WallStSmart

Lee Enterprises Incorporated (LEE)vsJohn Wiley & Sons (WLY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

John Wiley & Sons generates 214% more annual revenue ($1.67B vs $532.42M). WLY leads profitability with a 9.2% profit margin vs -3.0%. WLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 13.05. WLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

LEE

Avoid

24

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.11

WLY

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LEE.

WLYUndervalued (+30.0%)

Margin of Safety

+30.0%

Fair Value

$42.16

Current Price

$44.16

$2.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $42.16Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LEE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-87.2310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

WLY2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

LEE4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$237.42M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
99.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-146.2%2/10

ROE of -146.2% — below average capital efficiency

WLY4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.824/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
13.052/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LEE

The strongest argument for LEE centers on Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : WLY

The strongest argument for WLY centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : LEE

The primary concerns for LEE are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : WLY

The primary concerns for WLY are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LEE profiles as a turnaround stock while WLY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

WLY carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

WLY is growing revenue faster at 1.3% — sustainability is the question.

WLY generates stronger free cash flow (167M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WLY scores higher overall (59/100 vs 24/100). Both earn "Buy" 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.

John Wiley & Sons

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY) is a leading global provider of educational materials and research solutions, dedicated to advancing knowledge across diverse sectors. With a robust portfolio that includes academic publishing, professional development resources, and innovative digital platforms, Wiley effectively supports learners and professionals alike in an ever-evolving educational landscape. The company's strategic emphasis on digital transformation and content accessibility positions it as a trusted partner in enhancing educational and research productivity, ensuring its relevance and leadership in the industry. Through its commitment to quality and innovation, Wiley remains well-equipped to address the evolving needs of its global clientele.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?