American Public Education Inc (APEI)vsTAL Education Group (TAL)
APEI
American Public Education Inc
$51.22
+2.44%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $867.65M
TAL
TAL Education Group
$10.89
+4.31%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $5.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TAL Education Group generates 357% more annual revenue ($3.01B vs $659.05M). TAL leads profitability with a 17.6% profit margin vs 6.1%. APEI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. TAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
APEI
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
TAL
Strong Buy68
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
+89.2%
Fair Value
$110.03
Current Price
$10.89
$99.14 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 129.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 31.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 536.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.1% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : TAL
The strongest argument for TAL centers on P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.6% and operating margin at 9.0%. Revenue growth of 31.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APEI
The primary concerns for APEI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : TAL
The primary concerns for TAL are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APEI profiles as a value stock while TAL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APEI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
TAL is growing revenue faster at 31.5% — sustainability is the question.
APEI generates stronger free cash flow (61M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
TAL scores higher overall (68/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 17.6% margins and 31.5% revenue growth. 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.
TAL Education Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · China
TAL Education Group offers K-12 afterschool tutoring services in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.
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