WallStSmart

Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsPerdoceo Education Corp (PRDO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 31% more annual revenue ($1.11B vs $846.10M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 18.9%. PRDO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.83. PRDO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

LOPE

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 8.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 7.84

PRDO

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LOPEUndervalued (+11.9%)

Margin of Safety

+11.9%

Fair Value

$181.96

Current Price

$170.62

$11.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $181.96Overvalued
PRDOUndervalued (+66.2%)

Margin of Safety

+66.2%

Fair Value

$90.02

Current Price

$37.86

$52.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $90.02Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LOPE3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
7.8410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
28.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

PRDO6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.5210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.838/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.0%8/10

Revenue surging 20.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

LOPE1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PRDO1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LOPE

The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 35.1%. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PRDO

The strongest argument for PRDO centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 19.8%. Revenue growth of 20.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LOPE

The primary concerns for LOPE are Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PRDO

The primary concerns for PRDO are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PRDO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

PRDO is growing revenue faster at 20.0% — sustainability is the question.

LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (123M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PRDO scores higher overall (73/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 18.9% margins and 20.0% revenue growth. 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.

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.

Perdoceo Education Corp

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA

Perdoceo Education Corporation provides postsecondary education to students through online, campus-based, and blended learning programs in the United States. The company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?