WallStSmart

Laureate Education Inc (LAUR)vsLincoln Educational Services (LINC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Laureate Education Inc generates 219% more annual revenue ($1.74B vs $544.69M). LAUR leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 4.1%. LAUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. LAUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

LAUR

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.25

LINC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 5.0Value: 3.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.90

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAUR3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
88.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 88.4% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
26.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 27 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.4%8/10

15.4% revenue growth

LINC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
133.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 133.2% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.5%8/10

Revenue surging 22.5% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

LAUR2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Operating MarginProfitability
-10.1%1/10

Operating margin of -10.1%

LINC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.904/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.47B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : LINC

The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LAUR

The primary concerns for LAUR are Piotroski F-Score, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : LINC

The primary concerns for LINC are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 66.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LINC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.5% — sustainability is the question.

LAUR generates stronger free cash flow (54M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

LAUR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins and 15.4% revenue growth. 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.

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.

Lincoln Educational Services

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation offers various career-oriented postsecondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.

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