Which has grown faster, APEI or HNST?

Over the past five years, APEI grew revenue faster — APEI at a 15.04% CAGR versus HNST at 1.89%.

Is APEI or HNST more profitable?

APEI runs the higher net margin — APEI at 6.84% versus HNST at -3.56%.

How have APEI and HNST total returns compared?

Over the past 5 years, APEI delivered 10.80% and HNST delivered -11.82% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) vs The Honest Company, Inc. (HNST)

A side-by-side comparison of American Public Education, Inc. and The Honest Company, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

APEI

American Public Education, Inc.

$815M

$44.43Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT

HNST

The Honest Company, Inc.

$565M

$5.14Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT

Total return — APEI vs HNST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y

APEI +45.8% (+7.8%/yr)HNST -67.8% (-20.3%/yr)APEI compounded faster over this window

APEI HNST

APEI vs HNST: by the numbers

•APEI is the larger company ($815M vs $565M market cap).
•APEI is profitable (6.84% net margin) while HNST runs a net loss (-3.56%).
•APEI grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.04% vs 1.89% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

Metric	APEI	HNST
P/E ratio	18.28	N/A
Forward P/E	16.93	43.40
PEG ratio	10.76	N/A
P/S ratio	1.22	1.65
P/B ratio	2.60	3.38
EV / EBITDA	12.00	1483.74
FCF yield	8.60%	9.32%

Profitability

Metric	APEI	HNST
Gross margin	54.61%	35.66%
Operating margin	9.59%	-3.15%
Net margin	6.84%	-3.56%
ROE	14.54%	-7.28%
ROIC	10.85%	-6.11%

Growth (annualized)

Metric	APEI	HNST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)	15.04%	1.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)	1.97%	N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)	32.90%	N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)	10.80%	-11.82%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, APEI or HNST?: Over the past five years, APEI grew revenue faster — APEI at a 15.04% CAGR versus HNST at 1.89%.
Is APEI or HNST more profitable?: APEI runs the higher net margin — APEI at 6.84% versus HNST at -3.56%.
How have APEI and HNST total returns compared?: Over the past 5 years, APEI delivered 10.80% and HNST delivered -11.82% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Go deeper

Full APEI analysis Full HNST analysis Interactive comparison tool

Dig into the metrics

American Public Education P/E ratio American Public Education ROE Honest ROE American Public Education operating margin Honest operating margin American Public Education revenue growth Honest revenue growth American Public Education free cash flow Honest free cash flow

American Public Education & Honest appear in these rankings

Fastest Revenue Growth Stocks Highest FCF Yield Stocks

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.