294) | $ | (115,041) | |||||
Preferred stock dividends | 1,539 | 48 | 6,008 | 48 | |||||||||
Net loss | $ | 13,014 | $ | (6,535) | $ | (47,286) | $ | (114,993) | |||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 2,124 | (1,124) | (10,715) | (36,276) | |||||||||
Interest expense | 791 | 7,389 | 4,459 | 17,728 | |||||||||
Equity investment loss, net of tax | 3 | 8 | 5,236 | 21 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,081 | 7,878 | 27,816 | 32,127 | |||||||||
EBITDA | 21,013 | 7,616 | (20,490) | (101,393) | |||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | - | 2,000 | 64,000 | 146,900 | |||||||||
Adjustment to gain on acquisition | - | 0 | - | - | (3,828) | ||||||||
Stock Compensation | 1,715 | 1,306 | 7,740 | 8,009 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposals of long-lived assets | 537 | 214 | 554 | 1,176 | |||||||||
Loss on assets held for sale | 2,425 | - | 2,425 | - | |||||||||
M&A - related professional | - | 328 | - | 1,930 | |||||||||
Transition services cost | - | 3,936 | 2,403 | 3,936 | |||||||||
Severance expense | - | - | 2,959 | - | |||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 25,690 | $ | 15,400 | $ | 59,591 | $ | 56,730 | |||||
GAAP Outlook Net Income to Outlook Adjusted EBITDA: | ||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the Company's outlook GAAP | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ending | Twelve Months Ending | |||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) | Low | High | Low | High | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders | $ | (4,353) | $ | (2,953) | $ | 4,150 | $ | 11,150 | ||||||
Preferred dividends | 1,500 | 1,500 | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) | (2,853) | (1,453) | 10,150 | 17,150 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense/(benefit) | (1,223) | (623) | 4,350 | 7,350 | ||||||||||
Interest expense | 2,075 | 2,075 | 7,700 | 7,700 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 5,200 | 5,200 | 20,300 | 20,300 | ||||||||||
EBITDA | 3,200 | 5,200 | 42,500 | 52,500 | ||||||||||
Stock compensation | 2,000 | 2,000 | 7,400 | 7,400 | ||||||||||
Other - | 2,200 | 2,200 | 2,200 | 2,200 | ||||||||||
Transition services cost | 600 | 600 | 2,900 | 2,900 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 8,000 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 55,000 | $ | 65,000 | ||||||
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SOURCE American Public Education, Inc.
FAQ
What was the total consolidated revenue for APEI in Q4 2023?
How did APEI's net income available to common stockholders change in Q4 2023 compared to the prior year?
What was the percentage change in net course registrations for the APUS Segment in Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022?
How did the total student enrollment in the Rasmussen University Segment change in Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022?
What was the adjusted EBITDA for APEI in Q4 2023?
