WallStSmart

Clearwater Paper Corporation (CLW)vsMaterion Corporation (MTRN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Materion Corporation generates 25% more annual revenue ($1.92B vs $1.54B). MTRN leads profitability with a 4.0% profit margin vs -1.6%. MTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. MTRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

CLW

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.53

MTRN

Buy

52

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

CLWUndervalued (+43.8%)

Margin of Safety

+43.8%

Fair Value

$31.10

Current Price

$21.15

$9.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $31.10Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MTRN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CLW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
1025.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1025.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.109/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

Revenue surging 30.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CLW4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$268.16M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

PEG RatioValuation
3.212/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-3.1%2/10

ROE of -3.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.7%2/10

Revenue declined 4.7%

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
67.0x2/10

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 : CLW

The strongest argument for CLW centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

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 : CLW

The primary concerns for CLW are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MTRN

The primary concerns for MTRN are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CLW profiles as a turnaround stock while MTRN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.

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

CLW generates stronger free cash flow (-9M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MTRN scores higher overall (52/100 vs 47/100) and 30.8% revenue growth. CLW offers better value entry with a 43.8% 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.

Clearwater Paper Corporation

BASIC MATERIALS · PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS · USA

Clearwater Paper Corporation produces and sells private label bleached paperboard and tissue products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

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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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