Lee Enterprises Incorporated (LEE)vsUSA TODAY Co., Inc. (TDAY)
LEE
Lee Enterprises Incorporated
$7.69
+3.50%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $178.11M
TDAY
USA TODAY Co., Inc.
$6.36
+1.11%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $929.36M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
USA TODAY Co., Inc. generates 331% more annual revenue ($2.23B vs $517.10M). TDAY leads profitability with a -1.8% profit margin vs -1.8%. TDAY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. TDAY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 37/100 (F).
LEE
Avoid26
out of 100
Grade: F
TDAY
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LEE.
Margin of Safety
+52.7%
Fair Value
$12.83
Current Price
$6.36
$6.47 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -146.2% — below average capital efficiency
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 4.2%
ROE of -26.2% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 8.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LEE
The strongest argument for LEE centers on Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : TDAY
The strongest argument for TDAY centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LEE
The primary concerns for LEE are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TDAY
The primary concerns for TDAY are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 7.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
TDAY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
TDAY is growing revenue faster at -8.3% — sustainability is the question.
TDAY generates stronger free cash flow (20M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor PUBLISHING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
TDAY scores higher overall (37/100 vs 26/100). Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Lee Enterprises Incorporated
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA
Lee Enterprises, Incorporated provides local news and information and advertising services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Davenport, Iowa.
USA TODAY Co., Inc.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · PUBLISHING · USA
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a media and digital marketing solutions company in the United States. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
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