For-profit education provider American Public Education (APEI) reported Q4 EPS of 46c, compared with analysts’ consensus estimate of 42c.  The company’s revenue was also higher than expected.  American Public’s net course registrations jumped 39% year-over-year.  American Public Education believes that its EPS will increase 36%-37% in FY10, while its revenues will rise 36%-39% and its net course registrations will climb 35%-38%.

In a note to investors, Wedbush analyst Ariel Sokol responded to the company’s results and guidance by raising his target on the stock to $50 from $42.  Sokol, who reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock, said that the company’s fundamentals are very strong, but noted that its 2010 EPS guidance was only in-line with consensus estimates.  In early trading, American Public Education rose $2.56, or 6.48%, to $42.05.