American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsLaureate Education Inc (LAUR)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$52.65
-0.64%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $961.01M
LAUR
Laureate Education Inc
$33.82
+0.80%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $5.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Laureate Education Inc generates 164% more annual revenue ($1.74B vs $659.05M). LAUR leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 6.1%. LAUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. LAUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
APEI
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
LAUR
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.7%
Fair Value
$72.92
Current Price
$52.65
$20.27 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LAUR.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 88.4% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 27 in profit
15.4% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.1% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Operating margin of -10.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
The strongest argument for APEI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : LAUR
The strongest argument for LAUR centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at -10.1%. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Market Cap.
Bear Case : LAUR
The primary concerns for LAUR are Piotroski F-Score, Operating Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while LAUR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.
LAUR is growing revenue faster at 15.4% — sustainability is the question.
APEI generates stronger free cash flow (61M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LAUR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins and 15.4% revenue growth. APEI offers better value entry with a 40.7% 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.
Laureate Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Laureate Education, Inc. offers higher education programs and services to students through a network of universities and institutions of higher education. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
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