Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AYI
Acuity Brands Inc
$302.04
-1.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $9.01B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$904.28
+3.13%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $419.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1442% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $4.59B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 9.4%. AYI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.24. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AYI
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
CAT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-84.5%
Fair Value
$174.54
Current Price
$302.04
$127.50 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 26.1% YoY
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
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 22.3x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AYI
The strongest argument for AYI centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.24 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 : AYI
The primary concerns for AYI are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AYI 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 (67/100 vs 61/100) 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.
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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