American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$51.22
+2.44%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $867.65M
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$159.31
+5.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 71% more annual revenue ($1.13B vs $659.05M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 6.1%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
APEI
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
LOPE
Strong Buy71
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
-54.7%
Fair Value
$103.59
Current Price
$159.31
$55.72 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.1% margin — thin
No major concerns identified
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 : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 30.9%. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (80M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. 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.
Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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