WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsKnight Transportation Inc (KNX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 867% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $7.73B). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 0.6%. KNX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.29. 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

KNX

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 4.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

KNXUndervalued (+49.1%)

Margin of Safety

+49.1%

Fair Value

$135.28

Current Price

$67.97

$67.31 discount

UndervaluedFair: $135.28Overvalued

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

KNX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
19.4x4/10

Trading at 19.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

KNX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.864/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.6%3/10

ROE of 0.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.6%3/10

0.6% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
262.2x2/10

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. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KNX

The strongest argument for KNX centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 12.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.29 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 : KNX

The primary concerns for KNX are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 262.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while KNX 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 63/100) and 24.0% revenue growth. KNX offers better value entry with a 49.1% 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.

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Knight Transportation Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., provides truck cargo transportation services in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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