WallStSmart

Aqua Metals Inc (AQMS)vsCasella Waste Systems Inc (CWST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CWST leads profitability with a 0.3% profit margin vs 0.0%. AQMS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. CWST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 37/100 (F).

AQMS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

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

CWST

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.0Profit: 4.0Value: 3.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.09

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

CWST1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.9%8/10

16.9% revenue growth

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%

CWST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
0.5%3/10

ROE of 0.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.3%3/10

0.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

Operating margin of 5.0%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : CWST

The strongest argument for CWST centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AQMS

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

Bear Case : CWST

The primary concerns for CWST are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 1150.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CWST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.

CWST is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — sustainability is the question.

CWST generates stronger free cash flow (26M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CWST scores higher overall (37/100 vs 34/100) and 16.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" 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.

Casella Waste Systems Inc

INDUSTRIALS · WASTE MANAGEMENT · USA

Casella Waste Systems, Inc., is a vertically integrated solid waste service company in the northeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.

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