Aqua Metals Inc (AQMS)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AQMS
Aqua Metals Inc
$5.17
+0.78%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $15.41M
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$890.11
-0.05%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $414.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. AQMS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
AQMS
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
18.0% revenue growth
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
0.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.0%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 19.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AQMS
The primary concerns for AQMS are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 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 1.52 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (55/100 vs 31/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. Both earn "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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