Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsFastenal Company (FAST)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$647.24
-9.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $335.91B
FAST
Fastenal Company
$52.55
+2.14%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $58.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 723% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $9.08B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 14.5%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
CAT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
FAST
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
+51.9%
Fair Value
$107.83
Current Price
$52.55
$55.28 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit
Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%
Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year
Generating 3.3B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
15.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 14.5x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : FAST
The strongest argument for FAST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 21.5%. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — 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.
Monitor FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 64/100) and 24.0% revenue growth. FAST offers better value entry with a 51.9% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →Fastenal Company
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Fastenal Company is an American company based in Winona, Minnesota. Fastenal's service model centers on approximately 3,200 in-market locations, each providing custom inventory, and a dedicated sales team to support local businesses. Fastenal offers companies supply chain solutions that help business reduce inventory touches, and supply chain waste.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?