Astec Industries Inc (ASTE)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
ASTE
Astec Industries Inc
$61.07
-2.60%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.40B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$997.47
-5.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $459.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 4689% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $1.48B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 1.8%. ASTE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.38. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ASTE
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
CAT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-10.2%
Fair Value
$52.63
Current Price
$61.07
$8.44 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.3% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit
Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
1.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 24.6x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASTE
The strongest argument for ASTE centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 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 : ASTE
The primary concerns for ASTE are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 54.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.8% 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 49.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — 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.
Monitor FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Astec Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Astec Industries, Inc. designs, designs, manufactures, and markets equipment and components used primarily in highway construction and related construction activities in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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 FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?