Astronics Corporation (ATRO)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
ATRO
Astronics Corporation
$77.75
+2.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $3.43B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$842.19
-1.72%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $382.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 7879% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $886.81M). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 5.1%. ATRO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
ATRO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CAT
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+9.3%
Fair Value
$83.12
Current Price
$77.75
$5.37 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 154.2% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
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
5.1% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.7x book value
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.8x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATRO
The strongest argument for ATRO centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.46 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 : ATRO
The primary concerns for ATRO are Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 68.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.34 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATRO profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (69/100 vs 64/100) 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.
Astronics Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Astronics Corporation designs and manufactures products for the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries in the United States, North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in East Aurora, New York.
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 AEROSPACE & DEFENSE Stocks
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