Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) vs Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL)

A side-by-side comparison of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and Powell Industries, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCWST vs POWL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CWST +924.9% (+26.2%/yr)POWL +2582.5% (+38.9%/yr)POWL compounded faster over this window
01k2k3k4kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,025$2,683
CWST POWL

CWST vs POWL: by the numbers

  • POWL is the larger company ($6.55B vs $5.78B market cap).
  • POWL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.02 vs 1005.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • POWL converts more revenue to profit (16.49% vs 0.29% net margin).
  • POWL grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.49% vs 19.33% CAGR).
  • POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while CWST has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCWSTPOWL
P/E ratio1005.1535.02
Forward P/EN/A33.93
P/S ratio3.055.77
P/B ratio3.788.84
EV / EBITDA17.2925.61
FCF yield1.77%3.65%

Profitability

MetricCWSTPOWL
Gross margin17.06%30.08%
Operating margin4.45%19.67%
Net margin0.29%16.49%
ROE0.36%25.24%
ROIC1.72%22.63%

Dividends

MetricCWSTPOWL
Dividend yieldN/A0.20%
Payout ratioN/A7.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCWSTPOWL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)19.33%20.49%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-42.27%59.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.24%38.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.02%91.34%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CWST or POWL?
POWL has the lower trailing P/E: CWST trades at 1005.15 and POWL at 35.02. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CWST or POWL?
Over the past five years, POWL grew revenue faster — CWST at a 19.33% CAGR versus POWL at 20.49%.
Does CWST or POWL pay a bigger dividend?
POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while CWST has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CWST or POWL more profitable?
POWL runs the higher net margin — CWST at 0.29% versus POWL at 16.49%.
How have CWST and POWL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CWST delivered 26.09% and POWL delivered 38.93% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 31, 2026.