American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$44.94
+0.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $822.47M
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$88.29
+0.52%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $379.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 7404% more annual revenue ($50.13B vs $668.01M). KO leads profitability with a 28.6% profit margin vs 6.8%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. APEI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
APEI
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
KO
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.0%
Fair Value
$73.27
Current Price
$44.94
$28.33 discount
Margin of Safety
-40.1%
Fair Value
$63.02
Current Price
$88.29
$25.27 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.8% margin — thin
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.5x 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, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.98 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 28.6% and operating margin at 34.9%.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are 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 1.39 — expect wider price swings.
KO is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (5.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APEI scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100). 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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