Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AYI
Acuity Brands Inc
$269.69
-0.24%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $8.29B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$695.40
-4.02%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $325.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1389% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $4.54B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 9.0%. AYI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. AYI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AYI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
CAT
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+15.2%
Fair Value
$379.60
Current Price
$269.69
$109.91 discount
Margin of Safety
-444.6%
Fair Value
$127.70
Current Price
$695.40
$567.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.2% year-over-year
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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.2x book value
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AYI
The strongest argument for AYI centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.20 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 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AYI
The primary concerns for AYI are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
AYI is growing revenue faster at 20.2% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AYI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 57/100) and 20.2% 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.
Acuity Brands Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA
Acuity Brands, Inc. provides lighting and building management solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications in North America and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS Stocks
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