WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Walmart Inc. generates 110053% more annual revenue ($735.84B vs $668.01M). APEI leads profitability with a 6.8% profit margin vs 3.0%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. APEI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

APEI

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 8.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.56

WMT

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 3.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APEIUndervalued (+41.0%)

Margin of Safety

+41.0%

Fair Value

$73.27

Current Price

$44.94

$28.33 discount

UndervaluedFair: $73.27Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WMT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APEI3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
129.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

WMT4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$852.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$7.47B8/10

Generating 7.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APEI2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$822.47M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.8%3/10

6.8% margin — thin

WMT4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.0x4/10

Trading at 9.0x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

3.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

Operating margin of 3.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : 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 Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : WMT

The primary concerns for WMT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.39 — expect wider price swings.

WMT is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

WMT generates stronger free cash flow (7.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

APEI scores higher overall (66/100 vs 43/100). Both earn "Strong 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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