WallStSmart

Monster Beverage Corp (MNST)vsStrategic Education Inc (STRA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Monster Beverage Corp generates 592% more annual revenue ($8.79B vs $1.27B). MNST leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 10.2%. STRA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. MNST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

MNST

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 6.29

STRA

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 8.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.64
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MNSTUndervalued (+68.7%)

Margin of Safety

+68.7%

Fair Value

$286.02

Current Price

$88.54

$197.48 discount

UndervaluedFair: $286.02Overvalued
STRAUndervalued (+71.6%)

Margin of Safety

+71.6%

Fair Value

$271.70

Current Price

$81.58

$190.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $271.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MNST6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.0%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.2910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$87.08B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
23.1%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.9%8/10

Revenue surging 26.9% year-over-year

STRA5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MNST3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

PEG RatioValuation
2.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
43.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

STRA3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$1.76B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MNST

The strongest argument for MNST centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 31.0%. Revenue growth of 26.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : MNST

The primary concerns for MNST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 43.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : STRA

The primary concerns for STRA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MNST profiles as a growth stock while STRA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

STRA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.

MNST is growing revenue faster at 26.9% — sustainability is the question.

MNST generates stronger free cash flow (584M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MNST scores higher overall (69/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins and 26.9% revenue growth. STRA offers better value entry with a 71.6% 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.

Monster Beverage Corp

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

Monster Beverage Corporation is an American beverage company that manufactures energy drinks including Monster Energy, Relentless and Burn.

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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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