WallStSmart

Topbuild Corp (BLD)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 1283% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $5.62B). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 8.9%. BLD trades at a lower P/E of 19.9x. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

BLD

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.44

CAT

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.2%8/10

17.2% revenue growth

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

BLD3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.303/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Earnings declined 11.8%

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 : BLD

The strongest argument for BLD centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : BLD

The primary concerns for BLD are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

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

BLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 51/100), 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.

Topbuild Corp

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

TopBuild Corp. The company is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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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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