Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AIT
Applied Industrial Technologies
$296.57
-1.55%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $10.96B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$810.05
+9.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $386.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1297% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $4.84B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 8.3%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.23. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
AIT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
18.0% revenue growth
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
3.1% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 17.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIT
The strongest argument for AIT centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AIT
The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AIT profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
Applied Industrial Technologies
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Visit Website →Caterpillar Inc
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Caterpillar Inc. (often shortened to CAT) is an American Fortune 100 corporation that designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, markets, and sells machinery, engines, financial products, and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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