Aspen Aerogels Inc (ASPN)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
ASPN
Aspen Aerogels Inc
$3.71
+2.77%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $289.89M
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$810.05
-0.96%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $414.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 24831% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $271.10M). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs -143.7%. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
ASPN
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.2%
Fair Value
$8.02
Current Price
$3.71
$4.31 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -91.6% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 66.4%
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 : ASPN
The strongest argument for ASPN centers on Price/Book.
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 : ASPN
The primary concerns for ASPN are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
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
ASPN profiles as a turnaround stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ASPN carries more volatility with a beta of 2.90 — 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 32/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. ASPN offers better value entry with a 56.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Aspen Aerogels Inc
INDUSTRIALS · BUILDING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT · USA
Aspen Aerogels, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells airgel insulation products primarily for use in the energy infrastructure and building materials markets in the United States, Asia, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Northborough, Massachusetts.
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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