WallStSmart

Arq Inc (ARQ)vsEnergy Recovery Inc (ERII)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Energy Recovery Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($136.63M vs $122.14M). ERII leads profitability with a 15.1% profit margin vs -43.9%. ERII appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.33. ERII earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

ARQ

Hold

40

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 2.0Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.51

ERII

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 7.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARQUndervalued (+66.2%)

Margin of Safety

+66.2%

Fair Value

$11.25

Current Price

$2.60

$8.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $11.25Overvalued
ERIIUndervalued (+3.4%)

Margin of Safety

+3.4%

Fair Value

$15.98

Current Price

$8.01

$7.97 discount

UndervaluedFair: $15.98Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARQ2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
0.7x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

ERII5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
7.4910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.3%8/10

Revenue surging 20.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

ARQ4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.514/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$111.61M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ERII3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$412.88M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

PEG RatioValuation
3.332/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Operating MarginProfitability
-103.3%1/10

Operating margin of -103.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARQ

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

Bull Case : ERII

The strongest argument for ERII centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.1% and operating margin at -103.3%. Revenue growth of 20.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARQ

The primary concerns for ARQ are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bear Case : ERII

The primary concerns for ERII are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Operating Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARQ profiles as a turnaround stock while ERII is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARQ carries more volatility with a beta of 2.70 — expect wider price swings.

ERII is growing revenue faster at 20.3% — sustainability is the question.

ERII generates stronger free cash flow (20M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ERII scores higher overall (57/100 vs 40/100), backed by strong 15.1% margins and 20.3% revenue growth. ARQ offers better value entry with a 66.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Arq Inc

INDUSTRIALS · POLLUTION & TREATMENT CONTROLS · USA

Arq, Inc. produces activated carbon products in North America. The company is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

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Energy Recovery Inc

INDUSTRIALS · POLLUTION & TREATMENT CONTROLS · USA

Energy Recovery, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells various solutions for the industrial fluid flow markets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Leandro, California.

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