WallStSmart

Aqua Metals Inc (AQMS)vsWaste Management Inc (WM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WM leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs 0.0%. WM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AQMS

Avoid

21

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.7Profit: 3.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: -15.36

WM

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 9.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AQMS.

WMUndervalued (+21.4%)

Margin of Safety

+21.4%

Fair Value

$298.55

Current Price

$224.85

$73.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $298.55Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQMS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

WM4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$90.73B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
29.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$12.82M3/10

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%

WM3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.354/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.1x4/10

Trading at 9.1x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQMS

The strongest argument for AQMS centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : WM

The strongest argument for WM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : AQMS

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

Bear Case : WM

The primary concerns for WM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.

WM is growing revenue faster at 7.1% — sustainability is the question.

WM generates stronger free cash flow (810M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

WM scores higher overall (64/100 vs 21/100). 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.

Waste Management Inc

INDUSTRIALS · WASTE MANAGEMENT · USA

Waste Management, Inc. is an American waste management, comprehensive waste, and environmental services company in North America. Founded in 1968, the company is headquartered 800 Capitol in Houston, Texas.

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