WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CWST leads profitability with a 0.4% profit margin vs 0.0%. AQMS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. CWST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 45/100 (D+).

AQMS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.7Profit: 3.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -20.55

CWST

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.0Value: 3.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.09

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQMS3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

CWST1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$9.25M3/10

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
0.4%3/10

0.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

Operating margin of 2.7%

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 EPS Growth.

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 812.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CWST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.

CWST is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.

CWST generates stronger free cash flow (12M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor WASTE MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CWST scores higher overall (45/100 vs 34/100). 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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