Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)vsUniversal Technical Institute Inc (UTI)
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc
$150.13
-5.76%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $3.72B
UTI
Universal Technical Institute Inc
$40.06
-2.39%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $2.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Grand Canyon Education Inc generates 30% more annual revenue ($1.13B vs $868.99M). LOPE leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 4.9%. LOPE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. LOPE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
LOPE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
UTI
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$103.59
Current Price
$150.13
$46.54 premium
Margin of Safety
-24.6%
Fair Value
$21.79
Current Price
$40.06
$18.27 premium
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
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Grey zone — moderate risk
4.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.1%
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UTI
UTI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : LOPE
No major red flags identified for LOPE, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : UTI
The primary concerns for UTI are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 49.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOPE profiles as a mature stock while UTI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UTI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
UTI 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 39/100), backed by strong 19.5% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Universal Technical Institute Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES · USA
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. offers postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians in the United States. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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