WallStSmart

American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsGraham Holdings Co (GHC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Graham Holdings Co generates 656% more annual revenue ($4.98B vs $659.05M). APEI leads profitability with a 6.1% profit margin vs 6.0%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. APEI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

APEI

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 6.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.56

GHC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 4.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.04
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APEIUndervalued (+40.7%)

Margin of Safety

+40.7%

Fair Value

$72.92

Current Price

$52.65

$20.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $72.92Overvalued
GHCSignificantly Overvalued (-32.0%)

Margin of Safety

-32.0%

Fair Value

$840.48

Current Price

$1132.53

$292.05 premium

UndervaluedFair: $840.48Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APEI2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
129.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

GHC5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

APEI4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.534/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Market CapQuality
$961.01M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.1%3/10

6.1% margin — thin

GHC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
6.3%3/10

ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.0%3/10

6.0% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
4.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APEI

The strongest argument for APEI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : GHC

The strongest argument for GHC centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : APEI

The primary concerns for APEI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Market Cap.

Bear Case : GHC

The primary concerns for GHC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

APEI is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.

APEI generates stronger free cash flow (61M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

APEI scores higher overall (59/100 vs 56/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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.

Graham Holdings Co

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Graham Holdings Company is a diversified global media and education company. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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