American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$58.15
+0.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.07B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,014.53
+1.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $450.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 44018% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $648.86M). APEI leads profitability with a 4.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.63. COST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
APEI
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+46.1%
Fair Value
$80.21
Current Price
$58.15
$22.06 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for COST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.9% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
APEI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 41.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while COST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
COST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 47/100) and 21.5% revenue growth. APEI offers better value entry with a 46.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
American Public Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
American Public Education, Inc. offers postsecondary education online and on campus. The company is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
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