WallStSmart

ArcBest Corp (ARCB)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 1651% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $4.04B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 1.4%. ARCB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ARCB

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.27

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCB3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$419.05B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
50.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.2%8/10

Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.55B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARCB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
4.3%3/10

ROE of 4.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.4%3/10

1.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.4%3/10

Operating margin of 0.4%

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.064/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
45.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCB

The strongest argument for ARCB centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCB

The primary concerns for ARCB are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 56.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARCB profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 22.2% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 49/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

ArcBest Corp

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

ArcBest Corporation offers integrated freight forwarding and logistics services. The company is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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.

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