WallStSmart

Lee Enterprises Incorporated (LEE)vsJohn Wiley & Sons B (WLYB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

John Wiley & Sons B generates 214% more annual revenue ($1.67B vs $532.42M). WLYB leads profitability with a 9.2% profit margin vs -3.0%. WLYB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 13.40. WLYB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

LEE

Avoid

24

out of 100

Grade: F

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

WLYB

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.75
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LEE.

WLYBUndervalued (+57.8%)

Margin of Safety

+57.8%

Fair Value

$72.77

Current Price

$44.47

$28.30 discount

UndervaluedFair: $72.77Overvalued

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

WLYB2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

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

WLYB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.754/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
13.402/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LEE

The strongest argument for LEE centers on Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : WLYB

The strongest argument for WLYB 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 : WLYB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

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

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

Bottom Line

WLYB scores higher overall (53/100 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 B

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) is a leading global information services provider dedicated to supporting professional and academic success through a diverse portfolio that includes scholarly publishing, professional development, and assessment services. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, Wiley harnesses cutting-edge technologies to enhance educational access and engagement, solidifying its role as a pioneer in the digital transformation of the industry. With a strategic focus on sustainable growth and value creation, Wiley not only reinforces its leadership position but also presents a compelling investment opportunity for institutional investors interested in the evolving education and professional development landscape.

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