American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$51.22
+2.44%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $867.65M
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$89.13
+0.92%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $353.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 7378% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $659.05M). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 6.1%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
APEI
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.5%
Fair Value
$72.62
Current Price
$51.22
$21.40 discount
Margin of Safety
-42.9%
Fair Value
$61.78
Current Price
$89.13
$27.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.1% margin — thin
Moderate valuation
Trading at 11.4x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
The strongest argument for APEI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while KO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. APEI offers better value entry with a 40.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
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