WallStSmart

Lincoln Educational Services (LINC)vsGrand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 100% more annual revenue ($1.14B vs $570.78M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 4.0%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

LINC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.90

LOPE

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 8.01
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LINC.

LOPESignificantly Overvalued (-49.6%)

Margin of Safety

-49.6%

Fair Value

$107.14

Current Price

$151.20

$44.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $107.14Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LINC2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.4%8/10

Revenue surging 22.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.0% YoY

LOPE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
8.0110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.169/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.908/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

Areas to Watch

LINC4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.904/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$808.26M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

LOPE0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LINC

The strongest argument for LINC centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 22.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : LINC

The primary concerns for LINC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LOPE

No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LINC profiles as a growth stock while LOPE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LINC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

LINC is growing revenue faster at 22.4% — sustainability is the question.

LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (98M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LOPE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. 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.

Lincoln Educational Services

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation offers various career-oriented postsecondary education services to high school graduates and working adults in the United States. The company is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.

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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