Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$151.20
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.98B
STRA
Strategic Education Inc
$81.66
+0.78%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Strategic Education Inc generates 13% more annual revenue ($1.29B vs $1.14B). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 10.5%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
LOPE
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
STRA
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-49.6%
Fair Value
$107.14
Current Price
$151.20
$44.06 premium
Margin of Safety
+71.8%
Fair Value
$273.85
Current Price
$81.66
$192.19 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
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
Earnings expanding 24.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
4.9% 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, 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.
Bull Case : STRA
The strongest argument for STRA centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.66 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 0.58 — expect wider price swings.
LOPE is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
LOPE generates stronger free cash flow (98M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LOPE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. STRA offers better value entry with a 71.8% margin of safety. 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.
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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