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
15.1x8/10

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 0.80 — 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) stands as a premier global information services provider, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that spans scholarly publishing, professional development, and assessment services. The company is recognized for its innovative approach, leveraging advanced technologies to broaden educational access and deepen engagement in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With a steadfast commitment to sustainable growth and strategic value creation, Wiley not only fortifies its leadership in the education sector but also emerges as an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to the dynamic fields of education and professional development.

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