Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$170.62
+1.58%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.70B
STRA
Strategic Education Inc
$83.49
+2.13%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Strategic Education Inc generates 15% more annual revenue ($1.27B vs $1.11B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 10.0%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.75. STRA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
LOPE
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
STRA
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.9%
Fair Value
$181.96
Current Price
$170.62
$11.34 discount
Margin of Safety
+69.5%
Fair Value
$253.19
Current Price
$83.49
$169.70 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 58.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
3.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : STRA
The strongest argument for STRA centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.75 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LOPE
The primary concerns for LOPE are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : STRA
The primary concerns for STRA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOPE profiles as a mature stock while STRA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOPE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (123M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (66/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. STRA offers better value entry with a 69.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
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.
Strategic Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Strategic Education, Inc., offers postsecondary education and non-degree programs. The company is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
Compare with Other EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?