American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsStride Inc (LRN)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$51.22
+2.44%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $867.65M
LRN
Stride Inc
$83.07
-14.99%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Stride Inc generates 285% more annual revenue ($2.54B vs $659.05M). LRN leads profitability with a 12.1% profit margin vs 6.1%. LRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.49. LRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
APEI
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
LRN
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.5%
Fair Value
$72.62
Current Price
$51.22
$21.40 discount
Margin of Safety
-3.6%
Fair Value
$86.98
Current Price
$83.06
$3.92 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.8%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.1% margin — thin
2.7% revenue growth
Earnings declined 4.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APEI
The strongest argument for APEI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LRN
The strongest argument for LRN centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.49 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : LRN
The primary concerns for LRN are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
APEI is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
LRN generates stronger free cash flow (202M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LRN scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100). APEI offers better value entry with a 40.5% margin of safety. 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.
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.
Stride Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Stride, Inc., a technology-based education company, provides its own and third-party online educational services, software systems and curricula to facilitate individualized learning for students primarily in kindergarten through grade 12 (K -12) in the United States and internationally. .
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