WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 825% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $7.65B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 5.9%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 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 (-43.7%)

Margin of Safety

-43.7%

Fair Value

$33.64

Current Price

$52.37

$18.73 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.64Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$419.40B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
50.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.2%8/10

Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.55B8/10

Generating 1.5B 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: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
45.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

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

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

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, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

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 1.60 — 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 55/100) 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.

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) stands as a leading distributor of waterworks and plumbing products in the United States, serving a diverse range of clients including municipalities, contractors, and industrial sectors. With a strong commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater management, the company is increasingly focused on fostering sustainability amidst mounting environmental challenges. Leveraging its extensive supply chain and operational expertise, Core & Main is well-positioned to address the urgent needs for infrastructure modernization and compliance with rigorous environmental regulations, thus playing a pivotal role in advancing water management practices within the essential utilities sector.

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