Acuity Inc. (AYI)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AYI
Acuity Inc.
$318.14
-2.82%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $9.67B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$622.75
-3.81%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $286.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1575% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $4.64B). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 11.5%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
AYI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
CAT
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-75.3%
Fair Value
$183.75
Current Price
$318.14
$134.39 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 55.7% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%
17.3% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 46.1% YoY
Generating 3.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.9% revenue growth
Trading at 13.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AYI
The strongest argument for AYI centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
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 : AYI
The primary concerns for AYI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 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 1.58 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins and 17.3% 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 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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