WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsCore & Main Inc (CNM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 877% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $7.65B). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 5.9%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.42
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

CNMSignificantly Overvalued (-26.8%)

Margin of Safety

-26.8%

Fair Value

$33.60

Current Price

$42.61

$9.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.60Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$376.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.26B8/10

Generating 3.3B in free cash flow

CNM1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
22.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
19.2x4/10

Trading at 19.2x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

CNM3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.353/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.1%2/10

Revenue declined 0.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CNM

The primary concerns for CNM are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while CNM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 55/100) and 24.0% 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.

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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Core & Main Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Core & Main Inc. (CNM) is a leading distributor of waterworks and plumbing products across the United States, serving a diverse client base that includes municipalities, contractors, and industrial entities. The company emphasizes innovative and sustainable solutions for water management, wastewater treatment, and stormwater infrastructure, positioning itself to address the growing need for infrastructure modernization in line with strict environmental standards. With a strong supply chain and deep industry knowledge, Core & Main is well-equipped to tackle critical challenges in the utilities sector, reinforcing its status as a key player in promoting effective water management practices.

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