Lincoln Educational Services (LINC)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
LINC
Lincoln Educational Services
$40.84
+3.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.26B
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$170.62
+1.58%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 113% more annual revenue ($1.11B vs $518.24M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 3.9%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
LINC
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
LOPE
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+10.0%
Fair Value
$29.95
Current Price
$40.84
$10.89 discount
Margin of Safety
+11.9%
Fair Value
$181.96
Current Price
$170.62
$11.34 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 87.1% YoY
19.7% revenue growth
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LINC
The strongest argument for LINC centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 35.1%. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LINC
The primary concerns for LINC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 61.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : LOPE
The primary concerns for LOPE are Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LINC profiles as a growth stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LINC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.
LINC is growing revenue faster at 19.7% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (123M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (66/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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.
Grand Canyon Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides educational services to colleges and universities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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