WallStSmart

ATA Creativity Global (AACG)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 117% more annual revenue ($1.14B vs $527.01M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs -4.6%. AACG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.62. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

AACG

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 6.0Profit: 4.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -2.03

LOPE

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 6.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 8.01
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AACG.

LOPESignificantly Overvalued (-49.8%)

Margin of Safety

-49.8%

Fair Value

$106.99

Current Price

$146.74

$39.75 premium

UndervaluedFair: $106.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AACG3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.628/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

LOPE6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
8.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.169/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

Areas to Watch

AACG4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$41.48M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.2%2/10

ROE of -6.2% — below average capital efficiency

LOPE0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AACG

The strongest argument for AACG centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.62 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LOPE

The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 22.0%. PEG of 0.95 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AACG

The primary concerns for AACG are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : LOPE

No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AACG profiles as a turnaround stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AACG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (98M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LOPE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ATA Creativity Global

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · China

ATA Creativity Global, provides educational services to individual students through its network of training centers in China. The company is headquartered in Beijing, China.

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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