Apollo Group (APOL): Share price forms bullish 'flag' formation

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) is a for-profit educational institution, offering programs for working adults. The firm operates more than 160 learning centers and 100 campuses, granting degrees through its University of Phoenix, Western International University, Meritus University and College for Financial Planning subsidiaries. High school credits are provided through the firm's Insight Schools unit. Facilities are located in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Chile and the Netherlands. A variety of programs are available on-line, as well. Apollo's Institute for Professional Development generates working student curricula for other colleges. Apollo Global is a joint venture with The Carlyle Group for investing in the international education services sector. On Monday evening, the company announced that it had selected Credit Suisse managing director Charles Edelstein to be its new CEO.

Apollo pleased investors last week, when it reported better-than-expected profit and revenue on higher enrollment. Fiscal Q3 EPS and revenues came in at 85 cents and $835.2 million, respectively. Analysts had been looking for 78 cents and $806.9 million. Management also said the board had authorized an increase in the share repurchase program to an aggregate of $500 million. Lehman Brothers subsequently reiterated its "overweight" rating on the issue (target = $64) and Stifel Nicolaus reiterated its "buy" (target = $70).