WallStSmart

Century Aluminum Company (CENX)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Century Aluminum Company generates 33% more annual revenue ($2.54B vs $1.92B). CENX leads profitability with a 13.7% profit margin vs 4.0%. CENX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.06. CENX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CENX

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.88

MTRN

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.91
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CENXSignificantly Overvalued (-83.7%)

Margin of Safety

-83.7%

Fair Value

$29.09

Current Price

$51.23

$22.14 premium

UndervaluedFair: $29.09Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MTRN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CENX4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.0610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

MTRN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.8%10/10

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CENX3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-6.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.882/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MTRN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

4.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
57.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-19.60M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CENX

The strongest argument for CENX centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MTRN

The strongest argument for MTRN centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 30.8% 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 Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MTRN

The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CENX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.97 — expect wider price swings.

MTRN is growing revenue faster at 30.8% — sustainability is the question.

CENX generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CENX scores higher overall (70/100 vs 54/100). Both earn "Strong 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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