WallStSmart

American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsWalmart Inc. (WMT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Walmart Inc. generates 109953% more annual revenue ($725.30B vs $659.05M). APEI leads profitability with a 6.1% profit margin vs 3.1%. 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

WMT

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.66
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WMT.

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

WMT3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$899.74B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
24.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

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

WMT4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.5x4/10

Trading at 9.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

Operating margin of 4.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APEI

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

Bull Case : WMT

The strongest argument for WMT centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : APEI

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

Bear Case : WMT

The primary concerns for WMT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WMT is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — 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 49/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Walmart Inc.

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.

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