Lee Enterprises Incorporated (LEE)vsUSA TODAY Co., Inc. (TDAY)
LEE
Lee Enterprises Incorporated
$10.36
-5.82%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $237.42M
TDAY
USA TODAY Co., Inc.
$8.17
+2.77%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $1.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
USA TODAY Co., Inc. generates 328% more annual revenue ($2.28B vs $532.42M). TDAY leads profitability with a 1.3% profit margin vs -3.0%. TDAY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. TDAY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
LEE
Avoid24
out of 100
Grade: F
TDAY
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LEE.
Margin of Safety
+54.7%
Fair Value
$13.40
Current Price
$8.17
$5.23 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -146.2% — below average capital efficiency
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
1.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LEE
The strongest argument for LEE centers on Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : TDAY
The strongest argument for TDAY centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LEE
The primary concerns for LEE are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TDAY
The primary concerns for TDAY are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 42.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 7.98 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LEE profiles as a turnaround stock while TDAY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TDAY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.
TDAY is growing revenue faster at -4.0% — sustainability is the question.
TDAY generates stronger free cash flow (6M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TDAY scores higher overall (49/100 vs 24/100). Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Lee Enterprises Incorporated
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated provides local news and information and advertising services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa.
USA TODAY Co., Inc.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a media and digital marketing solutions company in the United States. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
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