WallStSmart

Aqua Metals Inc (AQMS)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 0.0%. AQMS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

AQMS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.7Profit: 3.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -20.55

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQMS3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$376.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.26B8/10

Generating 3.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AQMS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$7.91M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

Operating margin of 0.0%

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.6x4/10

Trading at 18.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQMS

The strongest argument for AQMS centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.72 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AQMS

The primary concerns for AQMS are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AQMS profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 34/100) and 24.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Aqua Metals Inc

INDUSTRIALS · WASTE MANAGEMENT · USA

Aqua Metals, Inc. engages in lead recycling primarily in the United States. The company is headquartered in McCarran, Nevada.

Caterpillar Inc

INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA

Caterpillar Inc. (often shortened to CAT) is an American Fortune 100 corporation that designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, markets, and sells machinery, engines, financial products, and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network.

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