WallStSmart

Century Aluminum Company (CENX)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Century Aluminum Company generates 27% more annual revenue ($2.67B vs $2.10B). CENX leads profitability with a 22.6% profit margin vs 4.3%. CENX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.06. CENX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

CENX

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.88

MTRN

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.91
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CENXSignificantly Overvalued (-74.1%)

Margin of Safety

-74.1%

Fair Value

$30.69

Current Price

$33.47

$2.78 premium

UndervaluedFair: $30.69Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MTRN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CENX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.0610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
6.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
32.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
1010.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1010.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
22.6%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MTRN2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
42.2%10/10

Revenue surging 42.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

CENX1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.882/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MTRN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

4.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
55.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CENX

The strongest argument for CENX centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.6% and operating margin at 28.1%. Revenue growth of 19.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MTRN

The strongest argument for MTRN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 42.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CENX

The primary concerns for CENX are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MTRN

The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 55.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CENX profiles as a growth stock while MTRN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CENX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.

MTRN is growing revenue faster at 42.2% — sustainability is the question.

CENX generates stronger free cash flow (108M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CENX scores higher overall (84/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 22.6% margins and 19.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Century Aluminum Company

BASIC MATERIALS · ALUMINUM · USA

Century Aluminum Company produces standard quality and value-added primary aluminum products in the United States and Iceland. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Materion Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Materion Corporation (MTRN) is a premier provider of advanced materials, specializing in high-performance metals and alloys essential for key sectors including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and electronics. The company is recognized for its innovative applications of beryllium and copper, along with a diverse portfolio of specialty coatings that adhere to the highest industry standards. Driven by a robust commitment to research and development and bolstered by strategic partnerships, Materion is well-positioned to enhance its competitive edge and achieve sustainable growth through customized, innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of its varied clientele.

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