Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$159.31
+5.89%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.72B
STRA
Strategic Education Inc
$85.08
-2.90%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.74B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Strategic Education Inc generates 13% more annual revenue ($1.27B vs $1.13B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 10.2%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
LOPE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
STRA
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$103.59
Current Price
$159.31
$55.72 premium
Margin of Safety
+71.1%
Fair Value
$267.60
Current Price
$85.08
$182.52 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
0.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOPE
The strongest argument for LOPE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 30.9%. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : STRA
The strongest argument for STRA centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : STRA
The primary concerns for STRA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOPE profiles as a mature stock while STRA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOPE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (80M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. STRA offers better value entry with a 71.1% 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.
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.
Strategic Education Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Strategic Education, Inc., offers postsecondary education and non-degree programs. The company is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.
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