Bleecker Street's Short Position on Perdoceo Education Claims Fraud
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 17 2025
0mins
Should l Buy PRDO?
Bleecker Street's Allegations: Funds managed by Bleecker Street are short Perdoceo Education Corporation (PRDO), claiming that increased enrollments and retention rates are linked to enrollment fraud by criminal networks, which is a widespread issue in the education sector.
Impact of Fraud on Revenue: The firm estimates that ghost student fraud accounts for approximately 8% of PRDO's revenue and 34% of its operating income, based on industry expert estimates of potential ghost student enrollment.
Other Companies Targeted: In addition to PRDO, Bleecker Street is also short on American Public Education (APEI), Grand Canyon Education (LOPE), and Strategic Education (STRA), as mentioned in their report.
Widespread Issue: The report highlights that enrollment fraud is not an isolated incident but a significant problem affecting multiple companies within the education industry.
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Analyst Views on PRDO
Wall Street analysts forecast PRDO stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 35.030
Low
42.00
Averages
42.00
High
42.00
Current: 35.030
Low
42.00
Averages
42.00
High
42.00
About PRDO
Perdoceo Education Corporation, through its academic institutions, offers quality postsecondary education primarily online to a diverse student population, along with campus-based and blended learning programs. Its academic institutions include Colorado Technical University (CTU), the American InterContinental University System (AIUS), and University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), which provides degree programs from the associate through doctoral level as well as non-degree seeking and professional development programs. Its academic institutions offer students industry-relevant and career-focused academic programs. CTU offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business and management, nursing, healthcare management, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, cybersecurity and criminal justice, and others. AIUS offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information technologies, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Perdoceo Education Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.15
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Perdoceo Education declares a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and shareholder return strategy, which is expected to bolster investor confidence.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.74% provides investors with a relatively stable income source, reflecting the company's robust performance in the education sector.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Perdoceo reported a non-GAAP EPS of $0.90 for Q1 2026, exceeding market expectations by $0.06, with revenue of $221.7 million surpassing forecasts by $3.27 million, showcasing the company's competitiveness and growth potential in the market.
- Future Outlook: The company forecasts adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $3.05 and $3.16, driven by retention and marketing investments, indicating confidence in future growth and strategic planning.
See More
Perdoceo Education Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Perdoceo Education Corporation reported a net income of $54 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.85 per diluted share, showcasing a strong balance between financial commitments and student support initiatives.
- Enrollment Growth: Total student enrollments increased by 1.9% at CTU and 3.1% at St. Augustine, although a 2.2% decline at AIUS was anticipated; this overall growth indicates the company's strong market appeal and competitive positioning.
- Revenue and Operating Income Increase: Q1 revenue rose by 4.1% to $221.7 million, with operating income surging 22% to $63.1 million, reflecting effective management in revenue growth and cost control strategies.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: The company expects full-year 2026 adjusted operating income to range between $254 million and $263 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share projected between $3.05 and $3.16, demonstrating management's confidence in future performance.
See More
Perdoceo Education Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Perdoceo Education reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.90, exceeding expectations by $0.06, indicating a sustained enhancement in profitability and reflecting its competitive position in the education market.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $221.7 million, a 4.1% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $3.27 million, demonstrating steady improvement in customer demand and market share.
- Future Outlook: For Q2 2026, operating income is projected to be between $53.6 million and $54.6 million, with an actual figure of $51.4 million, showcasing the company's confidence in future growth despite slight shortfalls.
- Adjusted Earnings: The expected adjusted EPS for 2026 is between $0.79 and $0.80, significantly up from $0.67 in 2025, reflecting effective strategies in cost control and profitability enhancement.
See More
Perdoceo Education Corporation to Report Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Report Schedule: Perdoceo Education Corporation will announce its Q1 2026 financial results after market close on May 7, 2026, which is expected to significantly impact investor sentiment.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the results and its 2026 outlook, with participants able to join by calling 1-800-715-9871 (domestic) or 1-646-307-1963 (international).
- Webcast Access: Interested parties can access the live webcast of the conference call via the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, and are advised to log in at least 10 minutes prior to ensure a smooth connection.
- Educational Mission: Perdoceo's academic institutions are committed to providing quality postsecondary education that meets the needs of busy adults, thereby fostering career advancement and the development of a qualified workforce.
See More
Perdoceo Education CFO Sells Shares Amid Strong Performance
- Sale Overview: Perdoceo Education CFO Ashish R Ghia sold 33,271 shares of common stock on March 18, 2026, for approximately $1.2 million, indicating a strategic approach to capital management amidst rising stock prices.
- Impact on Holdings: This transaction accounted for 17.61% of Ghia's direct common stock holdings, leaving him with 155,691 shares, which reflects a continued strong commitment to the company's future despite the sale.
- Financial Performance Highlights: Perdoceo Education achieved about a 50% total return over the past year, with revenues reaching $846.1 million and net income nearing $160 million for the fiscal year 2026, showcasing robust growth and improved profitability in the online education sector.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: The company repurchased $120.8 million in stock last year and authorized an additional $100 million buyback program while maintaining a 2% dividend yield, demonstrating a proactive stance on capital allocation aimed at enhancing shareholder value.
See More
Perdoceo Education CFO Sells 33,271 Shares for $1.17 Million
- Insider Selling: Perdoceo Education CFO Ashish R Ghia sold 33,271 shares on March 18, 2026, for approximately $1.17 million, indicating a structured selling pattern following a significant stock price increase.
- Strong Financial Performance: The company reported a 24% revenue increase to about $846 million for the fiscal year 2025, with operating income reaching $196 million and net income nearly $160 million, showcasing its competitive edge in the online education market.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: Perdoceo repurchased $120.8 million in stock last year and authorized an additional $100 million buyback program while maintaining dividends, reflecting a proactive approach to capital management.
- Market Competition Context: While insider selling is viewed as tactical, analysts emphasize the importance of monitoring whether management can sustain double-digit profit growth amidst ongoing earnings increases and rising enrollment figures.
See More
Perdoceo Education Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.15
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Perdoceo Education declares a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and shareholder return strategy, which is expected to bolster investor confidence.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.74% provides investors with a relatively stable income source, reflecting the company's robust performance in the education sector.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Perdoceo reported a non-GAAP EPS of $0.90 for Q1 2026, exceeding market expectations by $0.06, with revenue of $221.7 million surpassing forecasts by $3.27 million, showcasing the company's competitiveness and growth potential in the market.
- Future Outlook: The company forecasts adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $3.05 and $3.16, driven by retention and marketing investments, indicating confidence in future growth and strategic planning.
See More
Perdoceo Education Corporation Q1 2026 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Perdoceo Education Corporation reported a net income of $54 million for Q1 2026, translating to $0.85 per diluted share, showcasing a strong balance between financial commitments and student support initiatives.
- Enrollment Growth: Total student enrollments increased by 1.9% at CTU and 3.1% at St. Augustine, although a 2.2% decline at AIUS was anticipated; this overall growth indicates the company's strong market appeal and competitive positioning.
- Revenue and Operating Income Increase: Q1 revenue rose by 4.1% to $221.7 million, with operating income surging 22% to $63.1 million, reflecting effective management in revenue growth and cost control strategies.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: The company expects full-year 2026 adjusted operating income to range between $254 million and $263 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share projected between $3.05 and $3.16, demonstrating management's confidence in future performance.
See More
Perdoceo Education Q1 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Perdoceo Education reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.90, exceeding expectations by $0.06, indicating a sustained enhancement in profitability and reflecting its competitive position in the education market.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q1 revenue of $221.7 million, a 4.1% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $3.27 million, demonstrating steady improvement in customer demand and market share.
- Future Outlook: For Q2 2026, operating income is projected to be between $53.6 million and $54.6 million, with an actual figure of $51.4 million, showcasing the company's confidence in future growth despite slight shortfalls.
- Adjusted Earnings: The expected adjusted EPS for 2026 is between $0.79 and $0.80, significantly up from $0.67 in 2025, reflecting effective strategies in cost control and profitability enhancement.
See More
Perdoceo Education Corporation to Report Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Report Schedule: Perdoceo Education Corporation will announce its Q1 2026 financial results after market close on May 7, 2026, which is expected to significantly impact investor sentiment.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the results and its 2026 outlook, with participants able to join by calling 1-800-715-9871 (domestic) or 1-646-307-1963 (international).
- Webcast Access: Interested parties can access the live webcast of the conference call via the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, and are advised to log in at least 10 minutes prior to ensure a smooth connection.
- Educational Mission: Perdoceo's academic institutions are committed to providing quality postsecondary education that meets the needs of busy adults, thereby fostering career advancement and the development of a qualified workforce.
See More
Perdoceo Education CFO Sells Shares Amid Strong Performance
- Sale Overview: Perdoceo Education CFO Ashish R Ghia sold 33,271 shares of common stock on March 18, 2026, for approximately $1.2 million, indicating a strategic approach to capital management amidst rising stock prices.
- Impact on Holdings: This transaction accounted for 17.61% of Ghia's direct common stock holdings, leaving him with 155,691 shares, which reflects a continued strong commitment to the company's future despite the sale.
- Financial Performance Highlights: Perdoceo Education achieved about a 50% total return over the past year, with revenues reaching $846.1 million and net income nearing $160 million for the fiscal year 2026, showcasing robust growth and improved profitability in the online education sector.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: The company repurchased $120.8 million in stock last year and authorized an additional $100 million buyback program while maintaining a 2% dividend yield, demonstrating a proactive stance on capital allocation aimed at enhancing shareholder value.
See More
Perdoceo Education CFO Sells 33,271 Shares for $1.17 Million
- Insider Selling: Perdoceo Education CFO Ashish R Ghia sold 33,271 shares on March 18, 2026, for approximately $1.17 million, indicating a structured selling pattern following a significant stock price increase.
- Strong Financial Performance: The company reported a 24% revenue increase to about $846 million for the fiscal year 2025, with operating income reaching $196 million and net income nearly $160 million, showcasing its competitive edge in the online education market.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: Perdoceo repurchased $120.8 million in stock last year and authorized an additional $100 million buyback program while maintaining dividends, reflecting a proactive approach to capital management.
- Market Competition Context: While insider selling is viewed as tactical, analysts emphasize the importance of monitoring whether management can sustain double-digit profit growth amidst ongoing earnings increases and rising enrollment figures.
See More
