WallStSmart

Astronics Corporation (ATRO)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 8155% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $942.09M). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 8.4%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

ATRO

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51

CAT

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ATROUndervalued (+19.4%)

Margin of Safety

+19.4%

Fair Value

$93.50

Current Price

$54.71

$38.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $93.50Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATRO3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
2400.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 2400.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
28.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$286.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 55 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.3%8/10

17.3% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
46.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ATRO3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.9x4/10

Trading at 11.9x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

CAT3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
11.9x4/10

Trading at 11.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.101/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ATRO

The strongest argument for ATRO centers on EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.0% 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, 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 : ATRO

The primary concerns for ATRO are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — expect wider price swings.

ATRO is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins and 17.3% revenue growth. ATRO offers better value entry with a 19.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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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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