American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$44.94
+0.18%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $822.47M
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$151.20
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 71% more annual revenue ($1.14B vs $668.01M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 6.8%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
APEI
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
LOPE
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.0%
Fair Value
$73.27
Current Price
$44.94
$28.33 discount
Margin of Safety
-49.6%
Fair Value
$107.14
Current Price
$151.20
$44.06 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.8% margin — thin
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
The strongest argument for APEI centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.98 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 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.39 — 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 66/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. APEI offers better value entry with a 41.0% 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.
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.
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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