CLIR
ClearSign Technologies Corporation
Industrial - Pollution & Treatment Controls
Market Cap$254M
5Y Perf.-7.1%
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Stock Comparison
CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CLNE
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
Market Cap$507M
5Y Perf.+10.5%
AMTX
Aemetis, Inc.
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing
Market Cap$213M
5Y Perf.+290.0%
PESI
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
Waste Management
Market Cap$207M
5Y Perf.+99.8%
CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CLIR | CLNE | AMTX | PESI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial - Pollution & Treatment Controls | Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing | Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing | Waste Management |
| Market Cap | $254M | $507M | $213M | $207M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $2M | $439M | $209M | $59M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-6M | $-99M | $-74M | $-18M |
| Gross Margin | 32.8% | 11.7% | 3.4% | 4.1% |
| Operating Margin | -348.9% | 7.4% | -13.4% | -26.3% |
| Total Debt | $188K | $99M | $318M | $4M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $14M | $158M | $5M | $12M |
CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CLIR
CLNE
AMTX
PESI
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearSign Technolog… (CLIR) | 100 | 92.9 | -7.1% |
| Clean Energy Fuels … (CLNE) | 100 | 110.5 | +10.5% |
| Aemetis, Inc. (AMTX) | 100 | 390.0 | +290.0% |
| Perma-Fix Environme… (PESI) | 100 | 199.8 | +99.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CLNE leads in 3 of 6 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. ClearSign Technologies Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion. AMTX also leads in specific categories worth noting. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
CLIR
ClearSign Technologies Corporation
The Growth Play
CLIR is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night is your priority.
- Rev growth 49.6%, EPS growth 15.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 80.9%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.43, Low D/E 1.4%, current ratio 7.28x
- 49.6% revenue growth vs AMTX's -22.3%
Best for: growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night
CLNE
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
The Income Pick
CLNE carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and defensive.
- beta 1.19
- Beta 1.19, current ratio 2.32x
- -22.7% margin vs CLIR's -294.9%
- Beta 1.19 vs PESI's 1.85
Best for: income & stability and defensive
AMTX
Aemetis, Inc.
The Momentum Pick
AMTX is the clearest fit if your priority is momentum.
- +140.0% vs CLIR's -10.6%
Best for: momentum
PESI
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
PESI is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 178.6% 10Y total return vs AMTX's 31.1%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CLIR | 49.6% revenue growth vs AMTX's -22.3% |
| Quality / Margins | CLNE | -22.7% margin vs CLIR's -294.9% |
| Stability / Safety | CLNE | Beta 1.19 vs PESI's 1.85 |
| Dividends | Tie | None of these 4 stocks pay a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | AMTX | +140.0% vs CLIR's -10.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CLNE | -9.2% ROA vs CLIR's -49.8% |
CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2018
FY 2025
FY 2025
FY 2025
CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCLNELAGGINGPESI
Who Leads Where
CLNE leads in 2 of 6 categories
AMTX leads 1 • CLIR leads 0 • PESI leads 0 • 2 tied
Explore the data ↓PESIPerma-Fix Environment…
0leads
CLIRClearSign Technologie…
0leads
AMTXAemetis, Inc.
1leads
CLNEClean Energy Fuels Co…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs AMTXvs CLIRMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CLNE4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CLNE6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
AMTX4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CLNE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CLNE is the larger business by revenue, generating $439M annually — 203.9x CLIR's $2M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from -22.7% (CLNE) to -2.9% (CLIR). On growth, AMTX holds the edge at +27.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $2M | $439M | $209M | $59M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$7M | $62M | -$21M | -$14M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$6M | -$99M | -$74M | -$18M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$4M | $19M | -$38M | -$14M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +32.8% | +11.7% | +3.4% | +4.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -3.5% | +7.4% | -13.4% | -26.3% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -2.9% | -22.7% | -35.4% | -30.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -182.3% | +4.3% | -18.2% | -23.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -44.6% | +13.3% | +27.4% | -20.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -42.2% | +90.0% | +29.8% | -110.5% |
CLNE leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — CLIR and CLNE and AMTX each lead in 1 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $254M | $507M | $213M | $207M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $240M | $448M | $526M | $200M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -43.91x | -2.29x | -2.44x | -14.89x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — | — | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | 94.64x | — | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 70.54x | 1.19x | 1.02x | 3.36x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 17.17x | 0.90x | — | 4.11x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 8.47x | — | — |
Evenly matched — CLIR and CLNE and AMTX each lead in 1 of 3 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CLNE leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CLNE delivers a -17.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-17 in annual profit, vs $-70 for CLIR. CLIR carries lower financial leverage with a 0.01x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CLNE's 0.18x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CLNE scores 5/9 vs AMTX's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -69.9% | -17.2% | — | -34.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -49.8% | -9.2% | -29.3% | -20.2% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | — | -9.4% | -70.3% | -21.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -67.4% | -9.4% | -19.0% | -16.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.01x | 0.18x | — | 0.09x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$14M | -$59M | $313M | -$7M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $14M | $158M | $5M | $12M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $188,000 | $99M | $318M | $4M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | -1.07x | -0.27x | -42.14x |
CLNE leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
AMTX leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in PESI five years ago would be worth $14,563 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $1,093 for CLIR. Over the past 12 months, AMTX leads with a +140.0% total return vs CLIR's -10.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AMTX at 11.2% vs CLIR's -22.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -15.3% | +6.9% | +96.2% | -8.8% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -10.6% | +44.4% | +140.0% | +26.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -52.6% | -46.3% | +37.4% | +21.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -89.1% | -73.8% | -76.1% | +45.6% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -88.7% | -26.9% | +31.1% | +178.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -22.1% | -18.7% | +11.2% | +6.8% |
AMTX leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — CLNE and AMTX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CLNE is the less volatile stock with a 1.19 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than PESI's 1.85 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. AMTX currently trades 82.1% from its 52-week high vs CLIR's 43.1% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.43x | 1.19x | 1.46x | 1.85x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $11.20 | $3.11 | $3.80 | $16.50 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $0.70 | $1.56 | $1.22 | $8.02 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +43.1% | +74.3% | +82.1% | +67.7% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 45.8 | 44.6 | 58.2 | 41.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 37K | 1.3M | 1.8M | 164K |
Evenly matched — CLNE and AMTX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: CLIR as "Buy", CLNE as "Buy", AMTX as "Buy", PESI as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 61.1% upside for PESI (target: $18) vs -43.9% for AMTX (target: $2).
| Metric | CLIRClearSign Technol… | CLNEClean Energy Fuel… | AMTXAemetis, Inc. | PESIPerma-Fix Environ… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $3.50 | $1.75 | $18.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 1 | 22 | 7 | 1 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | — | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +1.6% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
CLNE leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). AMTX leads in 1 (Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallClean Energy Fuels Corp. (CLNE)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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CLIR vs CLNE vs AMTX vs PESI: Key Questions Answered
8 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR) is the stronger pick with 49.
6% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -22. 3% for Aemetis, Inc. (AMTX). Analysts rate ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR) a "Buy" — based on 1 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI?
Over the past 5 years, Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
(PESI) delivered a total return of +45. 6%, compared to -89. 1% for ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: PESI returned +178. 6% versus CLIR's -88. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
(CLNE) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 19β versus Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. 's 1. 85β — meaning PESI is approximately 55% more volatile than CLNE relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 1% versus 18% for Clean Energy Fuels Corp. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR) is pulling ahead at 49.
6% versus -22. 3% for Aemetis, Inc. (AMTX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. grew EPS 43. 6% year-over-year, compared to -173. 0% for Clean Energy Fuels Corp.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CLIR leads at 80. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI?
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
(PESI) is the more profitable company, earning -22. 3% net margin versus -147. 4% for ClearSign Technologies Corporation — meaning it keeps -22. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: AMTX leads at -17. 9% versus -180. 4% for CLIR. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CLIR leads at 31. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Which pays a better dividend — CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
07Is CLIR or CLNE or AMTX or PESI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
(CLNE) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 19)). Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (PESI) carries a higher beta of 1. 85 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (CLNE: -26. 9%, PESI: +178. 6%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
08What are the main differences between CLIR and CLNE and AMTX and PESI?
These companies operate in different sectors (CLIR (Industrials) and CLNE (Energy) and AMTX (Energy) and PESI (Industrials)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: CLIR is a small-cap high-growth stock; CLNE is a small-cap quality compounder stock; AMTX is a small-cap quality compounder stock; PESI is a small-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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