WallStSmart

BlueLinx Holdings Inc (BXC)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 2484% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $3.01B). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs -0.1%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

BXC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 3.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.44

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

BXC3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.0% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

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

BXC4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.4%4/10

4.4% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$621.19M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
2.4%3/10

Operating margin of 2.4%

CAT3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Price/BookValuation
12.9x4/10

Trading at 12.9x 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 : BXC

The strongest argument for BXC centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

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 : BXC

The primary concerns for BXC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap.

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

BXC profiles as a turnaround 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 (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 53/100), 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.

BlueLinx Holdings Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

BlueLinx Holdings Inc. distributes residential and commercial construction products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Marietta, 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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?