Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsFastenal Company (FAST)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$810.05
+9.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $386.56B
FAST
Fastenal Company
$43.71
-2.17%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 701% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $8.44B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 13.1%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.23. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
+56.6%
Fair Value
$108.23
Current Price
$43.71
$64.52 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
18.0% revenue growth
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 17.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.6x 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, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FAST
The strongest argument for FAST centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 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 40.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while FAST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 12.4% revenue growth. Both earn "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
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