American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsLaureate Education Inc (LAUR)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$56.18
+1.24%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $990.52M
LAUR
Laureate Education Inc
$35.38
+1.75%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $4.96B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Laureate Education Inc generates 162% more annual revenue ($1.70B vs $648.86M). LAUR leads profitability with a 16.6% profit margin vs 4.9%. LAUR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. LAUR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
APEI
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
LAUR
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-46.7%
Fair Value
$29.46
Current Price
$56.18
$26.72 premium
Margin of Safety
+61.1%
Fair Value
$88.45
Current Price
$35.38
$53.07 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%
Earnings expanding 88.4% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Revenue surging 27.9% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.9% margin — thin
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
APEI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : LAUR
The strongest argument for LAUR centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 33.2%. Revenue growth of 27.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Market Cap. Thin 4.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : LAUR
No major red flags identified for LAUR, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while LAUR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.66 — expect wider price swings.
LAUR is growing revenue faster at 27.9% — sustainability is the question.
LAUR generates stronger free cash flow (26M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LAUR scores higher overall (79/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 16.6% margins and 27.9% revenue growth. 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.
American Public Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
American Public Education, Inc. offers postsecondary education online and on campus. The company is headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Laureate Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Laureate Education, Inc. offers higher education programs and services to students through a network of universities and institutions of higher education. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.
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