WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 720% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $9.12B). HWM leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 14.5%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

CAT

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

HWM

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.61

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$367.85B10/10

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

HWM6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Market CapQuality
$105.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
20.5%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.1%8/10

Revenue surging 24.1% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.794/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
35.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.5x4/10

Trading at 18.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
17.1x4/10

Trading at 17.1x book value

P/E RatioValuation
57.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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.

Bull Case : HWM

The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 28.5%. Revenue growth of 24.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CAT

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

Bear Case : HWM

The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

HWM is growing revenue faster at 24.1% — 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

HWM scores higher overall (75/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 24.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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Howmet Aerospace Inc

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.

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