Astec Industries Inc (ASTE)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
ASTE
Astec Industries Inc
$38.64
+3.09%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $863.66M
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$605.33
+0.61%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $286.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 4894% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $1.56B). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 0.8%. ASTE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.83. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
ASTE
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
CAT
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-6.3%
Fair Value
$54.59
Current Price
$38.64
$15.95 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 55 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%
17.3% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 46.1% YoY
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.7% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 1.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.8% margin — thin
Trading at 12.9x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASTE
The strongest argument for ASTE centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.83 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 20.5%. Revenue growth of 17.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ASTE
The primary concerns for ASTE are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 75.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ASTE profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins and 17.3% 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.
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?